Disappointing PET/CT scan
 

I'm very disappointed at the result of the PET/CT scan I had this morning, almost one year after my lung surgery to remove a solitary pulmonary nodule.

It appears that there's another nodule in the apex of my left lung with an SUV of 3.2, and it's "contiguous with an area of post-operative fibrotic change which has otherwise remained non-active since the earlier exam," according to the report.

Six month after my surgery, I had a PET/CT in October which was NED.

The new nodule is 8 mm. The report suggested that I follow up in two or three months with a CT scan, which would give more clarity.

I was due to meet with my onc late this afternoon anyway, and she had the results of the scan already (but not the results of the echo I had last month, or in particular the left ventricle ejection fraction part).

She wants me to meet with the thorasic surgeon who removed the SPN from my lung to get his take on the new nodule because it's so close to the area where the other nodule was removed, but she's not recommending surgery.

Other than this nodule, the rest of the test was okay.

Although it seems unlikely given my history, there's actually a few things, like scarcoidosis, which mimic cancer nodules and have SUV uptake. Also, I've also had a rash for over a month on my shin bones. The rash is flat, looks like little pin pricks and doesn't itch. My GP gave me cream for it, but it's still there even if a little less than before.

I was really hoping for more NED time. Oh well, I'll just have to keep on truckin'.

Joan

Joan
Is it possible that it could be scarring from the previous biopsy? I can hear the dissapointment in your voice....I know the feeling well, but it looks like you are back on the Herceptin, so that should help. Here's hoping you get good news after meeting with the Dr. and you get to NED and stay for a long time!

Hi Joan,

Sorry your scan did not give you the "all clear", but perhaps that small nodule is something else. Hopefully the thorasic surgeon will be able to shed some light.

Keep the faith.

all the best
caya

Hi Joan,

I agree with the others that maybe it is something else....scar tissue possibly or something other than cancer. For whatever reason while I was reading your post I felt all would be well. I don't know why. Of course if I were you I would be devastated as well and we ALWAYS want to hear ONLY good things. Those questionable things that throw things in chaos and confusion make us CRAZY to say the least and that is what makes this journey so awful....I believe.

That being said.....I do pray all will be well and this "area in question" is nothing.

Joan, I ask God to give you His peace while you wait (so tough waiting - the worst) and I wrap you in prayer right now dear friend.

Love,

Mary Jo

I thinks is something else,
and I praying is only that ....

I am so sorry to hear about your disappointing scan, I hope that things are really better then they appear right now. You are in my prayers.

Joan,

Just offering my prayers and support to you today. I know this is tough. Hope it proves to be nothing too concerning.

Tonya

Thank you all for your concern, support and prayers. I have an appointment in a few weeks with the thorasic surgeon. I'm hoping there will be good news to come. Love and hugs, Joan

Joan, I'm praying and hoping it's something else, too. Warm thoughts, Bill

I agree it could be scarring or inflamation from your surgery. 3.4 isn't an extremely high SUV rate, so I would try if at all possible to not get too alarmed. My latest PET showed SUV of 2.4 in my right breast where tumor was removed and Oncologist wasn't worried at all. Of course I will be interested in what it says on my next PET. Keep us informed...sherryg683

Pity you have to wait a few weeeks till you get to see the surgeon Joan - but I hope its good news when you get there! God I hate waiting for these things! Hope it turns out all good news.
Blessings
Hermiracles