PET/CT follow-up of lung RFA

[Ceesun]

Hi Joan, Thinking of you and hope you feel well. It sounds like the various docs are right on top of things and you are being monitored closely. I am a little unclear as to what your onc wants do about the lymph node, perhaps the chemo will take care of it, IF it is some kind of recurrence. I probably would focus on that right now. It seems the report does not suggest an "action plan" right now and perhaps a 1-2 month wait would be okay. Wish I could suggest more. Ceesun

[chrisy]

Joan,
Indeterminate reports are the absolute worst. If we have to be dealing with this crappy disease, the least they could do is have the ability to accurately figure out what is going on. Unfortunately, these scans are just another reminder that both treatments and diagnostic tests are art AND science, and both are imperfect. I'm still waiting for perfection of the Star Trek medical tricorder.

Mainly what the report seems to say is they can't say - although I'm encouraged by the comment on the node "likely reactive change"

I'm not clear on what, if any, systemic approaches you are taking - you say you are going to add Tykerb, but I forget, you are adding tykerb to ....what?

Rather than focus on the uncertainty of the reports, my doctor usually considers what the ramifications are for treatment. IF, and that's a capital IF there is recurrence, what would the plan be?

My heart goes out to you, I would be a total wreck waiting for the follow up - but at a minimum, discuss what the next steps would be so you are prepared and maybe consider them as precautionary steps now.

Hang in there.
chris

[Patb]

It is hard for me to understand exactly everything
they are saying but my thoughts and prayers are
with you. As for me, I could not wait that long, just
have to check things out sooner especially with the cough.
patb