Some goodish news, but more tests needed.

Hi forum buddies,

I hope you don't mind if I have a bit of a rambling rant, but I'm just  back from the appointment to discuss the results of my last lung CT scan.

I only had the scan last Friday and was pleased that the requesting doctor (liver surgeon) was 'on the ball' and had sent a clinic appointment for today. (Turns out it was the specialist nurse who was actually on the ball with the appointment.)

Unfortunately, the doctor hadn't been able to meet with the radiographer before today's appointment so although he was 'reading' the report to me, he didn't seem as up to speed with information as he usually does!

The upshot was, there is still only one lung lesion, but it has doubled in size since the last scan back in May (still very small at 6mm.)

So next steps are an MRI of my liver to rule out any recurrence of cancer, another PET scan to see if the lung lesion is still 'hot' and that it is the only hotspot in my body and then an MDT meeting to discuss results and treatment options.

The liver doctor was talking chemotherapy again, but as I reminded him, I was intolerant to the mildest form I had last year!

He also said that the lung surgeons in this health authority region, are notoriously reluctant to do metastasised lung resections from primary colorectal cancer, but given my age he would argue my case and advise me to have it done. This of course, is all dependent on a clear liver scan and no other hotspots!

The specialist nurse was unavailable today, but she is going to ring me tomorrow, hopefully having arranged these two scans. (Hope she's on the ball there!)

As we left, the doctor did reassure me that the timescales involved wouldn't make any difference to my lung and to "try not to worry" and to "go and get on with your life."  I know what he meant, but once again, it's the age old 'waiting game' scenario!

I'm focussing on the positives that it's still only one lesion, but I think I'd stressed myself out so much before the appointment (worst case scenario mode!) I felt deflated rather than uplifted as I left the hospital.

(Apologies for any insensitivity in my rant, as I know many of you would do anything for this result!)

Rant over! Thank you for reading.

Love Jo xx

Parents
  • Dear Jo,

    Have only just read your post and want to give you a big hug friend.No need for apologies from you as you have been such a giver on here so our turn to listen.

    Would also offer to rub your chest to make sure you've got it all off.LOL.

    It's the classic the good news and the bad news syndrome.

    We don't want some of each in this situation thank you, we just want good news.

    So it's very understandable that you left hospital rather deflated.

    That said it's time to pull yourself up again and takle the next stage.

    Once you've had the scans and heard from the MDT I am sure you'll feel more positive as you will know the direction you will be taking.

    and we will be here routing for you my friend, or even rooting.!!!!

    Speak soon and anytime.

    hugs

    Annabel. xx

  • Hi Annabel,

    Thank you for your lovely words and the offer to rub my chest to get it all off!

    Having had today to 'get a grip' and realise that I need to keep things in perspective, I feel much calmer and just want to get on with the next phase of the journey!

    I have a day off tomorrow and I'm going to give the specialist nurse a call and let her know I can get to hospital if any cancellations become available!

    As I said to Lorraine and Hope, I function better with a plan in place! Maybe I'm a bit compulsive, but it would help to know whether we can book a holiday in October or whether I need to tell the head teacher to book some supply cover for me etc! Maybe 'organised' is a better description!

    I hope your London visit went well and you had a lovely celebration of little Ava's first birthday! Will PM you soon.

    Love and hugs, Jo xx

  • Hi Jo,

    Just letting you know I've been thinking about you and hope the scan went well last night.

    Will be keeping things crossed for you to have positive results.

    love and hugs

    Annabel. xx

  • Hi everyone,

    As always, a huge thank you for your supportive posts!

    Annabel, last night's scan was fine - an hour later than scheduled, but fine!

    I had only been saying to colleagues how this particular hospital always manages to keep to the appointment times given! Famous last words! A glitch with the computer system meant that the radiographers didn't know the types of scans each patient should be having (unless the patients had brought their letters with them!) Ah, technology   My partner had to shoot off home as he'd left a joint in the oven, supposedly to be enjoyed when we got home! Thankfully, he saved it in time and it was very welcome when we finally got in at 9.00

    I asked when the results would be available and was advised it would be 10 to 14 days. I know the PET results from last week are already available (2 days after the scan) so it's a bit frustrating to know half the info is there!

    Hey ho, there's plenty of things to sort out at work to keep me distracted!

    Will keep you posted when I hear the results,

    Love and hugs to you all, Jo xx

  • Hi Jo,

    I've just read through your post, I'm starting to find my way around a bit more now!

    What a lovely person you are, going through the journey you're on and still posting supportive things to me on my posts.

    The community here is amazing, in every sense of the word.

    Carolyn xx

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