#61980 10-15-2007 06:05 AM | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | OP  "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 | Saw my primary surgeon/ENT/oncologist today to review results of first PET/CT scan, which showed total resolution of the BOT tumor, but hot spots in some nodes (2 right, 1 left). It has been a rather anxious time since the phone call with the results.
The doctor does not believe that the PET scan is truly showing a recurrence/residual cancer. The aggressiveness of my treatment, the low SUV numbers and his inability to palpate anything in these areas leads him to believe these are false positives caused by the radiation, surgery, lymphedema, etc.
He indicated that he could do an exploratory neck surgery, but that it would be like shooting in the dark, since there are no enlarged nodes. Instead, we are going to repeat the scan in 6 weeks or so, and see what it shows.
In the interim, I have follow up visits already scheduled with the radiation oncologist and medical oncologist, so their exams can confirm the node status.
While not truly an "all clear", the doctor's tone and manner was very reassuring, as it was clear he really does not think that there is anything to worry about. Whew . . . I get to breathe a little easier -- -at least until the next scan!! ;-)
Thanks for all of the ongoing support, everyone!! BTW, I ran into Jim from this board at the CCC, and we had a great chat!
Jeff
SCC Right BOT Dx 3/28/2007
T2N2a M0G1,Stage IVa
Bilateral Neck Dissection 4/11/2007
39 x IMRT, 8 x Cisplatin Ended 7/11/07
Complete response to treatment so far!!
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#61981 10-15-2007 03:24 PM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 | Hi Jeff: Wishing the VERY best for you..and thankful for your positive report!
Lois & Buzz in NC
CG to 77 y/o hubby;SCC Alveolar Ridge; Wake Forest Baptist Hosp surgery: 07/19/07; bi mod radical resection/jaw replacement;
T2 N2-B M0 Stage IV-A
28 IMRT +
6 Paclitaxel/Carboplatin
Getting stronger every day!
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#61982 10-16-2007 10:56 AM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 | So glad your doctor was reassuring. Best of luck to you!
Left tonsil SCC, HPV+. T2N0M0. Tonsillectomy 3-07, bilateral radiation, cisplatin 3x, Tx completed 6-06. Clear PET 4-01-2008.
Thyroidectomy 5-9-08, resulting in permanent surgically-induced hypoparathyroidism and adrenal problems. Bummer.
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#61983 10-18-2007 12:09 PM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I just found your post Jeff. You have a way with words. I wish I could express myself the way you do. I wish the best for you and will have you in my prayers.. Jim
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
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#61984 10-18-2007 02:52 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 | False postive PET's at this timeline are really common. For that reason, many centers do not even do them so soon after treatment. I would, from all of the false positives that we have seen here, feel good with what you have been told.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
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#61985 10-25-2007 06:51 AM | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | OP "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 | Saw my Radiation Oncologist yesterday, and he basically confirmed what my surgeon said. He is not concerned at all and said that he was somewhat surprised that more stuff didn't light up. Good to go for another 3 months as far as he is concerned. Another bullet dodged for the moment.
Jeff
SCC Right BOT Dx 3/28/2007
T2N2a M0G1,Stage IVa
Bilateral Neck Dissection 4/11/2007
39 x IMRT, 8 x Cisplatin Ended 7/11/07
Complete response to treatment so far!!
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