[quote=Debbie/Caregiver]Brian,
A few things I read on this site talked about a PET scan. What exactly is that? Anyway, wanted to know if there are any more tests we should be checking into next doc visit next week.
Thanks,
Debbie [/quote]

Without getting to technical a PET scan shows the difference between healthy and cancer cells metabolizing sugar. Cancer cells metabolze sugar faster than normal cells.
You fast for at least 12 hours. Then you get an intravenous radioactive sugar solution. The (hungry) cells draw in the sugar solution (remember cancer cells draw it in faster) and being radioactive, it lites up on the screen. It is very easy to get a false positive as any infections surgeries, and broken bones will also show up. Make sure that the techs know your complete history. I was thought to also have lung cancer till my RO realized I had broken ribs from an accident.
It isn't possible to get a false negative though. If there is any cancer, it will light up on the PET scan. It is a very good test. It saved me from having to do a neck resection as it determined that I had a tonsil primary.
Hang in there darlin'
Just said a prayer for you both.
Chris