I know it's been a while on this post, but I just experienced an example of what can happen on PET/CT vs CT alone.

Just went in for my 3 year out PET/CT, regularly scheduled. Been dealing with a RAGING head cold/sinus infection for a couple days, one of those things that's been going around here in China and the wife just got over, after 2 rounds of antibiotics. Thought about postphoning the test, but timing for that day was best becuase of having to go to Hong Kong between trade shows etc when hotel availability was good, etc.

So do the PET/CT anyway, even though I felt so bad I didn't even enjoy the traditional night before pre-pet CT steak dinner before hand. CT shows clear, no issues. But of course because of the way the PET scan works, the sinus infection lit up the whole nasopharynx (spelling?) region big time.

The ENT wasn't concerned considering the head cold, sore throat etc, the ONC offered to put the scope up my nose for a double check. I blew my nose, coughed up a chunk of goo, and declined that offer. His take was that the PET didn't show localized uptake but he whole region, and the CT didn't show anything, and the infection would have that affect on the PET scan so probably not an issue. Did ask if I had been around any birds (checking for bird flu), I coughed up a few feathers and said no. smile

Lesson: Don't do a pet/CT with a cold.

Vicky, I don't mean to make light of your feelings, but sometimes a little humor helps. The news your husbands scans came back clear is very good news indeed, but it will be hard to overcome that strange feeling of impending disaster. That will take time. I still go through some very nervous times every so often, even at 3 years out.

Bob

SCC Tongue, stage IV diagnosed Sept, 2002, 1st radical neck dissection left side in Sept, followed by RAD/Chemo. Discovered spread to right side nodes March 2003, second radical neck dissection April, followed by more RAD/Chemo.