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#129150 02-05-2011 06:43 PM
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My partner Ron is having a PET scan this Tuesday. He finished his chemo and radiation treatments in Sept. About 3 weeks ago he started having swelling in his jaw and cheek area. He also has a lump that is swelling out under his jaw. This is in the same area where he had the treatment. Of course we are worried that the cancer has returned. What will the PET scan show? Also, does anyone know how long before the results come back? If the cancer has returned, this will be the third time since 2008. I am trying to stay positive but I am scared. Any imput would be helpful. Thanks.


Johanna Brown caregiver to Ron SCC right cheek 2008. Cancer gone. Cancer back in neck 2010. Surgery to remove most of mass. Rad. 35 days. Cisplatin x4. Hospitalized with pnuemonia after treatment. Has G-tube. First PET scan on 2-8-11.
Johanna Brown #129232 02-07-2011 03:58 PM
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Im sorry that Ron is having problems. Was the PET scan ordered after Ron saw his doctor and the doc is doing the test to rule out a recurrence? Or is the PET the first one post radiation? Unfortunately no one here would be able to tell you what the PET will show. I know inflammation will light up on the PET. I know you are afraid that Ron is having another recurrence, try not to worry. Its not cancer til a biopsy says it is.

PET results can be available the same day. Ive already gotten one done in the morning and seen my doctor later in the afternoon to review the results. This is of course up to your treatment facility. Most places should have it available very quickly.

Please add a signature line so we are better able to help you with your questions. It is located under the My Stuff tab, scroll way down and type your info in the box at the bottom. I know you are afraid, this may ease your fears...I am a 3 time oral cancer survivor. I went thru 3 rounds of OC in 3 years. If I can do it, so can Ron. He is very lucky to have you as his caregiver.

Best wishes for good test results.


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile
ChristineB #129238 02-07-2011 06:08 PM
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Hi Johanna
My husband also has swelling along his jaw line and under his chin along with other sym. so we were worried the C had returned. The PET/CT done last week came back clear for cancer! We too had the test in the AM and got the results in the PM. Wishing you the best tomorrow, will be thinking of you and hope you also get good news, it does happen!


CG 2 Emmett,7/09 DX SCC rt tongue. T2N1M0, 1 node, marg neg.4/10 PET/CT clear, 9/10 C back. 10/10 Rad hemi, 2 tmrs mod diff. resec flr of mth. Flap 4 nodes/w/ext cap. 11/10 Peg, CX3 HD, 30 rad. 1/31 & 3/21 6/11/11 - PET/CT "activity" 9/11-all Clear. 12/11 peg out. 2/15 still all clear! 9/14 Prostate cancer treated with pencil beam proton therapy, best radiation experience. Keep it in mind as a treatment option for all tumors that can be seen including head and neck.
Karenj #129240 02-07-2011 07:11 PM
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Hi Karen, It is so good to hear that your husband had a positive outcome in spite of the scary symptoms. I will hope for the best. Thank you for giving me hope!


Johanna Brown caregiver to Ron SCC right cheek 2008. Cancer gone. Cancer back in neck 2010. Surgery to remove most of mass. Rad. 35 days. Cisplatin x4. Hospitalized with pnuemonia after treatment. Has G-tube. First PET scan on 2-8-11.
ChristineB #129241 02-07-2011 07:17 PM
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Hi Christine, Thank you for your comforting reply. This will be Ron's first PET scan since his treatments ended in Sept. However, the doctor did notice the swelling, and probably wants to rule out a recurrence. At your suggestion,I added info. to my signature. I'll let you know how things turn out. Thanks again.


Johanna Brown caregiver to Ron SCC right cheek 2008. Cancer gone. Cancer back in neck 2010. Surgery to remove most of mass. Rad. 35 days. Cisplatin x4. Hospitalized with pnuemonia after treatment. Has G-tube. First PET scan on 2-8-11.
Johanna Brown #129243 02-07-2011 09:46 PM
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Johanna:
I pray that Ron's swelling is a side effect from the treatments he had. September hasn't been that long ago, so that could very well be a possibility. His PET/CT scan results will probably be available, like Christine said, later the same day, or for sure the next morning. You just might have to be persistent and call several times pleading for results. I call my oncologist's nurses, and I think I become such a pest, they find out the results for me. I pray Ron's will be good.
julieann


Julieann
Nov 2007 SCC on right tonsil following tonsillectomy. Was smoker, QUIT. (Stage IV T2 N2b) 7 weeks radiation one day/wk chemo (carboplatin and 5-FU). Allergic to Taxol; PEG in, lost 30 lbs. TX completed January 2008. PEG out mid- 2008. PET/CT 1/17/2011;2/3/12 NEGATIVE for cancer smile
julieann #130181 02-24-2011 11:12 PM
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Johanna, my hubby had swelling aroung his jaw and under his chin, when the neck nodes are hit with radiotherapy, it can cause a fair bit of damage, and the swelling on Rod was fluid as it had no where else to go.....gravity helped it ease, but his feet are always swollen now.....ask your doc about this.....


Jeanna
Wife/Carer of Rod, 56, Dx 5/3/09, SCC Oropharnyx T4 N2, End Tx 28th 07/09, 7wks Rad, 3 Cisplatin, primary tonsil, 4cm Lymph right of neck, 1cm left, in jaw & soft palate & base of tongue. Peg 06/09. CT & PET scans 02/11 - NED. Dentures 20/09/11, PEG out 28/10/11.

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