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.

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.

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!

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!

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:
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

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.....