Hi All,

Does the worring ever stop. Bob had his first CT on Friday, Monday at 7am a call from the Doctor. We need a PET scan as soon as you can get an apointment. I said they might be booked up. He said tell them tomorrow, I did and we have a PET at 1pm. Not even the first CT could be clear. Just needed to vent.


Deb

Deb:
I am sending prayers your way and wish for the best. Please let us know when you get results. Hopefully, it won't be bad. God Bless.
julieann

Thank you. We had Bobs PET today. While he was having that done I went to records and got a copy of the CT reading. It says "the CT is a difficult setting to identify anything". That is why we had to have a PET.

On the flip side, "Bob has", I will write word for word. " There is atherosclerotic calcification and noncalcified atheromatous plaque in the thoracic aorta. Calcification is also seen in the coronary artery dstribution. Extensive vascular calcifications with narrowing of the origin of the left common carotid and right subclavin arteries. Degenerative changes in the thoracic spine".

Impression: Atherosclerosis. Significant narrowing in the proximal left common carotid artery noted just above the aortic arch.
I know it means something about the heart. I know this is a oral cancer board but if any one has a clue about what I wrote. I would be happy to learn. I don't like going to the doctor and not having a clue.

Thanks
Deb

He does have hardening of the arteries...in his aorta - part of the heart -one of the big tubes that carries oxygenated blood from the heart- when there is a build up or calcification of the aorta - it is thinner on the inside - and doesn't have the stretch - that it should to accommodate proper blood flow.

The same can be said for his carotid - an artery that brings blood to he brain - you have two - thinning, or blockage of these arteries can cause a stroke / insufficient blood flow to the brain - if you place your fingers under your chin beside your wind pipe you can feel a pulse - this is your carotid artery. Subclavian runs under your clavicle - it's the first bone your fingers hit if you run your fingers down your throat - also he common aortic arteries are arteries that bring blood to various locations in his body - ultimately - they all connect to the heart - he is likely going to one of a number of treatments - possibly blood thinners, diet change, and depending on how severe maybe a bypass of some sort...

Good luck! Hope this helps!

It helps greatly, Thank you. It is 5:30 am my time. We are about to leave for the doc. So your post came just in time.

Deb

Glad I could help heart problems if treated are very manageable - with diet change and light exercise - plus whatever intervention the dr. Prescribes - be it surgery or meds- take care.

Well I guess we are goimg to put heart problems on the back burner. We got the news today PET shows activity on the left BOT. I could not understand why his whole mouth was healing and he was still hurting when he swallowed. Guess I know why now. Da-- life sucks.


Deb

Deb, I am very sorry to hear of your husbands recurrence. I understand how you must both be feeling. A recurrence is a cancer patients worst fear. Just the word is enough to scare you.

I just read your other post and realized that Bob will not be looking at further treatments. If this changes, please post and I will give you some info that will help.

Best wishes to you both with everything!!!

With all the false positivies with the PETs please get a second opinion, make absolutely sure - he just finished rads and such last month, soreness may take time to heal. Best of luck! And many hugs to you and bob.

To all

We just got the results from the biopsy. NO CANCER!!!!!!!

We are just so happy!!!!!! Cheryl you were right it was a false positive. Thank you all for your support.

Deb