Just got the results of a follow up CAT done Feb 9th. THis was a follow up to my 1st post Tx scan where they identified a spot in the upper right lung and they decised to wait 3 months and scan again but this time they would scan the entire chest area as well as the head and neck region.

The GOOD NEWS IS that no evidence of cancer was found in the head and neck region and the spot previously ID' has resolved itself so we left our Rad docs office very happy.

The BAD NEWS IS we next visited my MO and he put the scan up on his computer and as he was scrolling through it he said " so what did Dr..... say about the 2 additional spots? My wife and I looked at each other and said .......Apparently Dr 31 had completely overlooked a portion of the path report which brought attention to 2 more spots in the lower part of each lung which said "mets to the lungs cannot be excluded. Followup is recommended." Then my MO said he doubts these are cancer either but since the 1st scan didn't scan the lower part of my lungs and there was nothing to compare them to we have scheduled another CAT in 2 months. Not to worry he said, I see this all the time. It's probably mucous.

WE left his office less happy than the first office but I am very upset that my RO told us everything was clear. If I hadn't have gone to see my MO, nothing would have been scheduled for another at least 6 months.

Wow, talk about high to low news. I have to schedule a follow up CT scan because the PET/CT showed a spot on my lung as well. One radiloigist didn't even notice it, the other and my RO sya it's nothing to be concerned about they just recommend getting a base line. THanks for letting me see what it's like. I hope that those spots are just mucous for you and go away on their own

Tim

Hi David, It's very irritating to get what appears to be contradictory information. It will probably turn out to be nothing but mucous - it took Jack 3 scans to get an all clear on his inflammation, and I know others have been through this as well. Probably they discounted it when they read it, but it's still poor communication. I think it just comes with the territory. The main thing is that you're feeling good and doing well. Congrats on the good news part of your report.
Regards JoAnne

Hi David, It's very irritating to get what appears to be contradictory information. It will probably turn out to be nothing but mucous - it took Jack 3 scans to get an all clear on his inflammation, and I know others have been through this as well. Probably they discounted it when they read it, but it's still poor communication. I think it just comes with the territory. The main thing is that you're feeling good and doing well. Congrats on the good news part of your report.
Regards JoAnne

David, I can only imagine how upsetting this was.
I suppose RO's only look at what they radiated, and don't see anything else. Still doesn't make it right.
We've read the same posts discussing how common lung light ups nothings are and the path report sounds like plain vanilla protocol.
Think of what you would advise if another poster experienced this. Suppose he came through treatment with success, was gaining weight, dry mouth and taste continue to improve, went back to working out and biking, runs his own firm, yet has enough energy to give free tax advice to posters in the midst of his busiest time of year! Not to mention the other 300+ posts to help others!
Ok, so it is you, you can't be objective of yourself.
Ginny

David, I can so relate to the feelings you are going through at this time. As you know I went through the "all clear in the head& neck", but.... My story came out all clear in the lung after my second scan. Remember they say this is common. I know that doesn't put your mind at ease though. I would of thought your RO would of atleast mentioned it if it was in your report. Just remember you are fortunate your MO caught it and said something. All this rambling I'm doing boils down to...I'm thinking of you and wishing you the best. Stress and worry will not help you physically. Please take care of yourself. Keep letting us know what's going on. Linda

David,
As has been said already, this seems to be a fairly common occurance.
On my first three scans there was something different to "not worry about". Here I am 3 years later...
The good news is that you have a team looking after you, and when one member of the team droppped the ball, another member was able to pick it up. Believe me, I know how frustrating it is to have something to not worry about for a couple of months.
Hang in there. I'll be thinking of you in the Spring.
And David, thanks for all of your contributions on this site. Keep up the good work.

Good Health,

Chuck

To everyone,

Thanks for all your comments.

My frustration with my docs was not for me but for my wife. When the RO said "I thought about calling you Friday with the good news but I got busy. But with news this good you should kiss your wife." Well we did kiss and my wife swelled up with tears of joy and relief. I, on the other hand, took the CAT results with a grain of that cancer sand we all learn to live with.

When my MO told us of the rest of the CAT results, I was not really upset. My poor wife, on the other hand, was upset enough to cry again but this time for completely different reasons. I felt really bad for her. For the rest of the day and night I had to try to explain to her what we have all learned and have been sensitized to after reading thousands of posts, i.e. that no doctor will ever be able to tell me that I am cured forever. That I, now we, will only, at best, be cancer free between exams and scans. I mean she was just not as hardened to all the realities of this cancer as we are. It was like explaining to your child that there is no Santa before you wanted to. I hope I am making some sense.

Perfect sense, I had this conversation just the other day. Most folks tend to think that once you are treated and then get a clear scan then that's it you're all better.

Tim

Hi David -
I've been off the board for awhile - but wanted to jump in as a caregiver. I know exactly how your wife feels. The roller coaster ride, the fear, anger, etc. It's often more difficult on the caregiver - after all the treatments. So - here is one suggestion for her. Ask for a copy of the written path report PRIOR to your doctor appointment. Yes -- I know a lot of docs don't want to have this info in a patient's hand because it is really like reading greek. However, it gives her an opportunity to have the information in front of her -- and she can then ask ... but what about, or what does this mean. I hated waiting for someone else to give me filtered information. So I always call & request a written copy a day or so before the doctor visit (hint - it is your body, your test, your reports -- you are entitled to them). After nearly 2 years I have gotten very good at reading the reports. The terms, etc that I did not understand I looked up or asked -- and I learned.

Give your wife another kiss David -- you both have earned it!

Carol R.