Oral Cancer Foundation
Posted By: DSCRANE First CT - 04-18-2011 11:57 PM
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
Posted By: julieann Re: First CT - 04-19-2011 04:01 AM
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
Posted By: DSCRANE Re: First CT - 04-20-2011 01:07 AM


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



Posted By: Cheryld Re: First CT - 04-20-2011 02:43 AM
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!
Posted By: DSCRANE Re: First CT - 04-20-2011 09:30 AM
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
Posted By: Cheryld Re: First CT - 04-20-2011 10:52 AM
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.
Posted By: DSCRANE Re: First CT - 04-20-2011 09:13 PM
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
Posted By: ChristineB Re: First CT - 04-21-2011 03:47 AM
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!!!

Posted By: Cheryld Re: First CT - 04-21-2011 03:44 PM
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.
Posted By: DSCRANE Re: First CT - 05-20-2011 09:00 PM
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
Posted By: davidcpa Re: First CT - 05-20-2011 09:38 PM
GREAT GREAT GREAT NEWS!!
Posted By: julieann Re: First CT - 05-21-2011 12:28 AM
HOW WONDERFUL. YOUR HAPPY NEWS MAKES ME HAPPY. grin
julieann
Posted By: ChristineB Re: First CT - 05-21-2011 01:28 AM
Deb....EXCELLENT news!!!!! Congrats!!!!! Im sure you both are thrilled. I know I sure am happy for you. smile Have the very best weekend ever!!!!
Posted By: Sandy177 Re: First CT - 05-21-2011 02:14 AM
Wonderful news!!! Congratulations! Have a relaxing, peaceful and happy weekend!
Posted By: Cheryld Re: First CT - 05-21-2011 04:21 PM
Yeah!!!! That's so great!!!
Posted By: Lostpassword Re: First CT - 05-23-2011 07:06 PM
Nothing like a false positive to cheer the day! Now you can concentrate on the calcifications and clearing those up. Congratulations to both of you.
© Oral Cancer Support - Survivor / Patient Forum