Still waiting

Hey chilliepepper, sorry to hear what you are going through I was in a similar position around about a month ago. I think the PET scan results are pretty quick. When they get the results they will set up a meeting with your oncologist and you will put a plan in place to fight it. Whilst all this is happening they will be doing further biopsies in the lab to ensure they give you the best treatment. When I was trying to speed things up my nurse told me the cancer had been there for a while so waiting a week or two wouldn't have a huge impact. Have a read of my post about eating and what I've learnt as I can imagine your husband is struggling and I learnt some tough lessons which hopefully he can avoid. 

Hi, it's unlikely that the cancer will be spreading rapidly. They give you a radioactive isotope intravenously with glucose I think. This then shows on the pet scan in more detail where the cancer is, no hiding place for it. Once the consultant get the results the treatment plan will be discussed with the team and they will be able to give more accurate staging. I was diagnosed in July 2016 but didn't have the Ivor Lewis surgery until October 2016. I couldn't eat much at all and about a month before the surgery I couldn't even swallow the ensure milkshakes, they were suspended in mucus at the sphincter joining the oesophagus and stomach. I would end up being sick just to get rid of it. I know it's a worrying time but try to be positive, it really does help. Good luck and kind regards Frank.

Hi Chillipepper

yes, it seems like an eternity at this stage but things ARE moving at a normal pace. As Frank says the pet scan it to see where there is fast metabolism of (radioactive) glucose. It will show  up benign polyps as well as cancers, often in the large intestine. These aren’t anything sinister but they like to remove them (which is a simple outpatient procedure).

so when they have all the tests and scans up to the pet scan they will have a meeting and decide on a treatment plan which may well include more tests and scans.

It was several weeks before I started my chemo and four months before my surgery. This was eight years ago. I found it helpful to keep a notebook record of appointments and questions (and answers) during my appointments, treatment and recovery.

The most important thing for you and your husband to do is keep positive and have trust in your clinical team. The second most important thing going forward is to accept help and ASK for help of you support group of family and friends.

Keep posting and let us know how things are going.