PET Scan results

I'm unsure about what they mean by "activity" Kelly, did they explain more fully?

That said if your surgeon isn't concerned then I don't think you need to be really; I'd have thought it's very possible they're just picking up RT damage/scar tissue or something along those lines.

Try not to be gutted over Christmas, sure all will be well.

Hi Mike

The CNS said that the intensity of the take up of the radiation had dramatically reduced from my diagnostic scan but there was low to moderate activity identified around C2. 

She explained that this can happen when there is still active chemo and radio in your system and all will be clear at the re-scan but no guarantees. 

I know people get false positives but I was scanned at 17 weeks post treatment so well past the 12 week mark. 

It's just thrown me really as the prognosis was good and the aim has always been to cure. 

Kelly 

My 16 weeks scan was tracer avid too. I had a biopsy a week later which was clear. This was exactly what my oncologist told me it would be. PET/CT scans do not pick up cancer per se but fast metabolising cells that take up high levels of the radioactive tracer. One highly active process is inflammation and  there is lots of inflammation in an irradiated throat. I’m sure your prognosis is unchanged. 

Thank you so much for your reply.  

I just cant stop crying!!!! 

I think I will feel better when I see the team on the 16th. 

Xxxxx

Good evening Kelly, i have just been reading some of the great replies from the other guys and would agree with them. I think this is why some consultants (like mine) don't do scans after surgery/ radio and chemo so i would take what you have been told by your consultant as a positive step forward.I know how emotional the cancer journey can be but the results are very good and increasing all the time. Best wishes, take care.

                                                            Chris x  

Hi Kelly, As Beesuit says it isn’t uncommon , my oncologist says it can be as many as 60% that’s why your consultant wouldn’t be overly concerned . Easy for me to say but go with his words not overly concerned and re scan in 3 months . So just remember  you’ve come this far and the ent consultant sees a fair amount of people in a year. Breathe deeply you can do it my dear girl, remember the dark early days, try and put it to  back if mind . He isn’t wanting to rush into anything ,sometimes consultants don’t think how their words impact in our well being .

sending hugs Hazel x

Thanks Chris. 

I'm hoping I will feel reassured when I've seen my team on the 16th. 

Best wishes 

Kelly x

Hi Hazel

Thank you for your post. 

As you said I've come this far!! 

I'm hoping I will feel better when I've seen my team on the 16th.  

Kindest regards

Kelly xx

Hi

My husband got his 12 week PET results this week. Apparently tiny hotspot near where L tonsil was (original site of tumour). Consultant ENT surgeon we had never seen before very offhand and said biopsy required after Xmas. Very rushed appointment- 10 minutes .We didn't even see Oncologist to explain scan.  We have asked for, and been given an appointment next week with Onclogist to explain why they want to biopsy rather than re scan in a few weeks. My husband is still suffering a lot with sore throat post radiation. We, like you, are very upset as he also had a very good prognosis and feel we are now back where we were several months ago. A scope done this week showed "nothing untoward except post radio swelling" .We are so hoping this is just post radio inflammation. 

B

Morning

I'm so sorry to hear your experience - rushed appointments and abrasive doctors just add to an already stressful and anxious situation.

I really appreciate your post and hope this is the case with me. 

I hope everything goes well for your husband . 

Best Wishes 

Kelly x