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Avatar universal

Follow up to last question

On 12/31/12, I posted a question regarding a hot spot on my most recent PET scan.  So far no one has answered or commented.  How long does it usually take to get a response?
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your response.  The results of my PET scan were as good as I could have expected.  The report said there is no sign of the tumor or any other suspicious areas in my body (neck to thigh) and the problem is resolved.  The doctor used the word remission and she will follow me like a hawk.  The next scan is in 3 months, but I will see her in 4 weeks.  She does blood work at every visit and all the numbers were good this week.  We are cautiously optimistic for the future.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your response.  My PET scan is tomorrow and I will get the results on Wed.--will keep you posted.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand what you going through. Radiation and chemotherapy can have drastic side effects as it affects the normal cells also. But it should have effectively cured the cancer cells. PET scan may help determine the progress made. Along with this have blood counts done, as radiation and chemo can affect the bone marrow and the blood cells. Hope you are taking care with your diet and good luck with your results. Take care.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
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Avatar universal
It's been a long time since I wrote and much has happened to me.  I developed radiation esophagitis and could not swallow.  On 4/17/13, I was put in the hospital for dehydration and malnutrition.  I had to be fed intravenuslly.  Soon after, I developed a blood clot in the arm with the pic line and had to go back to the hospital from the rehab center where I was receiving the liquid food.  After 2 weeks I was sent back to a rehab and finally came home 1 week ago.  I can now eat again.  In two weeks I will have a PET scan to see if the cancer is gone.  After all I've gone through, I'm trying to believe I will get a good report.  Any comments would be appreciated or I will let you know the results.
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Avatar universal
Again--thanks for the response.  As far as I know, I will have 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days /week.  Once each week I will also have chemo.  After the radiation is complete, I will have a few more weeks of chemo with a different drug.  My doctors say that research shows the results are better when both treatments are given together rather than one after the other. At some point I will have scans done to see if the treatments are working.   I will keep you posted.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and hope you are doing well.

The chemo and radiation therapy are usually given in cycles, closely monitoring any side effects and the results of therapy. A follow up test or imaging studies will help study the response to therapy. And like you mentioned a proper diabetic control is essential as the blood sugars keep fluctuating with therapy. Just try to divert your mind and keep yourself engaged with activities which will help you relax, this will take the pressure of you. Take Care and Wish you well.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
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Avatar universal
I started my treatments this week--1 chemo and 2 radiation treatments.  So far the only side effects are from the steroids they gave me with the chemo to lesson the chance of an allergic reaction.  Since I am a diabetic, they are making my glucose levels go up and down, but my endocrinologist is monitoring the numbers.  I'm still depressed a lot, but trying to be positive.  There is a long road ahead.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your response.  The radiation and chemo will be started soon.  I will meet with the radiology oncologist and the chemo oncologist this week to make the necessary arrangements to begin.  I will keep you posted as to how I react to the treatments.  It actually helps to have these conversations.  Thanks again.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your predicament. If the biopsies are positive and therapy with chemo and radio is initiated early, then the prognosis will be good. With this try to eat a balanced diet, and if you smoke try and quit. Good Luck with your therapy.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
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Avatar universal
Well, it was a good thing I had the 2nd EBUS test.  This time the biopsies came back positive for adenocarcinoma. My oncologist recommended radiation and chemo.  She feels that this is still curable.  I'm trying to be positive, but quite honestly, I'm very scared of the treatments and the outcome.  Any comments would be appreciated.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your followup response.  The EBUS test went well, but I won't have results until the end of this week.  I was given antibiotics for the staph infection which I completed.  Whenever I have had a PET scan, it has been from my neck to my thighs.  I'll let you know my EBUS results.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and hope you are doing well.

Good luck with the procedure. Hope you are on antibiotics, as infections can sometimes cause a hot spot. If you have other symptoms like loss of appetite or dizziness ask for PET scan imaging of other areas as well. Just cautioning you. Take Care.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
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Avatar universal
thank you for your response.  As oned, I will be having another EBUS test this Friday.  we're hoping it will still not show any cancer cells.
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