Hi Kate
thank you for your questions
I would say that those findings on CT scan all sound very normal
thyroid nodule: best test is a thyrroid Ultrasound.Thyroid nodule and also thyroid cancer is very common in young women and is unrelated to ovarian cancer.
If there is a concern on thyroid ultrasound , then you need a biopsy
everything else looks like the normal flux one sees on these scans
from the point of view of screening you for a recurrence, if you had an elevated tumor marker such as a CA 125 at diagnosis, that will be much more sensitive than a scan in picking up an early recurrence.
there has been alot of debate about getting CA 125s as it causes alot of stress . Some doctors recommend waiting until something can be seen on a scan before intervening.
personally, I find that hard to do but the data is mixed on the benefit of chemotherapy in an asymptomatic recurrence.
please keep in touch
best wishes
Dr Goodman,
Thank you so much for your reply. I understand that these findings are 'typical' for CT Scans, it just worried me that some of the "abnormals" were not seen in a previous scan, six months prior. I really don't know weather or not to rely on the CA 125s d/t the fact that my FIRST one ever drawn was after three surgeries and three rounds of chemo. Therefore, I have no clue if it is even a good marker for me.
Just as an update- I have spoken with my Gyn/Onc and he agreed to repeat the CT scan this April, and then we will discuss a thyroid US if needed. I understand as a cancer patient, that "Stable" is a great word--- I just didn't expect to see such a thing on MY scan. In the mean time- my doc & I have decided to prescribe Ativan to get me through the rough spots (Thank goodness!!!! ) I appreciate you being there for my "freak out" moments and will definitely be updating in April!
Thanks Again,
Kate
Dear Kate
that sounds like a great plan
it is really awfully stressful!!
Also if it fits your personality, you could consider joining a support group
another option is a mind-body group (read Herb Benson - relaxation response
acupuncture can also be very helpful for stress, depression
please let us know what happens
take care