Some goodish news, but more tests needed.

Hi forum buddies,

I hope you don't mind if I have a bit of a rambling rant, but I'm just  back from the appointment to discuss the results of my last lung CT scan.

I only had the scan last Friday and was pleased that the requesting doctor (liver surgeon) was 'on the ball' and had sent a clinic appointment for today. (Turns out it was the specialist nurse who was actually on the ball with the appointment.)

Unfortunately, the doctor hadn't been able to meet with the radiographer before today's appointment so although he was 'reading' the report to me, he didn't seem as up to speed with information as he usually does!

The upshot was, there is still only one lung lesion, but it has doubled in size since the last scan back in May (still very small at 6mm.)

So next steps are an MRI of my liver to rule out any recurrence of cancer, another PET scan to see if the lung lesion is still 'hot' and that it is the only hotspot in my body and then an MDT meeting to discuss results and treatment options.

The liver doctor was talking chemotherapy again, but as I reminded him, I was intolerant to the mildest form I had last year!

He also said that the lung surgeons in this health authority region, are notoriously reluctant to do metastasised lung resections from primary colorectal cancer, but given my age he would argue my case and advise me to have it done. This of course, is all dependent on a clear liver scan and no other hotspots!

The specialist nurse was unavailable today, but she is going to ring me tomorrow, hopefully having arranged these two scans. (Hope she's on the ball there!)

As we left, the doctor did reassure me that the timescales involved wouldn't make any difference to my lung and to "try not to worry" and to "go and get on with your life."  I know what he meant, but once again, it's the age old 'waiting game' scenario!

I'm focussing on the positives that it's still only one lesion, but I think I'd stressed myself out so much before the appointment (worst case scenario mode!) I felt deflated rather than uplifted as I left the hospital.

(Apologies for any insensitivity in my rant, as I know many of you would do anything for this result!)

Rant over! Thank you for reading.

Love Jo xx

  • Hi Jo,

    Please, you should know you do not ever have to apologise for either rambling or ranting on here. I can understand how you feel for although as you say it "Goodish news", the results need more examination. It's always the waiting time that the worst for our minds for some reason always assume the worst, even someone who is normally so upbeat as you. It's so easy to say "Not to worry" and to go and get on with your life but he is not the one who has had the cancer. I know these people mean well, but I often wonder how they would react in similar circumstances.  you have got me ranting too now Jo, it must be as catching as Brianitus (Lord help us)

    Sending you best wishes and hugs, your forum Buddy, Brian.


  • Hi Jo, sounds like you had quite a visit with your specialist. I hear your rant and I can commisserate. This entire cancer thing stinks for sure. I wish there was some way for me to put a positive spin on this for you, but I just don't know where to start. I had a terrible reaction to chemo when I had it for my colon cancer - so bad that they couldn't complete the treatment plan with it. I think if it was suggested to me again, I would think very seriously of refusing it.

    Let us know how this goes for you and what comes out of further scans.

    Take care and sending virtual hugs to you today.  XXXX

    Lorraine

  • Hi Jo,

    Just wanted to say that I'm glad the news is "goodish" but really wished it were even better and that you had a clearer picture.  You have been through so much and have always been so inspirational; I totally agree with Brian in that it is easy for a doctor to say "don't worry" when he isn't the one dealing with the ongoing things that you have had to deal with.  I hope the specialised nurse is able to give you some better answers tomorrow.  Thinking of you.  Hope x

  • Hi Brian,

    Thank you for your kind words of support!

    When I read my post back, I felt it was a bit of an 'unnecessary ramble' but it felt better to get it off my chest!

    Needless to say, I didn't hear from the specialist nurse today!

    I'm sorry my post got your dander up too Brian!

    May I prescribe a good handful of your favourite nuts to calm and compensate!

    Have a good weekend, Brian,

    Sending hugs to you and Mrs B,

    Jo xx

  • Dear Jo,

    Have only just read your post and want to give you a big hug friend.No need for apologies from you as you have been such a giver on here so our turn to listen.

    Would also offer to rub your chest to make sure you've got it all off.LOL.

    It's the classic the good news and the bad news syndrome.

    We don't want some of each in this situation thank you, we just want good news.

    So it's very understandable that you left hospital rather deflated.

    That said it's time to pull yourself up again and takle the next stage.

    Once you've had the scans and heard from the MDT I am sure you'll feel more positive as you will know the direction you will be taking.

    and we will be here routing for you my friend, or even rooting.!!!!

    Speak soon and anytime.

    hugs

    Annabel. xx

  • Hi Lorraine and Hope,

    Thank you both for your lovely, supportive comments. As I said to Brian (and on your new thread, Lorraine) when I read my post back, it sounded more of an unnecessary moan really! But too late . . . I'd already hit the 'Post message' button haha!

    I think I'd made the mistake of pre-guessing the possible outcomes that the consultation would bring. So when none of my  preconceived ideas came about, it threw me a bit!  But then when chemo was mentioned (with the doctor already knowing it's not an option for me)  my confidence in the quality of the consultation went out of the window! I felt the doctor was quite unprepared for the appointment and had probably only looked at my notes/results a few minutes before I'd arrived!  He's a brilliant surgeon, but unfortunately, tends to lack clarity in his consultations!

    I waited with baited breath today for a call from the Specialist Nurse, but only had two calls from car insurance companies!

    Fingers crossed that tomorrow will bring some news. I tend to function better when I've got firm dates or concrete plans of action in place!

    (I'm sure I'm a bit OCD! )

    Have a great weekend,

    Love and hugs to you, Jo xx

  • Hi Annabel,

    Thank you for your lovely words and the offer to rub my chest to get it all off!

    Having had today to 'get a grip' and realise that I need to keep things in perspective, I feel much calmer and just want to get on with the next phase of the journey!

    I have a day off tomorrow and I'm going to give the specialist nurse a call and let her know I can get to hospital if any cancellations become available!

    As I said to Lorraine and Hope, I function better with a plan in place! Maybe I'm a bit compulsive, but it would help to know whether we can book a holiday in October or whether I need to tell the head teacher to book some supply cover for me etc! Maybe 'organised' is a better description!

    I hope your London visit went well and you had a lovely celebration of little Ava's first birthday! Will PM you soon.

    Love and hugs, Jo xx

  • Greetings stalker!

    I have been something of a stranger for a while but I saw your update and had to rspond.

    Brian is absolutely right in that there is never any reason to appologise for ranting - especially you and everything you have been through.  It is totally understandable that the good news you received was blunted by the prospect of more tests and waiting on results and still not being sure what the future holds. As for those four little words, "try not to worry" they are actually more likely to make us do completely the opposite.  When Dad first told me that they had found a shadow on his lung and he was going for tests he said those very same words to me.  As a result all I did from then on was worry constantly.

    Anyway Jo I just wanted to pass on my best to you and let you know that even though I haven't been around much my forum friends - and stalkers - are in my thoughts.

    Take care of yourself.

    Garf. x

  • Hi Garf,

    Thanks for dropping by with your kind wishes.

    Needless to say, a week on from the appointment and I'm feeling much calmer and less 'ranty'

    It also helps that both my scan dates are now booked, so my tendency to be a bit 'compulsive' has been soothed!

    Hope you're ok, Garf.

    Take care.

    Hugs from your number 1 stalker!

    Jo xx

  • Hi Jo, glad to hear that you're more settled now that you have dates for your scans, etc. I think you and I have a lot in common, in that, like you, I also like to think my doctor has at least read the chart prior to meeting with me. Often that does not happen and when I ask a question, he looks at me with a blank look on his face, which is bad enough, but then when he tries to come up with an answer that usually doesn't make any sense at all, that really irks me. I know they're really busy and stretched to the limit, I know this in my heart, and he is an excellent doctor/surgeon, one of the best. I guess its' a matter of which would I prefer, a good surgeon, or a guy with a good bedside manner. Perhaps I would like both, and it ain't gonna happen I don't think. A good and knowledgeable surgeon is likely the best way to go.

    Always good to read your posts and don't ever apologize for ranting, or whatever you call it. I look forward to getting updates from you, so keep them coming.

    Take care.

    Lorraine    Hugs.