Hospital Test Results are in - Looks Like I'm in for a Rough Time (page 32)

smiddy

My thoughts and well wishes are with you Cofty

smiddy

cofty

Well it was an odd meeting with the oncologist today. It's the first time I have felt like I had to fight my corner.

Before I had sat down he says that he had the letter from my consultant about the spot on my lung and the recommendation that they wait another 6 months and do another scan, and he says that is obviously the only thing to do. Anyway I am thinking I took a day off work and have driven a long way to have a chat so slow down and let's talk.

He got the scan up on his computer screen alongside the one from 3 months ago and the lump did look a little bigger but the explained the pictures were a different resolution so it was hard to be sure.

It went something like this ...

Me - So if it has grown in 6 months what then?

Oncologist - Well we would refer you to a thoracic surgeon to have it removed and tested.

Me - what if it is still there in 6 months and still looks the same?

Oncologist - Well we would keep an eye on it.

Me - So what could it be apart from a secondary tumour?

Oncologist - It could be caused by an old infection or injury. Have you had any injuries?

Me - I've broken ribs playing football but that was a long time ago. Was the lump visible in my scan from when I was fist diagnosed in Oct 2011 or after my initial treatment in March 2012?

Oncologist - Hmmm?

Lots of computer searching later no sign of previous scans..... tries various spellings of my name with no joy.

Oncologist - Well I will try to find out why those are missing and give you a ring later.

Me - Well I think the question of whether the lump predated my cancer or has appeared in the last year is an important one isn't it?

So he goes to ask the secretary if she knows how find the older scans. It turns out they get archived but can be put back online in a few minutes so my wife and I go for a coffee while I mutter profanities. When we go back to the clinic he said that he had looked at my scan from just before my operation and there is no sign of the lump on my lung. SHIT!

So he is going to refer it to a thoracic surgeon to see if he/she would want to remove it for testing. It is very small, perhaps 3 or 4 millimeters across but fortunately it is near the surface of the lung.

If I was the consultant or the oncologist the first question I would have wanted an answer to as whether or not this lump was old or recent. I'm a bit disappointed that I had to push to get somebody to look at that. Up to now my treatment has been 1st class but it shows that it's good to be proactive in your treatment. I see their point that whether or not its a tumour it does not require treatment at this stage and it may make no difference to the prognosis, but to me the question of whether or not my cancer has spread is the most important piece of information in the known universe.

Anyway it was our wedding anniversary today so we went on to the "toon" (Newcastle) and had a nice day out and went to see a film - "The Heat" starring Sandra Bullock - it's very funny, go and see it.

That's it for now, thanks for letting me vent.

Dogpatch

Praying for a healing for Cofty!

Randy Watters

Hortensia

Good for you -- I think we often should be more assertive with medical people. Here's hoping you have that biopsy soon.

Aunt Fancy

I hope all goes well and keep after them until you are satisfied with your treatment. i know it is frustrating but you have to be your own advocate. Also Happy Anniversary.

HappyOutsideTheBox

Hang on in there and keep fighting in every way you can.

HOTB

l p

I don't know what country you are in cofty but in Australia we have something called PET scans. The doctors can order this test and it will light up a cancer in its tiniest from. It is a full body scan. Lots of radiation but makes identifying the source and any metastesis (spread tumors/cells) quickly and easy for better more effective treatment

Perhaps you might ask about whether this sought of scan would be of benefit?

lp

Xanthippe

Happy Anniversary to you and your wife.

Yes in my experience with medics it's your body and you have to be in charge of your treatment. They have a lot of people to look after and sometimes they forget/miss things. It doesn't matter how many letters they have after their name they are only human and as you say you are the one who knows who is the most important person in the universe just now!

Good luck.

still thinking

LOL cofty...I can just see you hunting for evidence.

My thoughts are often with you. And I am sending good vibes your way. *again* You should feel them hit your left elbow any time within 1 hour and 15 years. Never underestimate those good vibrations.They're a sure thing.

Happy anniversary to you and Mrs Cofty

still thinking

cofty...you have a PM

Hospital Test Results are in - Looks Like I'm in for a Rough Time

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