Annual cancer check/update

[goldendesign]

Had the CT scan and check-in with my Oncologist yesterday. He's not bothered (Dr) by my scans but said we'd have to wait on the Radiologists review. I'm rather annoyed that it shows in my Moffitt portal as to be released tomorrow. The last time it was like that I had added a few new tumors in the lungs. 

The Oncologist is so cavalier sometimes. He was all "You're almost at the 5 year mark!". Yeah, 87% make it to 5 years of survival. 9% make it to 10 years after positive tumor spread. So thank you for your false hope but I'd like the real data, please.

I know they (were) small, 0.3cm each, and no big concern yet as they weren't even biopsy-sized. However, the knowledge that they are appearing in the textbook spots and following most of the medical history there is on this cancer makes it doubly annoying as I am grasping at the numbers. 

I know it won't change the prognosis; I should be happy with the time I'll get and all that. But I crave at least more understanding and data.

 

[bikeman564™]

Prayers & vibe sent

In 2 weeks I get my annual CT scan.

[Zealot]

The medical system can be truly frustrating. 

[goldendesign]

Just now, bikeman564™ said:

In 2 weeks I get my annual CT scan.

Same to you. Do you get contrast? I'm so used to the iodine contrast that it's almost a pleasurable little flush. Weird.

[bikeman564™]

1 minute ago, goldendesign said:

Same to you. Do you get contrast? I'm so used to the iodine contrast that it's almost a pleasurable little flush. Weird.

Thanks. For the post op CT scans no. Before the operation I'd get both no contrast, and contrast CT scans. It's a really weird warming feeling as it travels thru your body. Crazy.

[Razors Edge ★]

10 minutes ago, goldendesign said:

Had the CT scan and check-in with my Oncologist yesterday. He's not bothered (Dr) by my scans but said we'd have to wait on the Radiologists review. I'm rather annoyed that it shows in my Moffitt portal as to be released tomorrow. The last time it was like that I had added a few new tumors in the lungs. 

The Oncologist is so cavalier sometimes. He was all "You're almost at the 5 year mark!". Yeah, 87% make it to 5 years of survival. 9% make it to 10 years after positive tumor spread. So thank you for your false hope but I'd like the real data, please.

I know they (were) small, 0.3cm each, and no big concern yet as they weren't even biopsy-sized. However, the knowledge that they are appearing in the textbook spots and following most of the medical history there is on this cancer makes it doubly annoying as I am grasping at the numbers. 

I know it won't change the prognosis; I should be happy with the time I'll get and all that. But I crave at least more understanding and data.

 

Scary as hell no matter how you look at it, but also, full of bravery & honesty on your part. 

I won't blow smoke at you, but I really think - for many fields of medicine - the goal posts do get moved (in a good way) all the time.  It doesn't guarantee that 10 yr mark, but to me, past "performance" is not as good a predictor as it was in years past.  Again, no guarantees of anything, but keep up the strong attitude and self-awareness, and science & medicine can keep progressing towards better treatments and outcomes.  

[Kirby ★]

The waiting must be frustrating.  There is one doctor I listen to sometimes on the radio and he's often ranting about the poor job some doctors do at communicating.  Granted I'd rather they be experts at medicine, but the communication skills can make such a difference.  Hoping the results are good!

[MoseySusan ★]

1 hour ago, goldendesign said:

I know it won't change the prognosis; I should be happy with the time I'll get and all that. But I crave at least more understanding and data

I hear you. When you’re calculating odds, factor in that you’re a tough one, your wife is in your corner, your daughter is a flood of feel-good chemicals, and all that support and love matter. Oh, and we’re praying for you. 

[goldendesign]

10 minutes ago, MoseySusan said:

When you’re calculating odds, factor in that you’re a tough one, your wife is in your corner, your daughter is a flood of feel-good chemicals, and all that support and love matter. Oh, and we’re praying for you. 

Oh, I do, I know I am an outlier already. Technology is ever improving and also I am one tough cookie.

[Airehead ★]

Continued prayers for you and technology. 

[MickinMD ★]

When my BiL was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and my sister, a Johns Hopkins Cancer Research Master Nurse was in tears, her head-of-cancer-research boss pointed out that there have been great improvements in the 19 years since our mother died of lung cancer.  BiL now appears to be clear of cancer, though minus one lung lobe.

Hopefully, those improvements will keep coming!

[Longjohn ★]

I’m scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday, they didn’t tell me what they were looking for. I was under the impression it was to be on my brain but they just called and told me to make sure I don’t wear pants with metal zipper. They must think I have my head  my @ss.

[goldendesign]

Results came back, the node in the upper-left lobe increased in size by a millimeter. So basically no change worth notating. 

I'll take it. Still think I should do the CT yearly, Doc might want to make the scans further out after next year though. We'll see how the next few shape up.