needing advice

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  • #85041
    marions
    Moderator

    Porter….correct. The PET may show activity, but it may be non-cancerous tissue. Glad you are taking on more relaxed type of attitude. You have been a trooper and you continue to prove your resilience. You go, dear Porter.
    Hugs,
    Marion

    #85040
    pfox2100
    Member

    Thanks for the replies. And thanks for the input Marion. I guess I just wanted to make sure that it’s not out of the norm for me not to have another PET. Onc and Surgeon (both look at all follow upscans) say there is nothing worrisome and don’t feel a PET is necessary. She also did mention that after the last year with chemo and my resecion that a PET might also give off false positives. I am trying to trust in what they say. I was misdiagnosed when this all started in 2009 and I just want to make sure all the t’s are crossed and i’s have been dotted. :) I am confident in the MRI reading and interpretations and this is the imaging they have solely used since I was diagnosed.

    #85039
    marions
    Moderator

    There is much controversy regarding MRI/CT and PET. I recall a presenter (medical symposium) summing it up by saying: All three are of high value, but what counts most is the expertise of the interpreter of the image. In other words: an experienced physician is knowledgeable with the interpretation of the image he/her prefers.

    Jason mentioned PET in his posting:
    http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?pid=84345#p84345

    These are some key points I have learned:
    CT: not reliable in finding tumors less than 2cm in size.
    MRI: more difficult to differentiate inflammation and scar tissue on image.
    PET: unlike CT and MRI looks at structures in the body, PET looks at function – Cancer cells divide (have metabolic activity)
    CAT/PET: combines the technologies of CT and PET( combining anatomical detail and metabolic function.)

    Hugs,
    Marion

    #85038
    middlesister1
    Moderator

    Hi-

    Mom had PET in Oct 2013. A few weeks back her ONC said one is not needed now. However, just met with interventional radiologist and he said it should be done about every 12 months.

    Catherine

    #10630
    pfox2100
    Member

    Hi all. Hope everyone is doing okay given all of our circumstances
    My latest scan looked good as she said there were 2,small spots same spots seen on the previous scan they haven’t grown and are in the same place and they are calling it scar tissue. Blood work continues to look excellent. I still don’t feel up to par and Im starting to realize I’ll have to get adjust to what my new normal might look like. But here is my question. I have had one pet scan and this was at the time of diagnosis last July. I haven’t had one since, even after surgery and all the chemo over the last year. I asked my onc about it and she said she doesn’t think its necessary at this time. My question is this pretty Much the norm? To base everything just off my MRIs? I am kinda of surprised that I never got another pet scan even prior to surgery to see if there had been any spread and what not. And now while not trying to focus on it returning I do think about it as well as what if it has already spread elsewhere , how would I know? Based on current MRIs and bloodwork like I said everything looks fine. Just cuirous others thoughts and experiences with the pets. And if that is something I should pursuse even though the team doesnt feel its necessary. Thanks in advance and blessings to all.

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