Needing to vent
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Hi Porter,
I am by no means an expert on scans so speaking from experience of being my Dad’s advocate.
From my understanding, scans are generally 2-dimensional whereas tumors are 3-dimensional, so depending on which angle the radiologist is looking from, the measurement of the tumor(s) can differ even if the tumor’s size did not necessarily change.
Also, different radiologists looking at the same scan could also spot differences, one radiologist told me that sometimes, looking at scans is not just a science, but also a bit of an art (in which case experience does matter).
I would absolutely recommend you talk to the doctor about your question on the scans, but more likely than not, the radiologist would be able to give you a more clear answer than the oncologist. Hope this helps.
Julie
Yes that is wonderful news. Dr Harris up there wants me to come back in January to have a second surgical consult with one of his surgeons. I’ve only heard from one at OHSU that I am not a candidate so I will be back up sometime in January..
As long as you are happy that is what is the best. And I do have to say that we really didn’t make any kind of decision until after his surgery when we started looking at oncology. The surgery piece of it we were both so stunned that we couldn’t even think to ask for other opinions. We just went where we were pointed. Got very lucky.
KrisV
Yes and good choice you made. They are much more familiar and have much more experience with this than they do down here at OHSU. That being said, I am happy with OHSU as well.
Porter –
Glad you were happy up here. It’s too bad it’s such a long drive for you…especially with the weather the way it is. The last time we drove up there it was snowing and terrible conditions. Not supposed to be much better this Friday.
I am not sure why it would be like that. The number should be more consistent. If it went from 17 to 14 then it goes from from 13 to 12. I wonder if is’s different eyes measuring. I know when we are doing wound care sometimes it seems to change based on how you look at it. Hmm, be interesting to hear what he says.
We had the choice to go north to Seattle or south to Portland since we are about halfway. We went with Seattle since the docs we were too see there seemed more experienced.
KrisVPorter, it’s been my experience that scan results are often confusing. But, either way, it say shrinkage to me! And that’s great! And, yes, you want to attack with chemo, but these drugs also attack good cells, so just be patient and let yourself heal between treatments. And Lainy is right in saying chemo continues to work between treatments. Call your onc for clarification on the readings, and PLEASE allow yourself to let go of some of the worry while you are on your trip.
And happy birthday to your son!!I guess i get confused as to why the numbers are always so inconsistent. Like my last scan said 17 to 14. and this one is say 13 to 12. So I guess that is one of my biggest questions… KrisV, my trip to Seattle was great and I really enjoyed the ONC I saw up at the center. I wish I could switch honestly.
I agree a call to the doctor is in order. I’m no expert and don’t really understand all this technical stuff, but it sounds promising to me and as Lainy mentioned, stable is good. Hang in there. I’m hoping you will get the answers you are looking for from your doc tomorrow.
DarlaPorter –
Stable is one of the better words we hear on here. And it to me looks like a little bit of shrinkage which is even better.
Not to worry about venting. We all do here from time to time since this is such an up and down disease. Everyone has been there.KrisV
Here is the findings. What I am confused about too is the last scan on my last report said it shrunk from 17cm to 14cm. I will be calling my doc tom morning just to clarify but feel free to give my any input.
“There is redemonstration of a large mass involving the anterior right and
medial left hepatic lobes that exhibits early predominately peripheral
enhancement with increasing central enhancement on the more delayed phases
measuring 12.0 x 11.0 cm, previously measured at 11.0 x 13.0 cm (image 22
series 15). Two unchanged 1.2 and 1.4-cm segment 5 satellite lesions are noted
(images 62 and 59 series 12, respectively). No new lesions are present. An
unchanged segment 5 hemangioma is present. There is no intrahepatic biliary
ductal dilatation.”Porter, stable is good! I understand that when you are off of chemo for a few weeks what you had keepson working for awhile. I know when Teddy had radiation and they had to wait for the Cyber Knife it took a couple of months and the Radiologist told us that this stuff can keep on working awhile. So with your report being stable and knowing you are still cooking take your family trip and try to enjoy! Happy Birthday to the young man and give yourself a break. You deserve it!
The Doc just sent the results to my mychart. I might post them. It looks like maybe on the large mass it has shrunk maybe 1cm. No new spreads or growth. Impression reads stable with minimally improved disease. I am not sure if I should be happy with these results or not. Of course we are always hoping for shrinkage, but stable is okay right? Damn, I just wish there was something out there that we know would take this thing on more aggressively…
Vent away. We are hear to listen. You have every reason to be feeling this way right now. I also want to wish your son happy birthday. You are blessed to be here to spend it with him and I am sure you will be here to spend even more special times with him. I’m hoping you can take a break from all this, relax and enjoy the holidays with your family.
Love & Hugs,
Darla
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