I have yearly scans (CXR at 6 months) and my next appointment for CT scan is already scheduled for May 26th. However, this time the radiologist (not my thoracic surgeon) has requested a scan with contrast. I haven't had this test done since prior to my diagnosis. All my previous scans have been fine. I contacted my surgeon's office and the receptionist stated that it was the radiologist that made this determination as they simply requested a regular scan.

After repeated calls to the radiology department to find out why (I was told the radiologist wouldn't tell me why - only the doctor!) I told her to tell the radiologist that I refused to get the contrast unless he could explain why. Do you think I am being ornery? Having worked in the medical field for many years, perhaps I am a little more tainted than others and don't just follow along and do what I am told. I am just nervous about putting stuff in my body when it isn't necessary.

Anyhow, give me the truth folks - if you think I am behaving badly I will listen and back off.

Thanks,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

Linda,

I've always had contrast with my scans. I have no idea why they didn't use it on you before or why they would now, but I don't think there's ever anything wrong with demanding an explanation on why they want to do a procedure on you. It's your body.

_________________
Bud

Long distance cyclist and lung cancer survivor
56 years old at time of diagnosis in 2007, now live in Crowley, Tx
Nov 2007 - Tentatively diagnosed as NSCLC stage I from CT scan
Dec 2007 - Upper left lobectomy, biopsy showed one cancerous lymph node, changing the diagnosis to stage II (squamous cell)
Feb to Apr 2008 - Three rounds of cisplatin and gemcitabine
Apr 2008 - chest x-ray, NED
May 2008 - brain mri, clear
Jul 2008 - CT scan, NED
Dec 2008 - CT scan, NED
June 2009 - CT scan, NED
Jan 2010 - CT scan, NED
July 2010 - CT scan, NED
June 2011 - CT scan, NED
May 2012 - CT scan, NED
December 2012 - CT scan, NED. I am now a 5 year survivor!

June 2009 - Wife Rose diagnosed with breast cancer
Stage III IDC
Sept 2009 - Finished 4 rounds of chemo (AC)
Nov 2009 - Surgery
March 2010 - Finished 12 weeks of weekly Taxol
August 2010 - CT scan, NED
August 2011 - Checkup, NED
August 2012 - Checkup, NED
The rest of my story is at:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=38841

My blog - uneasy-rider.com

Linda,
Ditto! I always get contrast. But I would be just as onery too, if they changed everything all the sudden!

Dana

_________________
Mar. '08-Routine xray found Spot tip of upper left lung.
Dr orders CAT. growth confirmed.
Sent to Pulmonolgist who orders PET.
Pet results-my spot lights up like a Christmas tree.
Can't reach spot for biopsy referred to surgeon.
Surgical Biopsy scheduled for Apr. 28th '08
Apr. '08-Surgeon found SCLC, removed upper left lobe and surronding lymph nodes.
Everything biopsied no other cancer found, declaired NED by surgeon on Apr.28th '08
ONC wants me to start adjuvant therapy.
June '08-MRI brain scan and CAT NED
Chemo cisplatin/vp16 3 days every 3 weeks 4 sessions ended Aug. '08
Partial hearing loss due to Cisplatin
Sept. '08 1st CAT after treatment NED
Dec. '08-2nd CAT after treatment NED
Apr. '09-MRI (brain) and CAT NED
Aug. '09-CAT NED
Dec. '09-CAT and MRI NED
Apr. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Oct. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Jan. '11-XRay NED
Oct. '11-CAT NED

It may be that the facility that you go to is changing it's procedural protocol?

Dana's right, if this is a change for you, keep at it until you get some answers.

I've seen different medical facilities do things a little differently, but like bud's post, most that I've heard of DO use contrast- so that's not uncommon at all.

If you're uncomfortable with anything, definitely keep asking questions and seeking answers!!!

_________________
- Katie Brown, Co-Founder and Director of LCSC-

15 yr cancer survivor.

"Any of us who have experienced the cancer journey- and survived it-
have an obligation to make the path clearer and aid those that come after us."
- Lance Armstrong

In memory of Jessee Dewey, SCLC
December 29, 1938 - September 6, 2003
Lisa Dewey- Jan. 22, 2007
my parents are together in heaven


facebook www.facebook.com/lungevity

Every one of my scans has been with contrast. They always ask about allergies first, so I guess some people don't get contrast because of that. Otherwise, it seems to be standard. They usually run me through the donut twice, then inject the contrast, then do a third run.

Ned

_________________
Ned is just my nickname, though it would be nice to merge it with the other meaning eventually...

Aloha means "Hello, goodbye, love, compassion, welcome, good wishes." It means belonging to others with a common humanity. It's defined better as a feeling in the heart than by words.

Dx NSCLC adenocarcinoma IIIb Sep 2006, now stage IV. Taxol+Carboplatin+Avastin 4 mo., Avastin 8 mo., Tarceva 16 mo., Alimta 12 mo. (sometimes combined with Cisplatin or Carboplatin), Navelbine since Feb 2010, 10 sessions of WBR in March 2011. See My Cancer Journey: viewtopic.php?p=351369#p351369 — UPDATED 03/05/2011.

Above left: Our golden retriever Rosie, who joined the family on 3/5/08 at the playful age of 2.

Below: Hannah, our golden companion 1994-2007.

I was told that they get a much clearer picture with contrast. I'm surprised that you've never had it before.

Muriel

_________________
Dx NSCLC 5/03. Surgery UR lobe. Staged as 1B. Chemo (taxol & Carbo)9/15/03 - 11/13/03. Wonderful CTs until Nov 04. Surgery 11/27/04, again staged as 1B. Chemo (Cisplatin and Gemzar) 2/05 to 6/05. Good CTs and PET since chemo.

My last two yearly scans were without contrast. Even if they did detect something early on I dont think surgery would be an option for me. Where if they caught a small spot on one of yours they may be able to cut it out before it would progress. I heard contrast helps pick up early spots better. You might ask I did notice a price differance between with and without.

_________________
Dxed nslc stage2b,Aug.05 had right lung and 17 nodes removed which 2 had shown to be effected.August 27,05 had surgery redone again to stop bleeding. Started chemo sept.05 as a precaustioary. Have 3 month visit followups and have been ned so far and am hoping and praying to stay that way.Grade3 squamous cell type(T2,N1,Mo)tumor 10.5 cemtimeters,1 peribronchial node and 1 10R node involved

I got in a spitting match with the first tech who was giving me a CT with contrast. I have a shellfish allergy and had been told at another facility that I should not have contrast. I had also had it without contrast at this facility. But this tech was insistent saying that how the orders read. She also said the way they do it now, shellfish allergy was not really a problem. But ornery? I did finally let her do it. When she was in process, she asked if I was o.k., I wasn't having any breathing problems? I told her no, but she was very lucky I wasn't.

I don't fight it anymore because my daughter, the RN, said take a benedryl if I was worried because contrast does give a much better picture. But still, I don't think they should throw us curve balls. It's all stressful enough without worrying, why are they choosing to do it this way now????

Judy in Key West

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Thank you SO-O-O much to everyone who replied. Much to my delight I received a phone call after I got home from work tonight from the hospital. The girl I had been dealing with told me that she went to the radiologist and explained my concern as to why was it being done with contrast this time around - she told him that I was now worried that he had seen something untoward that was missed by the previous radiologists. She told me that he immediately asked for my file and all ct scans and read them then and there. He told her that I was absolutely right and that there was no indication that I would need a contrast CT.

I apologized to her again for being so persistent and she very kindly told me that she appreciates a patient who stands up for themselves - as you guys said - it is my body! She agreed that there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting more aggressive testing IF it is needed. Luckily in this case it wasn't. Perhaps this doctor always orders them with contrast (I have not had this radiologist before even though I am going to the same facility), but I feel better that he has actually looked at my previous scans and is agreement that I can continue as is.

So, 4 months until I can really start my scanxiety stressing. I'll be looking forward to you all propping me up and getting me through at that time once again (does it ever get easier?!) Thank you all for making me feel better (I really wasn't sure anymore if I was being ornery for no reason )

Again thanks guys - you're all the best!!!

Hugs,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

Haha, Linda, You sound exactly like my Aunt Martha... and she's AWESOME!!!! Never follow blindly unless you are at peace doing so. You have a gut instinct for a reason. I'm glad you're using it!

Who cares what people think!!! It's their job to look after you, not just body, but giving you peace of mind and doing what's in YOUR best interest.

Don't lose that attitude! You can be persistant and kind at the same time!

Sincerely, Melanie

_________________
*23 years old
*Dec. 23, 2009 - Biopsy results show
Neuro-endocrine carcinoid tumour (RML). Does not respond to chemo/radiation.
*Jan. 2, 2010 - first CT
*Jan. 11, 2010 - met surgeon, RML collapsed, found questionable lymphnode RUL.
*Jan. 22, 2010 - 2nd bronchoscopy shows only middle lobe needs to come out with all lymphnodes.
*Feb. 4, 2010 - Pre-op assessment and tests
*Feb. 8, 2010 - Thoracic surgery to remove right middle lobe and all lymphnodes in lung.
*Feb. 12, 2010 - Home and recovering!
*Feb. 19, 2010 - drain tube stitches come out
*Feb. 26, 2010 - xray and follow up appointment with surgeon:

10 lymphnodes out: 0 with cancer!
Margins: cancer free!
Follow up and scan every 6 months!

Linda,

Haha, sorry, I got carried away. I read your first post and had to quickly reply. I just read your latest post, and I'm SO glad that it was all sorted out for you!!!

My Aunt Mary has a phrase, "it's the squeaky wheel that gets the oil" or something like that haha.

Anyways, good job!!

Sincerely, Melanie

_________________
*23 years old
*Dec. 23, 2009 - Biopsy results show
Neuro-endocrine carcinoid tumour (RML). Does not respond to chemo/radiation.
*Jan. 2, 2010 - first CT
*Jan. 11, 2010 - met surgeon, RML collapsed, found questionable lymphnode RUL.
*Jan. 22, 2010 - 2nd bronchoscopy shows only middle lobe needs to come out with all lymphnodes.
*Feb. 4, 2010 - Pre-op assessment and tests
*Feb. 8, 2010 - Thoracic surgery to remove right middle lobe and all lymphnodes in lung.
*Feb. 12, 2010 - Home and recovering!
*Feb. 19, 2010 - drain tube stitches come out
*Feb. 26, 2010 - xray and follow up appointment with surgeon:

10 lymphnodes out: 0 with cancer!
Margins: cancer free!
Follow up and scan every 6 months!

Melanie - you are such a hoot! I'm sure I would love your Aunt Martha. You, at such a tender age, have such wisdom inside you. I certainly wasn't anywhere near as mature at your age ... your family must be so proud of you. I am trying to teach my two teens to stand up for themselves, yet to always do it with dignity (even though sometimes I really, really want to yell my head off - especially when I think someone is not listening to me!). I only hope they have it as together as you do.

No word yet on the surgery I take it? Ahh, the waiting, it just sucks - no doubt about it. Where do you live in Canada (if you don't mind me being nosy - is your Aunt Martha a tad nosy too?)

Anyhow, I always love reading your posts and always look forward to hearing from you. You didn't get carried away - your enthusiasm is contagious and just makes me smile!

Luv,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

Linda,

Thanks for the compliment!!! And yes, my Aunt Martha does like to be kept up to date on most things haha, I just see that as her wanting to be an active part of my life, which is always a nice compliment!!

I live in Ontario, Canada! It's a great place!

Actually, yesterday afternoon my surgeon called me!! Not her secretary, but she called me herself!! Isn't that so nice?! She said she's been thinking a lot about me lately, said that she'd like to take a look at my windpipes herself before the surgery, just to get a better idea of the location of the tumour. She said my surgery will be early to mid. february at the LATEST! So I'm very excited about that!

She said her secretary will call me shortly with the dates.

I'll let you know when I get them!!

Love, Melanie

_________________
*23 years old
*Dec. 23, 2009 - Biopsy results show
Neuro-endocrine carcinoid tumour (RML). Does not respond to chemo/radiation.
*Jan. 2, 2010 - first CT
*Jan. 11, 2010 - met surgeon, RML collapsed, found questionable lymphnode RUL.
*Jan. 22, 2010 - 2nd bronchoscopy shows only middle lobe needs to come out with all lymphnodes.
*Feb. 4, 2010 - Pre-op assessment and tests
*Feb. 8, 2010 - Thoracic surgery to remove right middle lobe and all lymphnodes in lung.
*Feb. 12, 2010 - Home and recovering!
*Feb. 19, 2010 - drain tube stitches come out
*Feb. 26, 2010 - xray and follow up appointment with surgeon:

10 lymphnodes out: 0 with cancer!
Margins: cancer free!
Follow up and scan every 6 months!

Melanie - believe it or not I grew up in Thunder Bay Ontario - we moved to Edmonton, Alberta when I was 10; however, I still have many relatives there. I know Ontario is a huge province, but it still seems like a small world sometimes. I haven't been throughout all of Ontario, but the places I have lived and seen are beautiful. Much nicer lakes than Alberta, that's for sure! In 2005 we rented a house on Lake Superior (my parents, sister and her family and my family) and what a blast we had.

Isn't that nice of your surgeon - see, it's that personality of yours that draws people to you. She sounds very caring - a nice trait (and sometimes a rare one) in a surgeon.

I'll keep everything crossed that the surgery is earlier February rather than later February! It might be difficult to walk that way but it will be worth it if it works - sure hope that secretary calls soon though-ha ha!

Luv,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

Hi Linda!!

The secretary just called!!! LOL!!! Not about the surgery, but about the bronchoscopy... Feb.11 at 7:30am... she said she'll move it closer if she has an openning, but for now, that's all she's got.

Still, dates are nice!!! hahahaha

Love, Melanie

_________________
*23 years old
*Dec. 23, 2009 - Biopsy results show
Neuro-endocrine carcinoid tumour (RML). Does not respond to chemo/radiation.
*Jan. 2, 2010 - first CT
*Jan. 11, 2010 - met surgeon, RML collapsed, found questionable lymphnode RUL.
*Jan. 22, 2010 - 2nd bronchoscopy shows only middle lobe needs to come out with all lymphnodes.
*Feb. 4, 2010 - Pre-op assessment and tests
*Feb. 8, 2010 - Thoracic surgery to remove right middle lobe and all lymphnodes in lung.
*Feb. 12, 2010 - Home and recovering!
*Feb. 19, 2010 - drain tube stitches come out
*Feb. 26, 2010 - xray and follow up appointment with surgeon:

10 lymphnodes out: 0 with cancer!
Margins: cancer free!
Follow up and scan every 6 months!

Linda -
Sorry, just read this post and I know its resolved but I had to say I'm proud of you - question question question!!!!!!!!

Just to add--- I always get my CTs without contrast as I had an allergic reaction to the dye years ago and although I eat shellfish now, I don't want it intraveneously pumped into my body. However, I can't tell you how many times a Tech got annoyed with me because I told them no contrast. A few of them have told me "well, we're at a hospital in case you have a reaction, we'll have help".

I have asked several doctors and radiologists if I am hurting myself by not having the contrast and have been told that I'm not. Although the dye makes the CT clearer, the Radiologist can see the same thing without the dye- he just has to spend a little more time examining the scan. I'm not sure but I think what the Radiologist charges more than covers the few more minutes he spends scanning my scan.

Good to hear it all worked out for you!! Keep asking those questions g/f!

_________________
Debi
50 years old
Stage 1a-nsclc,1.3 centimeter, adenocarcinoma
Surgery June 16, 2003-upper & mid lobe removed
17 lymph nodes removed - all clear
No chemo or radiation

Debi - thanks for giving me the peace of mind that I am not hurting myself by NOT getting the dye. You're right - it's not our job to make their job easier and if it takes a few more minutes to read the scan then so be it.

I don't think they are used to being questioned and I told my sister I may have quite the wait come scan day if they have a good memory and remember this ! I don't much care though - I 'll just bring a good book and smile knowing that I got my own way!

Take care my friend,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

Linda,
Now here is the problem with all this . . . WHY HAVE I BEEN GETTING CONTRAST THIS WHOLE TIME?!?!?!? I hate needles and I really hate I.V.'s! That is the major problem with my scanxiety. GRRRRR!! They are setting themselves up for one rude awakening! My ONC wants ANOTHER MRI in April . . . well forget it! They also want a CAT with contrast in April well guess what?!? They can forget that too!

Dana

_________________
Mar. '08-Routine xray found Spot tip of upper left lung.
Dr orders CAT. growth confirmed.
Sent to Pulmonolgist who orders PET.
Pet results-my spot lights up like a Christmas tree.
Can't reach spot for biopsy referred to surgeon.
Surgical Biopsy scheduled for Apr. 28th '08
Apr. '08-Surgeon found SCLC, removed upper left lobe and surronding lymph nodes.
Everything biopsied no other cancer found, declaired NED by surgeon on Apr.28th '08
ONC wants me to start adjuvant therapy.
June '08-MRI brain scan and CAT NED
Chemo cisplatin/vp16 3 days every 3 weeks 4 sessions ended Aug. '08
Partial hearing loss due to Cisplatin
Sept. '08 1st CAT after treatment NED
Dec. '08-2nd CAT after treatment NED
Apr. '09-MRI (brain) and CAT NED
Aug. '09-CAT NED
Dec. '09-CAT and MRI NED
Apr. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Oct. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Jan. '11-XRay NED
Oct. '11-CAT NED

Hi Dana - no, please don't get me wrong. The whole thing with my questioning the contrast CT scan was simply because I had not been getting the contrast CT in the follow ups since surgery. I had the CT with contrast prior to surgery (which is when they diagnosed possible carcinoma); but since surgery have only had non-contrast CT's. I questioned the whole issue because it changed. Had I been having them all along I am certain I wouldn't have thought twice about it. As well, it was the radiologist who made the changes - not my surgeon. That was another red flag for me. If my surgeon had made the change he would have explained why and I'm pretty certain I would have been just fine with it because I trust him.

So, I am not against whatever tests are needed - I just knew that for me it changed this time around and I wanted (and demanded) to know why.

If you read all the answers from the other members Dana - almost ALL of them get CT with contrast. So please, please don't NOT get the testing because of my issue. Have a talk with your doc and ask him why you get the contrast - he should be able to explain this to your satisfaction. Keep in touch and let me know how it goes.

Hugs,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

Linda-

Good for you for demanding answers to your questions. Its your body and you are allowed to ask ANYTHING (at least in my opinion but then remember I was the one who got fired by my last onc for asking too much).

Anyway, I have always had the contrast, too. The doc has to mark on the request with or without contrast - wonder if your doc just doesn't know what box to check - LOL!!!!

Glad you won that one!!!

Hugs - Patti B.

_________________
My personal war against cancer:
Stage IV at diagnosis 9/29/06- told 12 months tops.......yeah, right!!!
5 rounds of radiation R hip
15 Whole brain radiation txs 7/20 - 8/7/09
8 weeks on oral Tarceva
To date, 80 IV chemo sessions and still counting
Chemos have consisted of:
Carbo/Taxol/Avastin
Avastin alone
Alimta
weekly Navalbine
weekly Gemzar, now on Gemzar every other week due to blood counts
All my veins have become inaccessible - port installed 12/30/09
Put on Alimta/Avastin as a combo
Currently on Taxotere, on 3 weeks off one

Patti - so great to hear from you!

Perhaps you're right and he simply checked the incorrect box - sounds like an easy mistake to make.

I am with you on the opinion it is our right to ask questions (and not get fired for it mind you ) - I wonder how your onc would have felt if that was a loved family member and the treating doctor got upset when he/she asked questions - jeez! I think you are way better off anyhow - I know I couldn't have any kind of trust in someone with those kind of control issues (I need some control myself-little bit of a freak that way )

Take care Patti,

Hugs,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

Linda-

I couldn't stand that onc. When he told me that he was "terminating our doctor-patient relationship" If not for the IV in my arm I would have done cartwheels across the chemo room!!! Abd I did tell him once when he was acting like God - "I can't go home at 5 pm and turn the light off - I live with this 24/7".

We have to be our own best advocates or have someone who will be - should be our docs but it doesn't work out that way!!!!

Good luck with your scan!!!

Hugs - Patti B.

_________________
My personal war against cancer:
Stage IV at diagnosis 9/29/06- told 12 months tops.......yeah, right!!!
5 rounds of radiation R hip
15 Whole brain radiation txs 7/20 - 8/7/09
8 weeks on oral Tarceva
To date, 80 IV chemo sessions and still counting
Chemos have consisted of:
Carbo/Taxol/Avastin
Avastin alone
Alimta
weekly Navalbine
weekly Gemzar, now on Gemzar every other week due to blood counts
All my veins have become inaccessible - port installed 12/30/09
Put on Alimta/Avastin as a combo
Currently on Taxotere, on 3 weeks off one

Contrast update:
Dr. Weiss and Dr. West are neither one that attached to using contrast. They both agree it is helpful for seeing smaller lesions in the lung and the liver, but not that necessary.
So I will talk to my ONC about ditching the contrast on my CAT's, since I have such an I.V. phobia.

Dana

_________________
Mar. '08-Routine xray found Spot tip of upper left lung.
Dr orders CAT. growth confirmed.
Sent to Pulmonolgist who orders PET.
Pet results-my spot lights up like a Christmas tree.
Can't reach spot for biopsy referred to surgeon.
Surgical Biopsy scheduled for Apr. 28th '08
Apr. '08-Surgeon found SCLC, removed upper left lobe and surronding lymph nodes.
Everything biopsied no other cancer found, declaired NED by surgeon on Apr.28th '08
ONC wants me to start adjuvant therapy.
June '08-MRI brain scan and CAT NED
Chemo cisplatin/vp16 3 days every 3 weeks 4 sessions ended Aug. '08
Partial hearing loss due to Cisplatin
Sept. '08 1st CAT after treatment NED
Dec. '08-2nd CAT after treatment NED
Apr. '09-MRI (brain) and CAT NED
Aug. '09-CAT NED
Dec. '09-CAT and MRI NED
Apr. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Oct. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Jan. '11-XRay NED
Oct. '11-CAT NED

Dana - thanks for getting a further update on this issue. I am so happy to hear that we are headed in the right direction! I haven't been on GRACE in over a week so I will check out your posting. Thanks so much again.

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!