Monday, June 8, 2009

CT Scan - Mixed Results

Just came back from the Cancer Institute from my oncologist appointment. Blood work looks good for chemo tomorrow.

We have mixed results on the CT scan.

When looking for changes on the CT scan, generally we focus on two of the largest tumors and compare them from scan to scan. On this CT scan, we noticed the largest tumor did shrink a bit but we also noticed that the smaller one grew a bit. The first thing the oncologist said is that there is no need to panic. We aren't sure why it grew. I asked if it was because we cut back on the chemo dosage and she felt that 'no' that wasn't it. One reason for growth may be that the tumor is getting smart to the chemotherapy. She said we are not going to change anything and are going to continue with the same treatment because other tumors are still shrinking. She said we'll be watching it closely on the next CT scan.

The doctor said not to panic ... I'm not panicking.

20 comments:

Kerry said...

If it helps I understand if she isn't panicking and changing things then I would do whats needed to be done till the next scan. I m glad she is also keeping a close watch on the CT Scan.
Your in my thoughts today I know its not easy when the results are mixed.

Renee said...

Don't panic.

Just breath and remember that this too will pass and you will do whatever you need to do.

I fucking hate cancer.

I love you though and I am only thinking positive.

Love Renee xoxo

Renee said...

You are going to be okay Daria. No matter what.

Love Renee xoxo

Beth said...

Daria, sorry it wasn't all good results, thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way.

Roxanne said...

Daria, how often do you have the CT scans? i hope you don't have to wait too long and that you can wait without worrying too much. (haha) Guess we'll both be having chemo tomorrow. I found the post-it note reminding me to do that. Don't forget class tonight. LOL. Blessings tomorrow.

Sarah Sullivan said...

Yes don't panic hon - I can't imagine that is an easy thing - at least not at first. I feel like I'm talking through my hat - I am truly not able to say I know how you feel but I can say that I watched my Mom go through this. So I guess I undertand on a head level. Hang in there hon and hugs, I'm pulling for you! Hugs, Sarah

Sherry said...

Trust in yourself and your doctor Daria. Sometimes there is good with the bad and bad with the good...if the doctor is confident about the shrinkage in the other tumours and wants to watch the one that grew...that sounds like a plan and in this having a plan is half the battle. Keeping good thoughts flowing your way.

Jill said...

If the doctor says don't panic, then don't. They don't pull any punches if it's bad news, so take heart and comfort from that. The others are still shrinking and that's the thing to concentrate on. But I know it's frightening, and you're in my thoughts. It sounds like you have a good doctor who's keeping a close eye on you. Chin up, Babe, you're a winner.

Jill B.

Michelle said...

Yes, I agree with Renee....I hate fucking cancer too! Some would see this as a reason to panic, yes. But you Daria, you are a fighter :)

Love to you

xxx

Anonymous said...

Good idea! If it is time to panic, I am certain that your oncologist will let you know!

Was good to see you today! You looked healthier and happier than the last time I saw you - mind you, I think that the last time I saw you was right after chemo! But you looked really, really well today - lots of energy, color in your cheeks! Like you had lost a few pounds ;)

Dee said...

Hi Daria,
I don't think I've ever read where your tumors are ... I hope it's okay to ask you where they are?

Hate news like that. You want all the crap you're going through to account for something and it sounds like it's almost taking care of everything. Focus on that, okay?

Thinking of you.

Debby said...

Yikes. I hope that you do not have to wait a long time for another CT scan. I'll be praying for you. Remember: Don't panic.

Lesa said...

Easy for the dr to say! But wise to follow her guidance. One day at a time. Hang in there :)

Unknown said...

You echo a positive tone in your writing, it exuberates your spirit, I know that. Keep it up dear sis.

sending you my thoughts and the big bearly hugs!

Anonymous said...

Hi Daria
I love your spirit, I understand when one here posted, its easy for the doctor to say not to panic....but its not easy. Having cancer and going through chemo is definately no fun.....
Keep the positive attitude. I have my moments...good and the bad ones. You are in my thoughts
Hugs....Isaura

Millie said...

That sucks. Maybe once you are done with chemo they can nuke them like they did mine. I'll be praying for you today as you go through chemo. Love and prayers being sent your way.

Millie

RivkA with a capital A said...

Hey Daria,

I often find the test results scarier than my doctor does.

Several times, it seemed that some of my bone tumors grew while other bone tumors shrank. Overall, my tumors seem to be shrinking, so the doctor tends to look at the picture as being good.

The question is which tumors are growing and which are shrinking and how often will you be getting scans.

Feel free to question your doctor until you get the answers that help you to relax. It is your body, you have a right to understand what is going on.

Good luck!!

Dr. Ebz said...

Hang in there, Daria. Just hang in there.

-Scott
Taking Life One Day at a Time.
Channelling Frustrations.

Anonymous said...

Stay cool. Our prayers are always for you.

Jill said...

Hang in there Daria. You are a strong person. I also agree with Renee on hating this f--- cancer. It seems to never end does it?

Jill.