Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group update on PET scan

Sue,

Thanks so much for your concerns, thoughts and prayers. I can understand you being a bit upset with the way things were presented to me before the following test were to be done. I have copy of the report my doctor gave me from the CT scan which more or less said it was definate for cancer from the wording they used. Believe me things went just as I wanted as for me receiving the information. I would have really worried having the PET scan done and not have been told there was a good reason and what they expected. The day I was caled n for the conference the doctor was running around ignoring her other patients while making sure all the different test and doctors appointment were being set up before me leaving. She kept coming out of the nurses station patting my shoulder. Hopefully when I go for the next CT scan the spot has not grown more and is the same as it was in the first one. I except my doctors I see not to beat around any bushes and tak straight forward with me which all of the ones I see do.

I would say the odds of less than 10% are surely a lot better than hearly there was a very slim chance is was not cancer. The pulmonary doctor I saw read the CT scan and report then said if he had saw the report and scan before the results of the PET he would have been 95 to 98% sure it was cancer also.

Wow you sure sound like you would have been speedy in making arrangements, which I must say those thoughts were lingering in my head but wanted the PET results first. As for the foresight to not tell the kids I can relate that to a few things. I ran my own businesses for years before going to work for someone else as a project manager and estimator so secrets were no big deal. I have also always waited for the facts to present themselves before breaking bad new to my kids to protect them from being hurt when things could go in another direction. My youngest will soon be 21 and even though at their ages they could handle the news better I waited once more. I did talk to my youngest today when he asked what all the new doctors and test were about. I was able to tell him that last week there was very big chance I had lung cancer, but the test on Friday had come up negative so now there is less than a 10% chance of it being cancer. He took the news better knowing the chances are now slim for it being cancer,

Brent

30yrvet and Carol,

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers I am slowly regianing my strength from the pneumonia, but dreading the rest of the test I have coming up. Hopefully the news then will be as good.

Brent

Lon,

Thanks for the prayers. I had not remembered reading about your sholder blade glowing but am glad it turned out for the better. Not sure what we are going to do with you after hearing some of the stories like the wall falling on you or you driving the 4 wheeler through the glass window on the back of the pickup truck not so long ago. Just try to be more careful is al I can say.

I have the copy of the CT scan disc fron the hospital and noticed one of my colar bones have recently been broken but is healing good. That could explain some of the bad shoulder pain I was having about six months ago.

Brent

Steve,

Thanks, like you I hope the news keeps coming back good and they can find a better way to manage the extensive emphysema. I have had COPD for years and was diagnosed in the mid 1990's with a mild case of emphysema. I've often wondered if the asbetos I worked with for over a year in a dental lab, along with the other chemicals, concrete and wood dust would cause problems down the road.

Brent

Trae,

Thanks I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers also after hearing you have tumors in your lungs and lypmh nodes. I found out more about the physical exams last thursday when I went for my physical. The doctor help my arms up and checked the lypmh nodes for any swelling. I have a few spots under my left arm thay is tender and she hit it pretty quick. I just this will become part of my new physicals each time I see the PCP. I need to read some more about the PFT and findout what al I will have to do. Fast walking is out so if that is part of it the will have to adjust that part.

Brent

Brent,
Thanks for your prayers too!
The PFT doesn't usually involve walking. It's an ABG, which is blood test from your artery (painful if not done by a skillfull tech) then they plug your nose and have your blow into a tube. They just have you blow in different ways for long and short periods. I usually cough alot and get really dizzy. It isn't bad it just wears me out.

Good luck! Trae~

Hi Brent

I've just read both your posts (must admit to being almost too scared to read this one!), and am sooo relieved that the results appear to be better than anyone could have imagined.
Thank goodness you didn't mention any of this to your family. It seems a dreadful shame that your doc prepared you for the worst before getting the results, leaving you in such a terrible state of mind all that time!

I'm so sorry about the emphysema. My father had that, but he was in his 70's and a heavy smoker all his life!

Have they tested you for asbestosis? It's a big problem here in Oz, where all the old schools, houses, fences etc. were/are made from asbestos, and the old mining town of Wittenoon has been closed down and roped off for many years.
I pray that's not what you have.

Take care,
Sue

Brent,

That is such great news! We'll keep rooting for you as any future tests come up until you've gotten the 100 percent all clear notice!

Brad

Brent,

I'm so glad....I read your post the other night, but was unable to reply, as disturbing as it was. This is good news. We still need to have our southeastern/mid-atlantic get together.

Take care, Wanda

(((Brent))) Made my day!! I am so happy about the results and it sounds like they will stay on top of it. I have thought of you so much.

Hugs and Blessings.
Possi