Scan Results

This topic has 24 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 3 months ago by Lauri England.

Post

- October 12, 2011 at 6:38 pm
- Quote
Lauri England
Participant
The nurse from my doctors office called me with the CT scan results after I have called 3 times. I was told I have a 3 mm nodual on my lung and my liver is showing abnormalities. She said the doctor would go over this with me in more detail at my appt on the 20th. I am freaking out. The nurse did say that the doctor wants me to be re scanned in 6 months. 6 Months!!!!!

The nurse from my doctors office called me with the CT scan results after I have called 3 times. I was told I have a 3 mm nodual on my lung and my liver is showing abnormalities. She said the doctor would go over this with me in more detail at my appt on the 20th. I am freaking out. The nurse did say that the doctor wants me to be re scanned in 6 months. 6 Months!!!!! Yeah right. I need to know what my choices are. I just finished a year of Interferon a month ago. I know they are not sure at this point if it is Melanoma but I know going into this my scans were clear with no abnormalties. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you and God Bless!

Viewing 11 reply threads

Replies

- - October 12, 2011 at 7:21 pm
  - Quote
  Harry in Fair Oaks
  Participant
  Is it possible to speed up the doctor's appointment, now that the nurse got you so scared? The nodule in the lung is tiny and may be due to a number of things – that's why a follow-up scan is required to see if there is interval growth suggestive of cancer. But 6 months seems too long. When they were looking at my lung nodule, the follow-up scans were every 3 months. You didn't say the nurse mentiond "nodules" or "lesions" in the liver. "Abnormalities" could mean anything. Again, you need an ASAP discussion with your doctor.
  
  Best wishes,
  
  Harry
- - October 12, 2011 at 7:21 pm
  - Quote
  Harry in Fair Oaks
  Participant
  Is it possible to speed up the doctor's appointment, now that the nurse got you so scared? The nodule in the lung is tiny and may be due to a number of things – that's why a follow-up scan is required to see if there is interval growth suggestive of cancer. But 6 months seems too long. When they were looking at my lung nodule, the follow-up scans were every 3 months. You didn't say the nurse mentiond "nodules" or "lesions" in the liver. "Abnormalities" could mean anything. Again, you need an ASAP discussion with your doctor.
  
  Best wishes,
  
  Harry
  - October 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm
    
    Quote
    Lisa13
    Participant
    
    I agree with Harry. The nodule you have on your lung is very small and could be there for many reason (enviromental, allergies, colds, etc). 6 months is too long to wait, so I would request another scan in 3 months. When I had nodules in my lungs, I got scanned again after 6 weeks to see if they were growing. Because your spot is small, I would think 3 months is a good follow-up time. As for the liver, it's an abnormality, so obviously whatever it is, it's small and unknown to them at this point. These types of things could also be nothing.
    
    I know it's very easy to get ahead of yourself and make yourself very worried. Try getting an appointment sooner than the 20th so you can discuss these concerns with your Dr.
    
    I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's nothing.
    
    Lisa
  - October 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm
    
    Quote
    Lisa13
    Participant
    
    I agree with Harry. The nodule you have on your lung is very small and could be there for many reason (enviromental, allergies, colds, etc). 6 months is too long to wait, so I would request another scan in 3 months. When I had nodules in my lungs, I got scanned again after 6 weeks to see if they were growing. Because your spot is small, I would think 3 months is a good follow-up time. As for the liver, it's an abnormality, so obviously whatever it is, it's small and unknown to them at this point. These types of things could also be nothing.
    
    I know it's very easy to get ahead of yourself and make yourself very worried. Try getting an appointment sooner than the 20th so you can discuss these concerns with your Dr.
    
    I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's nothing.
    
    Lisa
  - October 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm
    
    Quote
    Lisa13
    Participant
    
    I agree with Harry. The nodule you have on your lung is very small and could be there for many reason (enviromental, allergies, colds, etc). 6 months is too long to wait, so I would request another scan in 3 months. When I had nodules in my lungs, I got scanned again after 6 weeks to see if they were growing. Because your spot is small, I would think 3 months is a good follow-up time. As for the liver, it's an abnormality, so obviously whatever it is, it's small and unknown to them at this point. These types of things could also be nothing.
    
    I know it's very easy to get ahead of yourself and make yourself very worried. Try getting an appointment sooner than the 20th so you can discuss these concerns with your Dr.
    
    I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's nothing.
    
    Lisa
  - October 12, 2011 at 7:31 pm
    
    Quote
    jim Breitfeller
    Participant
    
    Lauri, you may want to look into a Melanoma Center of care. Also a second opinion witha Melanoma Specialist.
    
    http://www.melanomacare.org/centers.shtml
    
    Midwest
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
    Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, MI
    734-936-6360
    http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/clinic/melclinic.htm
    
    Pigmented Lesion Clinic
    Henry Ford Hospital
    Detroit, MI
    313-916-4060
    
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
    Karmanos Cancer Institute
    Wayne State University
    Detroit, MI
    313-745-9166
    1-800-Karmanos
    
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Clinic
    University of Cincinnati Medical Center
    Cincinnati, OH
    513-584-8900
    
    MetroHealth Medical Center
    Cancer Care Center Melanoma Program
    2500 MetroHealth Drive
    Cleveland, Ohio 44109
    
    (216) 778-4795 (Surgical Oncology)
    (216) 778-5802 (Medical Oncology)
    The Melanoma Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
    Cleveland, OH
    http://www.clevelandclinic.org/cancer
    
    The Melanoma Center At The James
    Ohio State University
    Columbus, OH
    614-293-7531 (medical)
    614-293-5644 (surgical)
    
    Wagner & Associates Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Consultants of Indiana
    Indianapolis, IN
    317-621-2520
    317-621-2580
    
    Interdisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
    Indiana University Cancer Center, Indiana University Medical Center
    Indianapolis, IN
    317-278-7449
    
    Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center
    Loyola University Chicago
    Chicago, IL
    708-327-2078
    http://www.luhs.org
    
    Pigmented Lesion Center
    Rush University
    Chicago, IL
    312-563-2321
    http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-R12605.html
    
    Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Center
    University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, MN
    612-625-5199
    
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group
    St. Louis University Health Sciences Center/SLUCare
    St. Louis, MO
    314-268-5320
    
    Best regards,
    
    Jimmy B
  - October 12, 2011 at 7:31 pm
    
    Quote
    jim Breitfeller
    Participant
    
    Lauri, you may want to look into a Melanoma Center of care. Also a second opinion witha Melanoma Specialist.
    
    http://www.melanomacare.org/centers.shtml
    
    Midwest
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
    Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, MI
    734-936-6360
    http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/clinic/melclinic.htm
    
    Pigmented Lesion Clinic
    Henry Ford Hospital
    Detroit, MI
    313-916-4060
    
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
    Karmanos Cancer Institute
    Wayne State University
    Detroit, MI
    313-745-9166
    1-800-Karmanos
    
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Clinic
    University of Cincinnati Medical Center
    Cincinnati, OH
    513-584-8900
    
    MetroHealth Medical Center
    Cancer Care Center Melanoma Program
    2500 MetroHealth Drive
    Cleveland, Ohio 44109
    
    (216) 778-4795 (Surgical Oncology)
    (216) 778-5802 (Medical Oncology)
    The Melanoma Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
    Cleveland, OH
    http://www.clevelandclinic.org/cancer
    
    The Melanoma Center At The James
    Ohio State University
    Columbus, OH
    614-293-7531 (medical)
    614-293-5644 (surgical)
    
    Wagner & Associates Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Consultants of Indiana
    Indianapolis, IN
    317-621-2520
    317-621-2580
    
    Interdisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
    Indiana University Cancer Center, Indiana University Medical Center
    Indianapolis, IN
    317-278-7449
    
    Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center
    Loyola University Chicago
    Chicago, IL
    708-327-2078
    http://www.luhs.org
    
    Pigmented Lesion Center
    Rush University
    Chicago, IL
    312-563-2321
    http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-R12605.html
    
    Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Center
    University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, MN
    612-625-5199
    
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group
    St. Louis University Health Sciences Center/SLUCare
    St. Louis, MO
    314-268-5320
    
    Best regards,
    
    Jimmy B
  - October 12, 2011 at 7:46 pm
    
    Quote
    justlittleoleme
    Participant
    
    Lauri,
    
    We have visited 3 cancer centers with my husband's melanoma. Because melanoma is a different beast than other cancers, we feel it is more necessary to treat with an oncologist familiar with the beast.
    
    We had his surgery at the University of Michigan and have consulted with Dr. Lao. We are meeting for the second time on Friday with Dr. Fecher at IU Health Simon Cancer Center on Friday. I would recommend either of these centers for melanoma.
    
    The reason his surgery was at U of M again was so he could be with Dr. Bradford who did his original surgery. In our world, she is the best!
    
    Our mantra is be the patient who asks lots of questions and is persistent. Don't let em rest on their laurels! You are in the fight of your life. If you aren't with me, you are against me!
    
    Good luck and if you need more information regarding either center, please feel free to email me.
    
    God Bless!
    
    Barb
  - October 12, 2011 at 7:46 pm
    
    Quote
    justlittleoleme
    Participant
    
    Lauri,
    
    We have visited 3 cancer centers with my husband's melanoma. Because melanoma is a different beast than other cancers, we feel it is more necessary to treat with an oncologist familiar with the beast.
    
    We had his surgery at the University of Michigan and have consulted with Dr. Lao. We are meeting for the second time on Friday with Dr. Fecher at IU Health Simon Cancer Center on Friday. I would recommend either of these centers for melanoma.
    
    The reason his surgery was at U of M again was so he could be with Dr. Bradford who did his original surgery. In our world, she is the best!
    
    Our mantra is be the patient who asks lots of questions and is persistent. Don't let em rest on their laurels! You are in the fight of your life. If you aren't with me, you are against me!
    
    Good luck and if you need more information regarding either center, please feel free to email me.
    
    God Bless!
    
    Barb
  - October 12, 2011 at 10:25 pm
    
    Quote
    akls
    Participant
    
    I second getting to a melanoma specialist. I was at U of M for my initial surgeries and my treatment plan. I was very happy with everything. Good luck and remember that scans can show lots of things, not just cancer. Try to keep a positive frame of mind and try to get into see your Dr. sooner. Take Care.
    
    Amy S. in Michigan
  - October 12, 2011 at 10:25 pm
    
    Quote
    akls
    Participant
    
    I second getting to a melanoma specialist. I was at U of M for my initial surgeries and my treatment plan. I was very happy with everything. Good luck and remember that scans can show lots of things, not just cancer. Try to keep a positive frame of mind and try to get into see your Dr. sooner. Take Care.
    
    Amy S. in Michigan
  - October 12, 2011 at 10:25 pm
    
    Quote
    akls
    Participant
    
    I second getting to a melanoma specialist. I was at U of M for my initial surgeries and my treatment plan. I was very happy with everything. Good luck and remember that scans can show lots of things, not just cancer. Try to keep a positive frame of mind and try to get into see your Dr. sooner. Take Care.
    
    Amy S. in Michigan
  - October 12, 2011 at 7:46 pm
    
    Quote
    justlittleoleme
    Participant
    
    Lauri,
    
    We have visited 3 cancer centers with my husband's melanoma. Because melanoma is a different beast than other cancers, we feel it is more necessary to treat with an oncologist familiar with the beast.
    
    We had his surgery at the University of Michigan and have consulted with Dr. Lao. We are meeting for the second time on Friday with Dr. Fecher at IU Health Simon Cancer Center on Friday. I would recommend either of these centers for melanoma.
    
    The reason his surgery was at U of M again was so he could be with Dr. Bradford who did his original surgery. In our world, she is the best!
    
    Our mantra is be the patient who asks lots of questions and is persistent. Don't let em rest on their laurels! You are in the fight of your life. If you aren't with me, you are against me!
    
    Good luck and if you need more information regarding either center, please feel free to email me.
    
    God Bless!
    
    Barb
  - October 12, 2011 at 7:31 pm
    
    Quote
    jim Breitfeller
    Participant
    
    Lauri, you may want to look into a Melanoma Center of care. Also a second opinion witha Melanoma Specialist.
    
    http://www.melanomacare.org/centers.shtml
    
    Midwest
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
    Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, MI
    734-936-6360
    http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/clinic/melclinic.htm
    
    Pigmented Lesion Clinic
    Henry Ford Hospital
    Detroit, MI
    313-916-4060
    
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
    Karmanos Cancer Institute
    Wayne State University
    Detroit, MI
    313-745-9166
    1-800-Karmanos
    
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Clinic
    University of Cincinnati Medical Center
    Cincinnati, OH
    513-584-8900
    
    MetroHealth Medical Center
    Cancer Care Center Melanoma Program
    2500 MetroHealth Drive
    Cleveland, Ohio 44109
    
    (216) 778-4795 (Surgical Oncology)
    (216) 778-5802 (Medical Oncology)
    The Melanoma Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
    Cleveland, OH
    http://www.clevelandclinic.org/cancer
    
    The Melanoma Center At The James
    Ohio State University
    Columbus, OH
    614-293-7531 (medical)
    614-293-5644 (surgical)
    
    Wagner & Associates Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Consultants of Indiana
    Indianapolis, IN
    317-621-2520
    317-621-2580
    
    Interdisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
    Indiana University Cancer Center, Indiana University Medical Center
    Indianapolis, IN
    317-278-7449
    
    Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center
    Loyola University Chicago
    Chicago, IL
    708-327-2078
    http://www.luhs.org
    
    Pigmented Lesion Center
    Rush University
    Chicago, IL
    312-563-2321
    http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-R12605.html
    
    Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Center
    University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, MN
    612-625-5199
    
    Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group
    St. Louis University Health Sciences Center/SLUCare
    St. Louis, MO
    314-268-5320
    
    Best regards,
    
    Jimmy B
- - October 12, 2011 at 7:21 pm
  - Quote
  Harry in Fair Oaks
  Participant
  Is it possible to speed up the doctor's appointment, now that the nurse got you so scared? The nodule in the lung is tiny and may be due to a number of things – that's why a follow-up scan is required to see if there is interval growth suggestive of cancer. But 6 months seems too long. When they were looking at my lung nodule, the follow-up scans were every 3 months. You didn't say the nurse mentiond "nodules" or "lesions" in the liver. "Abnormalities" could mean anything. Again, you need an ASAP discussion with your doctor.
  
  Best wishes,
  
  Harry
- - October 12, 2011 at 7:50 pm
  - Quote
  jim Breitfeller
  Participant
  Your Doctor
  
  Kenneth A Schwartz, MD
  Hematologist, Internist, Medical Oncologist
  
  Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBKKMzu
  
  Specialty Board
  Certified?
  
  Internal Medicine
  
  Sub-specialties: Hematology & Oncology, Hematology, Medical Oncology
  View ABMS® certification
  
  Special Expertise:
  Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma; Immune System Disorders; LeukemiaLymphomaMyelomaMDS General Oncology ImmunologyImmunobiologyVaccines Other
  
  Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBwi9Rk
  
  I don't see Melanoma as one of his Specialty.You may want to consider a Melanoma specialist.
  
  I wish you all the best
  
  Jimmy b
- - October 12, 2011 at 7:50 pm
  - Quote
  jim Breitfeller
  Participant
  Your Doctor
  
  Kenneth A Schwartz, MD
  Hematologist, Internist, Medical Oncologist
  
  Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBKKMzu
  
  Specialty Board
  Certified?
  
  Internal Medicine
  
  Sub-specialties: Hematology & Oncology, Hematology, Medical Oncology
  View ABMS® certification
  
  Special Expertise:
  Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma; Immune System Disorders; LeukemiaLymphomaMyelomaMDS General Oncology ImmunologyImmunobiologyVaccines Other
  
  Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBwi9Rk
  
  I don't see Melanoma as one of his Specialty.You may want to consider a Melanoma specialist.
  
  I wish you all the best
  
  Jimmy b
- - October 12, 2011 at 7:50 pm
  - Quote
  jim Breitfeller
  Participant
  Your Doctor
  
  Kenneth A Schwartz, MD
  Hematologist, Internist, Medical Oncologist
  
  Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBKKMzu
  
  Specialty Board
  Certified?
  
  Internal Medicine
  
  Sub-specialties: Hematology & Oncology, Hematology, Medical Oncology
  View ABMS® certification
  
  Special Expertise:
  Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma; Immune System Disorders; LeukemiaLymphomaMyelomaMDS General Oncology ImmunologyImmunobiologyVaccines Other
  
  Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBwi9Rk
  
  I don't see Melanoma as one of his Specialty.You may want to consider a Melanoma specialist.
  
  I wish you all the best
  
  Jimmy b
- - October 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm
  - Quote
  Jamietk
  Participant
  Hi Lauri,
  
  Are these your first scans? If so, then the spots could highly likely be anything other than cancer. Even if they are not your first scans and the spots are new, they really could be anything. I have nodules and abnormalities in my breast, liver, and both lungs. I'm 6 years out and they're all benign. However, when first discovered in 2006, I was scanned every 3 months for 2 years to ensure they did not change or grow (and we did biopsy the breast). I tell you this to try to ease your mind a little while you wait for further discussion. Spots really can be benign. That said, as others have recommended, 6 months seems too long to recheck. I have not looked up your profile or referred to old posts so please forgive me if you are already seeing someone at a melanoma center. But if you're not, you need to make sure you are seen by a mel specialist (you may already since you've done interferon). It's easier said than done, trust me, I know. But try to wait until you get more information before you panic. I certainly would have a hard time waiting until the 20th. I'd be on the phone demanding at least a phone call with my Dr. I'll say some prayers that your spots are benign. Keep us posted.
- - October 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm
  - Quote
  Jamietk
  Participant
  Hi Lauri,
  
  Are these your first scans? If so, then the spots could highly likely be anything other than cancer. Even if they are not your first scans and the spots are new, they really could be anything. I have nodules and abnormalities in my breast, liver, and both lungs. I'm 6 years out and they're all benign. However, when first discovered in 2006, I was scanned every 3 months for 2 years to ensure they did not change or grow (and we did biopsy the breast). I tell you this to try to ease your mind a little while you wait for further discussion. Spots really can be benign. That said, as others have recommended, 6 months seems too long to recheck. I have not looked up your profile or referred to old posts so please forgive me if you are already seeing someone at a melanoma center. But if you're not, you need to make sure you are seen by a mel specialist (you may already since you've done interferon). It's easier said than done, trust me, I know. But try to wait until you get more information before you panic. I certainly would have a hard time waiting until the 20th. I'd be on the phone demanding at least a phone call with my Dr. I'll say some prayers that your spots are benign. Keep us posted.
- - October 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm
  - Quote
  Jamietk
  Participant
  Hi Lauri,
  
  Are these your first scans? If so, then the spots could highly likely be anything other than cancer. Even if they are not your first scans and the spots are new, they really could be anything. I have nodules and abnormalities in my breast, liver, and both lungs. I'm 6 years out and they're all benign. However, when first discovered in 2006, I was scanned every 3 months for 2 years to ensure they did not change or grow (and we did biopsy the breast). I tell you this to try to ease your mind a little while you wait for further discussion. Spots really can be benign. That said, as others have recommended, 6 months seems too long to recheck. I have not looked up your profile or referred to old posts so please forgive me if you are already seeing someone at a melanoma center. But if you're not, you need to make sure you are seen by a mel specialist (you may already since you've done interferon). It's easier said than done, trust me, I know. But try to wait until you get more information before you panic. I certainly would have a hard time waiting until the 20th. I'd be on the phone demanding at least a phone call with my Dr. I'll say some prayers that your spots are benign. Keep us posted.
- - October 13, 2011 at 1:10 am
  - Quote
  Lauri England
  Participant
  I originally went to U Of M for all of my surgeries right after my original diagnosis. I was diagnosed beginning of June 2011 and did not have my 1st surgery until July 19, 2010 and lymph nodes removed August 13, 2010. I switched to Breslin Cancer Center to do the Interferon treatments. I am now considering going back to U of M. The only problem I had with them was the waiting time. Very long. Scary with melanoma. I may try a different melanoma clinic. Thank you for the suggestions of places. At least I know I have a few options. I will be try to get my doctor to do a re scan in 3 months instead of 6 and also try to get a 2nd opinion as well.
- - October 13, 2011 at 1:10 am
  - Quote
  Lauri England
  Participant
  I originally went to U Of M for all of my surgeries right after my original diagnosis. I was diagnosed beginning of June 2011 and did not have my 1st surgery until July 19, 2010 and lymph nodes removed August 13, 2010. I switched to Breslin Cancer Center to do the Interferon treatments. I am now considering going back to U of M. The only problem I had with them was the waiting time. Very long. Scary with melanoma. I may try a different melanoma clinic. Thank you for the suggestions of places. At least I know I have a few options. I will be try to get my doctor to do a re scan in 3 months instead of 6 and also try to get a 2nd opinion as well.
- - October 13, 2011 at 1:10 am
  - Quote
  Lauri England
  Participant
  I originally went to U Of M for all of my surgeries right after my original diagnosis. I was diagnosed beginning of June 2011 and did not have my 1st surgery until July 19, 2010 and lymph nodes removed August 13, 2010. I switched to Breslin Cancer Center to do the Interferon treatments. I am now considering going back to U of M. The only problem I had with them was the waiting time. Very long. Scary with melanoma. I may try a different melanoma clinic. Thank you for the suggestions of places. At least I know I have a few options. I will be try to get my doctor to do a re scan in 3 months instead of 6 and also try to get a 2nd opinion as well.