Colon Cancer Support Group

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from mushroom-like growths that are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. The majority of the time, the diagnosis of localized colon cancer is through colonoscopy.

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spot on CT scan

capecod
capecod
When I had my CT scan after my last chemo treatment in Jan, they said there were some small spots that looked like bronchitis on my lung. I had a bit of a cold/allergies over the holidays,but nothing remarkable, and certainly not bronchitis. My onc did not seem concerned, but ordered an xray for my next check up in early April. My primary care dr did not seem worried either. Of course, being the worry-wart I am, I have been worrying.

How aggressive should I be in demanding a more intensive test? And if so, what would that be? A PET scan? Am I borrowing trouble?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Be aggressive!! I would demand a pet scan. My doctor blew off my xray that showed a small spot on my lung 7 months after being dx with stage 3 colon cancer..with in a year I had massive tumors in both lungs. I have had 1/2 my right lung removed and been on chemo for 6 years since, I have just stopped the chemo because I just can't do it any more. I'm not triing to scare you, I just know that it needs to be checked out. Please keep us up to date. You will be in my prayers! V
deleted_user
deleted_user
You are not borrowing trouble. I would ask the doctors why they want to wait and why you can't have an FDG-PET scan now.

I am amazed at how cavalier some doctors are with our health and our "mental health" (the amount of stress we go through when we don't get good explanations)! At a minimum you deserve a better explanation. "Not worried" doesn't cut it with me, I''m sorry.
Gr8ful
Gr8ful
Ditto CC ditto even for peace of mind, remind them you are the one that had cancer removed. In my prayers as always CC, G8
kate1127
kate1127
My doctor didn't even finish my first colonoscopy because he ran into problems with my heart rate. 10 months later I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer.

YOU are the consumer! YOU need to tell the doctors what to do or you go elsewhere.

I wish I had.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had a CT scan done in October 09 and a spot was noticed on my lung. My onc wasn't concerned, but I was so after discussing it with my onc, I decided on a PET scan in the coming months, which I had just last week. The spot was still there so my onc recommends a biopsy and I agree with him. I will get that in the week or so. My point, YOU need to be the one to make all the decision regarding your health. If you're worried (I was!) then ask for the PET scan. It's easy and painless and gives a better picture of what's going on in there - a nice piece of mind. Better to be safe than sorry.

Good luck!
capecod
capecod
thx everyone, for your input. I agree - will demand PET scan if spot is still on xray next month,. I'm not a "let's sit around and see what happens" person either.