Is it possible to feel better on keytruda but then have a bad scan?

[Francine009]

Had anyone experienced better symptoms while on keytruda for stage IV lung cancer but then had a bad scan? Just anxious about my mom's upcoming scan, she seems much better, more energy and appetite and weight gain but I guess I'm just wondering if it's possible that her scan may show growth (not pseudoprogression) and is that a reality I should be prepared for? Any experience would greatly help! TIA

[Surviventhrive]

Hi Francine, it could surely be possible, but if i were you, i would try to live and enjoy today without worrying about scan results. Your worry robs you of today but won't change what the scans say.

Best of luck and let us know, please.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Usually her outward response is a good indicator of her cancers response to treatment. It worked that way for me. My finger clubbing disappeared, my cough and the mucinous crud it brought up stopped.

I’m not sure how they tell the difference between progression and pseudo-progression and would love be to learn how it’s diagnosed.

[woonsin in reply to Denzie]

Someone of expertise seem Ed to have said that the PETS-ct SCAN results could be subject to false negative/positive outcome.The oncologist needs to have an overall review bf deciding the treatment options .Can any of our cancer friends advise more ?

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to woonsin]

Inflammation of any type can cause a nodule to become temporarily enlargened when viewed on a CT. Inflammation also registers brightly on a PET leading to a false positive.

Inflammation can be caused by recent cold or respitory illness, exposure to allergens, fumes from household or industrial cleaners, colognes, room air fresheners, candles, fabric softeners and other things that can be found around the home.

[woonsin in reply to Denzie]

You have given me a very valuable advice and I am grateful for it.I am certain that your cancer situation should be in a very stable stage given your fast and pertinent action.Keep up with your wonderful efforts so that you can continue to give advices to other warriors like me.In my case,my PET-ct last December showed pretty large rises in SUVmax at old spots and met to other Vertebra and nymph nodes along trachea,food wipe, neck etc.Previously a year ago,my SUVmax were all around 2.4 unit,but shot up to some 500% to 12 units with brightness.However,my physical well being then remaining pretty incompatiably good.So your pertinent reply leads me to think that there could be false positive results in my case.Can Roycastle helpline and other warriors be kind enough to provide some invaluable views,if available ?