PET scan

[tongwang629]

If a PET scan doesn't show cancer, does this mean you are really cancer free?

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Sometimes a cancer hasn’t gotten large enough to register on a PET scan. Is this your first PET scan post treatment? If it is, your doctor will do follow up CTs for 2-5 years to be certain the cancer doesn’t come back.

[JanetteR57]

Not every cancer lights up on a PET but as it's one of several tests used to determine whether something might be cancer or not, usually the results of any imagine (chest x-ray, CT and then PET) plus any blood tests and biopsies will be added together to guide the clinician's judgement along with experience. If you're still worried despite the results, please discuss with your clinician and explain your concerns - if they're advising you that you're cancer free, then ask them how they have reached that conclusion for added reassurance.

[HopeForCancerCure]

Of course, it doesn't mean you are cancer free. It only means that a tumour large enough to be detected was not encountered. You have to remember the difference between cancer tumours and cancerous cells. Everybody has at any time billions of cancerous cells in their body and only those cells that develop into visible tumours can be detected with a PET scan. Normally a healthy and well functioning immune system eradicates cancerous cells. Therefore, it is so important to do everything you can to maintain and/or boost your immune system with a healthy diet and a reduction of unhealthy habits.

I wrote about this at length in my book "Lifeline - The Case for Effective Cancer Immunotherapy" and I support the immunotherapy research.

[Leo63 in reply to HopeForCancerCure]

Hi I was diagnosed in November 2020 and had surgery to remove left upper lobe in January. Have you heard anything about Turkey tail mushrooms? Also what are your thoughts on vitamin supplements? Tks.

[HopeForCancerCure in reply to Leo63]

I am sorry to learn about your diagnosis and surgery. Hopefully, you belong to the few cancer patients who truly recover and lead a productive and happy life for many years to come.

To your question about Turkey Tail mushrooms: I had not heard about it and looked it up. From the information provided, the FDA has approved a clinical trial of a turkey tail extract for patients with prostrate cancer, i.e. it has and will have a very limited range of application. So, unless this applies to you, I recommend to stay away from it, especially from those "miracle" pills offered by all sorts of allegedly reputable companies.

The same applies to vitamin supplements. They should only be taken on your doctor's advice under very special circumstances and only when your normal diet does not provide you with all the vitamins you need. Ergo, stick to a healthy diet and don't throw your money away for pills that only assure you of producing very expensive urine.

[Iainca in reply to Leo63]

Hi Leo 63How are you doing????

I’m in a centre for re-education and have been for three weeks after hip surgery which has been really great with lung reeducation also, some very simple things I’ve learnt with regards my lung,

A breathing exercise to expand the little bit I have has shown me results a week after doing, this is putting your hands behind your head breath in hold for 5 seconds blow out through your mouth do for five times four/five times a day it’s helped me!!! I also have been known to breath heavily for no reason and the help I’ve been shown is breath in and breathe out but making a puff with you mouth this is a calming down trick, also the physio has been manipulating my ribs a bit because there still broken a petit peu.

Wishing you well

Ian carter

[tongwang629 in reply to HopeForCancerCure]

Thanks! This explanation is so help!