Ct scan

I was just wondering if ct scans can see through ascites? And do doctors have a good idea where the cancer is/spread before surgery or do they not know til they operate?

[Yoshbosh]

In my experience, yes, the CT scan can see through the ascites and it gives the surgeons a fairly reasonable indication of what's going on when they operate, although they may find something they weren't fully expecting.

[Hidden in reply to Yoshbosh]

Thanks I think I'm over thinking things tonight and driving myself nuts!

[Tesla_7US]

I had massive ascites fluid and yes, doctors can see through it. My abdomen was so filled with cancer they had a hard time finding my organs. I had 4 months of chemo before first surgery. The chemo killed a great deal of it, enough so the doctor had a very good idea of what was in there. I had an open abdominal radical hysterectomy, more details on my profile. Once opened up the doc could see where the disease had gone. He operated for approx 5 hours and got all macroscopic disease, which left me with no "visible macroscopic disease" aka R-0 (residual disease zero). He followed this with IP chemo and dose dense chemo. Recently had temp. colostomy reversed and 6 biopsies. No signs of malignancy in any of them. Have been NED for 4 months. Hope it lasts forever.

[Hidden in reply to Tesla_7US]

That's amazing Telsa_7! That fills me with hope. It's my mum who has been diagnosed a month ago. She has 10 litres of fluid drained. She has lost so much weight cos she had no appetite for months. I'm worried they haven't told her where the cancer has gone. They mentioned Fallopian tubes peritoneum and omentum. She's to have chemo then surgery then more chemo. I'd like to think they wouldn't suggest surgery if they didn't think it could be done. I'm driving myself crazy going over all the scenarios.

[Caroles1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I had massive ascites also,couldn't eat and looked like a skeleton,had a 17 cm tumour.

I strangely ate tomatoes on toast and bacon sandwiches,also, Banana complan and banana milkshakes,it was all that kept me alive.

I was drained over 2 weeks and had 2 blood transfusions, but was only diagnosed as 1c.I had the op immediately and 6 months of chemo.

The good news is I have been NED since April 2015 and although Ifeel tired I live a full life.

There are loads of us ladies that have been given terrible diagnosis and outlooks(mine was 2 weeks left the way I was going) but we are still here.

All you can do is support your Mum,you sound like a lovely daughter,but please look after yourself as well and take any help and support offered from anyone.

We are here too,

Carole xx

[Hidden in reply to Caroles1]

Thanks for your reply Carole. I'm glad you are doing well now. I've just been to the shop to get complan for Mum, although her appetite seems to be a little better after starting chemo. I'm really worried about the surgery but I know it's for the best.

[Caroles1 in reply to Hidden]

It will be better,chemo always reduces the ascites and ups the appetite,so it will make her stronger,surgery will be fine,you are doing your best,just support her as you are as she will be out of action for about 6 weeks,

Wish you all well,

Carole xxx

[Tesla_7US]

Help your mother to eat. Find something she WANTS to eat. I had no appetite either, but I knew that if I couldn't feed myself I would not have the strength to recover from the surgery. This is really important!!!! Please read my profile. My cancer was everywhere. I am alive and feeling great now!!!! So, stop jumping to the worst possible conclusions. It will make YOU sick and upset your mother. Your doctors are giving good advice. They wouldn't suggest surgery if they "don't think it can be done". I do not think the medical community lies, I do think they occasionally commit sins of omission and there are many reasons for that.

[thomas62]

Hi Tesla-7

Could I ask where you had your IP chemo. Is this Intra Peritoneal chemo.

Thanks. Gwen

[CallmeMum]

Hello Lovely,

From what I understand a CT scan looks at every bit of your body in layers like an onion and with ascites being fluid it should have no problem going through it all

Xxx