Why the CT scan?

[Terrileeloughlin]

Hello Ladies, I'm after any advice about a CT scan I am to have. Now, I've had this one before, where you have to drink some horrible stuff, an hour before the scan. When I had this scan, I was told I certainly didnt have cancer as everything came back clear. Then while having a routine operation to remove the ovary as a precaution, cancer was found, I'd had it a few years, and it had spread.

I've had an operation to remove the tumors, and need to be scanned every three months, as the type of cancer I had, is resistant to chemo.

So, now before I see my oncologist in March, I have to have, the same scan again, and I'm very concerned, that if the scan didnt pick anything up, when I had the tumors, what is the point of having the same one, again. I hope I've explained this right or clearly. I have spoken to a oncol nurse, about my worry, and it took her a while, to get where I was coming from. I've asked for a blood test, but I dont know if this will happen. Any advice on this. Thankyou in advance, for reading, which may seem like, war and peace. Xx

[Lyndy]

Hello, I know this feels a bit pointless but the diagnostic tests (bloods, scans, palpitation etc) are all subject to interpretation and false positive or negative.... so each bit of evidence builds a picture. Over time the clinician can compare small details which may be indicative.

After your procedure they may also want to check that the organs left look normal with no swelling.

I would suggest that you try to bear with them but at your appointment you can ask ‘what did this scan tell you?’ ‘What are the important indicators for my particular cancer?’

You should have a say in when tests are repeated too. Best of luck! xx

[Terrileeloughlin in reply to Lyndy]

Hello Lyndy.

Thankyou fir getting back to me, and for your advice. I was always going to go for the scan, but like you said, I need answers as to why, and what can they see, that they didnt see before. Much love xx

[N-A-58]

Hi there. The same thing happened to my mum. Basically October 2018 she had raised ca125 of 133. We went and saw many professionals over the next couple of months and had 3 internal and external ultrasounds and then finally a ct scan. Nothing ever showed up on any of these. Nothing. Operation as a precaution to removed ovaries showed stage 3A high grade serous cancer. So I see your point. However as them to run a ca125 along side it, and use all the info available to get a better picture. I’m not OC never follows the rules. I hope it goes well

[Terrileeloughlin in reply to N-A-58]

Hi, N-A-58, I got a call from the oncol nurse today, to say, I could, have a blood test, and she'd send me the forms. I'm pleased I asked. Thankyou for your kind reply x

[Lizchips]

They always do comparisons. I have cat scan every year. Hopefully just being thorough.

[27-359]

Interestingly I haven't had a scan since my end of treatment one two and a half years ago!

Jenny

[Kmastro in reply to 27-359]

That would certainly concern me. Following treatment, I get a scan every 6 months and CA125 every 3 months. That is the protocol in the US

[Mommoo65 in reply to Kmastro]

I wish! I live in the US and I haven't had a cat scan since right before my debulking 4.5 years ago. I've only had that one. My oncologist stopped CA125 tests a year and a half ago because they are not a good marker for me. 45 at diagnoses of 3b High Grade. I see him every 6 months now. He is one of the wait-for-symptoms guys and does keep an sharp eye on me. So far, so good. He is also considered one of the top oncologists here in a town with the top teaching hospital in the nation. Lol. Listen to me... I do love my Dr.. 😊 but to be truthful, I miss the reassurance an occasional CT could give me. Best wishes.

[Terrileeloughlin in reply to Mommoo65]

Mine is low grade. Maybe that, makes a difference x

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Mommoo65]

Not a good marker for me either Mommoo. My CA 125 rose gradually over 8 months from 7 to 46. Only then did they decide to do a CT Scan showing 3 tumours (12.5cms 6.5cms 3.5cms) therefore a recurrence. The oncologist now says I'm 50/50 carboplatin resistant. I'm just finishing my 6th infusion of carbo/caelyx which had reduced them somewhat on the 3 month scan. A further scan at 6 months has not been scheduled. I really feel I'd like one but they don't like to inflict too many CT scans on us here. Not sure what to do.

Angela x

[Terrileeloughlin in reply to 27-359]

Jenny, I'd look into that, if I were you x

[Chick44nzrn]

Dear Terrileeloughlin, yes no wonder you feel somewhat cynical ! I suggest you ask for a 15 minute appointment in which you can then express all your misgivings and hear the rationale . Sometimes we worry about what others think and have concern for their ?( pride) professionalism etc but it’s your body your life your future so do speak up loud and clear !

All tests set my own teeth on edge and have just had chest X-rays mammograms 2 lots of blood tests and having felt gloomy and unwell was hugely surprised all looks normal . I’ve decided I can’t go on with this monster sitting on my shoulder any more so have decided again(!) to enjoy each day , let the clever drs do any tests and go from there.

Make the most of available technology !!

Good luck and keep smiling

Denise xx

[Terrileeloughlin]

❤❤

[delia2]

Hi. I’m in a similar situation during first recurrence. I had pain so they did a CT scan and it showed a tumor in my pelvis but then they did a Pet scan and it showed three other modules and multiple small spots of cancer. So now after three treatments they repeated the CT scan and it showed the one tumor had shrunk by 50%, but it didn’t show any of the other cancer. I couldn’t get the dr to discuss that.

[Terrileeloughlin]

Hi there. Ask for a blood test. Dont leave it, if you're not happy. X

[27-359]

I have a CA125 every month, and my Onc's thinking is that too many scans carry their own risk and treatment is best left until symptoms. The longer time left between treatment the better so the body has time to recover.

[Terrileeloughlin]

True. I'll have a talk with my doctor. Thankyou x