After 2 months of waiting, the results are in.
Two months of wondering if the lymphadenopathy reported by the radiologist in April was due to some kind of infection (my trying to reason that this was not progression), I have learned—again—that CT scans are never 100% accurate. The multiple x-rays are put back together to form an image that can be slightly different with each scan. This follow-up scan proves that statement. I will feel much better about the most recent radiologist’s impression if that same impression is reported by the professional reviewing my next scan in September. For now, I am moving forward with my life. Happy doesn't touch how I am feeling about remaining on my current treatment of Kadcyla (TDM-1). Just had treatment #87!!
Here are the impressions of the radiologists reading my scans:
April 15th 2019
Right paratracheal node measures 1.4 x 2.3 cm on 4:21 versus 1.2 x 1.9 p.m. on the prior. *Increase is determined by the shortest axis which is the first measurement.
Impression--Progressive nodal metastasis as evidenced by increased high mediastinal adenopathy—increased size of lymphnode.
June 17th 2019
Undefined nodal tissue throughout superior mediastinum with largest measuring 1.5 cm in short axis (rt paratracheal station) similar to prior examination. (short axis difference of 1mm on this scan)
Was 1.4 x 2.3 cm on 4-15-2019.
Impression: No definite progression of disease.
Yeah, not seeing "No Evidence of Active Disease (NEAD)" or "No Evidence of Disease (NED)" jumping out at me any longer on my reports is deflating, but "No Definite Progression of Disease (Stable)" is tremendously wonderful in the world of metastatic disease especially when compared to "Progressive Nodal Metastasis". I will take it!
Two months of wondering if the lymphadenopathy reported by the radiologist in April was due to some kind of infection (my trying to reason that this was not progression), I have learned—again—that CT scans are never 100% accurate. The multiple x-rays are put back together to form an image that can be slightly different with each scan. This follow-up scan proves that statement. I will feel much better about the most recent radiologist’s impression if that same impression is reported by the professional reviewing my next scan in September. For now, I am moving forward with my life. Happy doesn't touch how I am feeling about remaining on my current treatment of Kadcyla (TDM-1). Just had treatment #87!!
Here are the impressions of the radiologists reading my scans:
April 15th 2019
Right paratracheal node measures 1.4 x 2.3 cm on 4:21 versus 1.2 x 1.9 p.m. on the prior. *Increase is determined by the shortest axis which is the first measurement.
Impression--Progressive nodal metastasis as evidenced by increased high mediastinal adenopathy—increased size of lymphnode.
June 17th 2019
Undefined nodal tissue throughout superior mediastinum with largest measuring 1.5 cm in short axis (rt paratracheal station) similar to prior examination. (short axis difference of 1mm on this scan)
Was 1.4 x 2.3 cm on 4-15-2019.
Impression: No definite progression of disease.
Yeah, not seeing "No Evidence of Active Disease (NEAD)" or "No Evidence of Disease (NED)" jumping out at me any longer on my reports is deflating, but "No Definite Progression of Disease (Stable)" is tremendously wonderful in the world of metastatic disease especially when compared to "Progressive Nodal Metastasis". I will take it!
Isn't it fun living on the edge all the time. I'm kidding of course.
ReplyDeleteHad an appointment with my oncologist to go over my CAT scan results on Thursday. The nodes are still in my lungs but havn't changed in the past 3 months so I'm free now until Nov. when they'll do another scan. I'm sick of this but I'm glad to be alive and happy that you are too. <3 <3 <3
Susan, I feel the same way. It is good to your cancer is stable.
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