Just received my Pet Scan results

Hi everyone, I have unfortunately been on this site for 9 years now. Diagnosed with early stage in 2015. Then had a recurrence in 2022. Yesterday I had a follow up Pet scan and the indication says "New hypermetabolic abdominal, pelvic, and thoracic lymphadenopathy, presumably reflecting metastatic disease." I briefly spoke to my oncologist and he said there are several lymph nodes that are lighting up as well as some fluid around my lung. They are scheduling a node biopsy and going to drain the fluid and test that as well. I am kind of freaking out here just reading that. Has anyone had scan results like this and have it not turn out to be MBC?

Comments

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,633

    @mvspaulding, we're so sorry you’re going through this. The wait for results can be truly terrible, but only the biopsy and fluid testing can confirm whether it’s metastatic disease. Until then, we're thinking of you, and keeping our fingers crossed for benign results.

    Sincerely,

    The Mods

  • tougholdcrow
    tougholdcrow Member Posts: 184

    @mvspaulding The testing phase is a very scary ride, and nobody can't know yet, but we're here for you.

  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 166

    Thank you - maybe the part that is the worst for me is telling my kids once again news like this.

  • rockym
    rockym Member Posts: 383

    Hi, all these tests and pathology reports are scary as heck. I had cancer in 2011 ER+PR+Her2- and the only tests I had were a mammo, biopsy and MRI. This time, 13 years later, my surgeon started with an MRI and then my oncologist moved on to Bone scan, CT scan, PET scan, Tumor Markers, Genetic Testing and another MRI. The CT showed enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen. Those results got me a trip to the PET scan and the Pet scan showed activity in those lymph nodes. I then had to wait almost 5 weeks for a biopsy which in turn showed nothing of interest. No cancer. Perhaps those nodes were doing their job the same time the test was taken. So yes, it can be nothing. I'm guessing when we have had a recurrence they are hypervigilant. I think I was told or read their was a greater chance of mets then a local recurrence. I'm curious, how can you have a left lumpectomy if you already had a left mastectomy? Wishing you well on the tests and hopefully they are simply working nodes.

  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 166

    hi I pray that you are right and the nodes aren’t cancer. I think that the fluid in lung could also be a lasting side effect of radiation. I did have a double mastectomy first time around. There is about 5-6% breast tissue leftover after that. I’m the lucky one who got a new recurrence in that little bit of breast tissue in my left armpit. They already got me scheduled for this Friday for node biopsy and thoracentesis. Thanks so much for your response.