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PET scan, infusions when traveling & tumor question
My partner's 6th chemo treatment with Gemza and Carboplatin is coming up next week (first cycle) for Stage IV NSCLC non operable. When is the followup PET scan typically scheduled? Right after? or is there a waiting period? His first PT was eyes to thighs - cancer had not spread to any organs in scan. I wonder why they did not scan the brain. Since I am reading that this type may spread typically TO the brain. Should we demand that the next PT include the brain?
We want to fill our bucket list yet we feel so tied down to the treatment schedules. Has anyone traveled and been infused elsewhere in their journeys? If so, how did that work out?
Partner insists his cancer is not a tumor since it does not show up as a round object on the PT scan copy we got to view. Aren't they all tumors?
Thank you to all those who have boldly and bravely gone before - to be able to guide us newbies,
Perplexed in caregiver world,
Cheryl
Views: 62
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sarge on -
Hey Cheryl: First, my best to you and your partner.........you're taking a real journey together.......and my experience is that the caregiver usually has it a lot tougher than we patients...........
My first PET after chemo/rads was at 3 months. That gives the chemo and rads a little time to work. BTW...just fyi, tumors are definitely not any defined shape........mine was a very disorganized mass...............
Cannot answer the question re travel and infusion......but think it will depend upon whatever decision you make together and whether or not the docs can give you info re a dependable/safe location for the infusions on your trip. My own opinion would be to not travel during that period so my docs (who I know and have faith in) would be at hand should I need any treatment beyond the infusions. I'd bet someone here has done the travel thing under those circumstances and may have a better handle on it.
Stay strong .............
Sarge
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Permalink Reply by DavidatpMOD on
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Hi Cheryl, I would just like to second all that Sarge said. All cancers are not tumors but as far as I know most, if not all NSCLC are solid tumors. That is actually a good thing as they would be less likely to metastasize throughout the body. I believe cancers of the blood are generally not considered to be solid tumors. Our tumors are not typically what you would calI round. They have some very complex shapes. I did one MRI for my brain to ensure the cancer had not spread and then I do a skull to thigh CAT/PET every six months and a chest CAT scan alternating every six months so that I get a CAT scan every three months. I have traveled after receiving infusions and had no problem with it. If you need to get an infusion while you are away in another state, you would probably have to get it approved by a physician in that state. In any case, make sure you discuss it with your Oncologist. Good luck, God bless and keep the faith...
David
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Permalink Reply by HollyJo/MOD on
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HI Cheryl,
You have already gotten some great advice! Lung Cancer tumors are definitely not always round in shape, in fact they can twist and wrap around things like arteries, which it sounds like that is not the case for you. That's a good thing!
I don't know to many people that travel in the beginning of their chemo infusions, as it could get complicated..but definitely as soon as it is done, or in between if they feel well. PET's are scheduled differently by different docs. My husbands was 2-3 weeks after his last infusion. The Chemo keeps working in your body for quite some time after the last infusion, so that is why they wait..it's still doing it's job.
I would ask for an MRI of the Brain. They did not do one right away on my husband either. He complained of headaches, and they did one right away. It works better than a PET, as the Brain is always using Glucose to function, so their will always be an "uptake". An MRI with triple contrast will show if there are any mets in the brain.
Whatever you do-don't give up on that vacation! Just plan it around the treatment. You can even ask your doc when would be a good time to squeeze that trip in :)
Hope this helps,
God Bless,
Holly
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Permalink Reply by AmyLCA on -
Hi Cheryl,
Good question about travel! I've known people who have planned trips in between their chemo cycles when they have three weeks between. I think my mom may have slightly postponed some chemo to take a trip with my dad to Alaska and Canada but she finished radiation to her spine first because she knew the plane travel would be uncomfortable with the bone mets she had if they didn't shrink. Not knowing what great adventures are on your bucket list, is it possible to plan them in between treatments? And just like Holly Jo said, talk to your doctor. It's totally reasonable to say "hey - my partner and I want to go on an Alaskan cruise for 2 weeks. How can we schedule chemo around that?" I think there is often some flexibility in how that works.
Others have already weighed in on the solid tumor thing, but just to add...a tumor is defined as an abnormal growth of body tissue. According to the National Cancer Institute, solid tumors include: sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas. Funny thing is, that doesn't mean it will show up in a perfect round ball on the screen. It's all so confusing...
Amy
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Permalink Reply by cards7up on
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I'd just like to add that traveling with cancer can also be tricky. You need to be aware of the possibility of blood clots. This would be mostly while flying, but can also happen on long car rides. If taking a car, frequent stops to get out and walk would help. Always best to check with his own onc for these types of questions. Take care, Judy
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