Where should I go from here?

steuny · Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 8:35 pm Post subject: Where should I go from here?

This spring a random x-ray and CT scan revealed I had numerous enlarged lymph nodes in the chest area. The diagnosis is either sarcoidosis or lymphoma . I saw Dr Reich in the Soo and it was decided that a biopsy was in order. I am now awaiting an appointment for this procedure. I have since started reading a lot and bought a book called "The Patient from Hell" I could have asked more questions of Dr Reich but the book and general reading has brought me to this forum. I am now wondering whether a PET scan was not ordered or should that follow a more detailed diagnosis of the nodes which would come after the biopsy. I am new to this forum but look forward to reading more posts as time goes on and my specific health issue. Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated. I am 57 years old and retired 2 years ago.

brainman · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 7:13 am Post subject: Re: Where should I go from here?

Hi steuny and welcome to the Cancer Forums,

The major thing and the hardest thing for you to do right now is to wait on the biopsy result. A PET scan might have revieled some things that the CT did not but the CT at least showed the abnormal lympth nodes. The biopsy will tell you and your medical team what they are.

In the mean time, and this is an advice I give to everyone, start keeping a medical journal. As you come across questions, such as "Why not a PET scan?" write them in your journal so that next time you see your oncologist that and other questions do not go flying out of your mind. I doctor's appointment can be intimidating and can cause you to forget important questions. Take notes in your journal. I am not saying that you should become paranoid about your health, just observant. Most of it will be mundain and you will not need it. But you never know when a doctor will ask you "When was the last time.... ?" If you have it written in your journal, those questions will be easier to answer.

Good luck and God bless you.
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Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

rlee · Site Admin Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 245

Agree with Jim, you'll need to wait for the biopsy result. It's the right thing to do. Good luck and keep us updated.
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RLee, MD

Any information provided is NOT intended to provide specific medical advice to users but rather to provide users with information to help them better understand their health condition and related care. All readers are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified physician for answers to their personal medical questions.

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