Re: My Scan Results for followup of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Hi, @azkidney57. I googled the term "lucent lesion" and found an expert response that listed 11 possible lesions that range widely across the possibilities. You can view that response at https://www.health24.com/Medical/Cancer/Experts/Question/What-does-lucent-lesions-mean-20160219. Note that the response closes with a strong recommendation that you confer with your primary physician as to which of the possibilities is most likely in your case so that, if needed, treatment can begin.

@azkidney57 I had malignant lesions in my liver and they were ablated. I don’t believe mine were smaller than yours so perhaps that is an option for you too. I know how difficult it is to not worry, but try not to. You will have more info soon enough so relax until then.
JK

@azkidney57 Relax, take a deep breath, call your dr and get their take on this finding. As @predictable has mentioned, there are several reasons behind a cyst. No need to worry ahead of time.
Ginger

Martin thanks for your reply and info! I am checking into it!

JK thanks for your reply! It is difficult not to worry. I just need to haveb it checked out. I just want to be at a point where I can deal with things as they come. I have had so much interaction with physicians I don’t like it much! I feel like a guinea pig! Testing and scanning and appointments. My surgery was a big stressor! I feel like I have PTSD! Now this liver cyst. I will need an ultra sound! Such is the life of a cancer patient!

@azkidney57 I can totally sympathize with you. When I look at my phone and see the enormous list of doctors I can't believe it. We just have to forge on, as difficult as that is.
JK

Hi Ginger the voice of reason. I must admit I did freak out when I was told I have a leision. They think it’s a complex cyst. I never spoke to my cancer center. My PCP office called me and a nurse told me I need to have an ultrasound to check out this leision/ mass/ cyst! I am just tired of not being a “healthy” person anymore. It’s like my body has betrayed me. That’s how I feel. My anxiety stems from not speaking to anyone about my concerns. It feels as if no one cares! I feel alone. Today a nurse called me from the cancer center asking me how I was. I told her I was frustrated with the “system” the medical treadmill patients are made to run. She told me I was anxious. Yes I am I replied. I have an appointment to see my oncologist next week. So this is the reality of surveillance. Just a waiting game. I wish I could be “doing” something to help myself! So I have been labeled as more anxious than the average patient. My cancer center wants me to see a social worker. As I see it I will be living my life in 4 month intervals. This “interval” I am cancer free maybe. Unless I have a liver cancer/ tumor. Next interval who knows! The more scans the more “stuff” wrong they find. I didn’t sign up for this! I need to find how to live with my new reality!

JK, my life right now revolves on my next doctor appointment, my next test, my next exam etc. etc. I am tired of being prodded and poked and “examined”. It’s all a bit too much! I had a big surgery. That was it I thought. That’s the first big medical thing that had ever happened to me. My friend keeps telling me it’s over don’t worry about it. But it’s not over! It’s like I am in a really bad nightmare that I will never wake up from! I don’t trust my cancer center. I don’t like my PCP much, no offense. I only went to see him in the past for colds or the occasional medical issue. I worry that if I develop Mets I need chemo will my cancer center be there for me? Will I have aggressively advocate for myself as a sick person? I need someone on “my side”. The Mayo Cancer Center sounds better and better. But the grass my not be greener on the other end. My friend mentioned that as well. I just know that the oncologist I met at Mayo in September impressed me. My gut told me he was okay.

@azkidney57 I know how disheartening this is. I am not thrilled with my PCP either. I like him, but I think he leaves something to be desired as my doctor.
We do need to advocate for ourselves, I have learned that very well. If you like Mayo and it's within reach of you geographically, then do it. I am a Mass General patient but when I was waiting for a liver transplant I did have contact with Mayo. If Mass General had not come through when they did with a liver for me I was just about to list at Mayo. I had spoken to them and they seemed optimistic about my getting a transplant sooner than Mass General could. Of course I was very happy that Mass General came through for me, it's a heck of a lot more convenient since I live in southern NH.

Do what gives you the most comfort and the most confidence. I think feeling confident of our medical care makes a huge difference.
JK

JK yes being confident our medical team makes a huge difference. You had a liver transplant wow! That’s huge stuff! How the heck did you cope? I often wonder how people make it. I saw two friends struggle with their cancers. I always felt badly for them they had good days and bad. Both of these two wonderful women died June 2019 with 2 weeks of each other. I couldn’t go to their funerals but I was able to see them both before they died. It was so very difficult to see my my friend of many years during her finally days but I am glad I did. Cancer sucks! Thank you JK for your response. I appreciate your sharing your experience.