Setback in my diagnosis: Stage 2 changed to stage 3

Posted by sjw6358 @sjw6358, Nov 16, 2022

yesterday i received news that my pet scan shows a small nodule in my lung and a suv3 gastrohepatic lymph node...so instead of stage 2 i guess that means i am at stage 3...i am scheduled for a cat scan on my lung tomorrow...i start radiation therapy this coming monday 11/21 and oncologist said treatment program for me still the same...i do not like surprises so i am kinda bummed

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

Sometimes those scans can give an idea of a nodule but also an infection can appear as ground glass (weird identifier, right?). Mine was actually an infection in my lung and my esophageal stage was stage 3 because it was in lymph nodes.
But it's been almost 2 1/2 years since my treatments followed by esphogectomy and I'm doing great!! Don't focus on the labels of stage; take one day at a time, eat lots of protein and high calories with the help of an oncology dietician.
Not a piece of cake, but it's definitely worth giving it your best.

REPLY
@survivorsuz

Sometimes those scans can give an idea of a nodule but also an infection can appear as ground glass (weird identifier, right?). Mine was actually an infection in my lung and my esophageal stage was stage 3 because it was in lymph nodes.
But it's been almost 2 1/2 years since my treatments followed by esphogectomy and I'm doing great!! Don't focus on the labels of stage; take one day at a time, eat lots of protein and high calories with the help of an oncology dietician.
Not a piece of cake, but it's definitely worth giving it your best.

Jump to this post

Mine has returned after surgery. Stage 4 no treatment was told to me

REPLY

Did you consider asking about immunotherapy?
Hoping for the better options for you.

REPLY
@survivorsuz

Did you consider asking about immunotherapy?
Hoping for the better options for you.

Jump to this post

We were doing opdivo

REPLY
@oh4318jm

Mine has returned after surgery. Stage 4 no treatment was told to me

Jump to this post

@oh4318jm, how are you doing? Do you have a palliative care team?

REPLY
@colleenyoung

@oh4318jm, how are you doing? Do you have a palliative care team?

Jump to this post

No, we have not entered hospice just yet.

REPLY
@oh4318jm

No, we have not entered hospice just yet.

Jump to this post

Palliative care is not the same as hospice. It is symptom management or comfort care. You may be interested in reading more in this discussion:
- Palliative Care: What is it? How do I get it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/palliative-care-1/

It's never too early for palliative care.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.