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New Here and need to learn fast
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Oct 31, 2023 | Replies (69)Comment receiving replies
I like to make an appointment with my GP for the day after my appointment with the oncologist. My oncologist is good, but my GP has more time to go over the radiologist's report and answer my questions. I bring along the radiologist's report. I have my questions circled on the report and my GP explains what these things mean.
My GP also has computer access to the scan and my report. He brings up the scan on his computer and we look at it together. This gives me a chance to ask any questions that popped into my head about the scan the night before. My GP has a different "overall" perspective of the situation. I learn much from my GP's interpretation of the scan and the radiologist's report.
I wish you the best of luck on your scan results. The waiting is so hard. So many of can relate.
Pet scans show color where the body has metabolic activity which is any organ like the heart or liver. Also it will show color right up the center of the chest along the mediastinum. One year my PET even picked up a small pimple on my backside. It's that sensitive.
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I like your idea to go over PET and CT scan reports with your GP. I do the same thing with my PCP. I have found that Specialists don't discuss other things noted in a scan report if outside their area of specialization. So, I have my PCP review reports and ask him if he thinks there is anything I need to follow up on. I am in fact now following up with something that was noted on a scan. I do find the Radiologist reports will suggest when another type test would be needed to determine something.
I had to go to ER last year and they discovered I had pleurisy. I saw my PCP immediately after and he went over the ER reports and then ordered two inflammatory marker tests (CRP and ESR) which the ER had not done. They came back very elevated! That was an important piece of information. The pleurisy decreased and the inflammatory markers went down to normal. When you have multiple conditions, it helps to work closely with your PCP, to keep things from falling through the cracks.
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Thank you very much for your response.
I canceled my business trip for next week. The guy who did the PetScan thinks my dr. will get the results today or Mon. because they put a ‘stat’ on the order. My pulmonary Dr doesn’t work on Saturdays so the last thing I need is the stress of getting the call while out of town with clients and coworkers.
I’m so appreciative of this group and the insight shared.
You guys are helping me learn and giving me some peace of mind by sharing your real life experiences and what to be aware of in layman’s terms. xo