I saw the surgeon. More confused than ever.
Hi everyone.
After a very long month, I finally saw a surgeon for my 8mm si NETS. I am symptomatic. I was totally expecting to get a surgery booked to only realize, the surgeon wants another PETscan. I'm not sure why, since my last one was negative. The tumor was found by CT enterography. Anyway, she is also putting me on octreotide for a month and will reassess my symptoms.
I'm confused about the PET scan, unless its for mapping. But if it doesn't show up like the last time.....and doesnt octreotide work right away? Why a month...I'm a bit frustrated.
Thanks for hearing me out
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Thanks for your reply. I live in Canada. We dont do medical insurance unless we travel...
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2 ReactionsOh..really? Why is that?
Don’t know if you know
However If you get Octreotide on Monday you have to wait atleast 3 weeks to get the PET scan
I do my PET scans a day or two before my octreotide injection
Hope all goes well
You can ask about the insurance. Some companies require the oncologist to go through a process with prescribed solutions. The system is not perfect so you have to be your own advocate.
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1 ReactionAll the above comments are great. However, I would add that maybe it has to do with your insurance coverage. I had a 2.5cm NET in my SI with similar mets to you. After 3 months of Lanreotide and biweekly extreme bloating and vomiting I went to the ER where a CT scan with dye revealed a full blockage leading to an emergency operation removing the NET, 8 lymph nodes, GB, 10in of SI. You may have a partial blockage at times(things move around) causing your pain. You need a NET Specialist that knows the questions to ask you and how to work with your insurance. I don't think your specific doctor can coach you on symptoms. Ie insurance regulations etc. in your situation a second opinion could help. I got a second opinion for a neighbor oncologist and it frankly saved my life. 2 yrs, 4months later on monthly Somatuline Depot shots and I feel great and I'm very active. I wish you the best.🙏
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1 ReactionGood luck. Let us know it goes. Ok?
Hi...I had the gallium PET. It was negative. But a CT enterography found it...
I'm not sure what the future PET is. I see a different endocrinologist (my referring doctor) on Monday. I assume for the octreotide...not sure.
I will ask him all the questions
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2 ReactionsI totally get the "Get it outta me" mentality. As others have said, due diligence is your friend. And hopefully the octreotide will give you relief in the meantime.
Exactly what type of pet scan are they proposing and what type have you had before? There is a net specific pet scan called a gallium 68 (ga68) or the same type of scan but done with copper. Other pet scans may not reveal nets while the gallium usually does
I am glad that it has helped. It is very confusing. I got diagnosed in 8/22. I have done a lot of homework and learned a lot since then. Engaging and listening to folks on here really has helped too. People here have been there, can relate, and also can share their experiences. You are not alone. Great on the octreotide. I know that it has helped a lot of people with symptoms. The gallium pet scan that I get lights up like a christmas tree unfortunately. Hopefully yours is a dimly lit 8mm bulb that just needs to go bye bye. I am hoping for you. Please keep us posted and vent anytime you want. You have to let it out somewhere. For me, this is the best place for it.
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4 ReactionsThank you. I would never show them my anxiousness. I trust them completely. I'm just the type that when there's a lump, bump, or mark, I want it out. I know that this is intricate, but I had no idea how so. It was a very overwhelming day.
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