Question about CT Scan

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Question about CT Scan

This topic has 5 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 4 months ago by Polymath.

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- January 23, 2020 at 2:08 am
- Quote
QuietPoet
Participant
Hi Folks!

I’m getting a CT scan tomorrow of the abdomen (first one). I’m doing it without contrast because I’m allergic to a lot of chemicals. I was curious whether that makes any difference in how well mel mets might show up.

I have to say (in response to an earlier post) that I have a FANTASTIC GP at UCSF now. This is the second time I’ve developed a dermatomyosotis reaction (basically, my skin is saying — something bad may be going on in your body). The rheumatologist sort of blew it off because my labs didn’t weren’t positive for ANA or the anitbodies they tested for. About a year later, my melanoma was found. I’m sure I had the melanoma during that time. After the melanoma was removed, the dematomyosotis got better for the most part. Well, it’s back — along with pain in the abdomen and fevers. This GP — given the history — wasted no time. She’s doing a lot more blood tests and ordered a CT scan immediately. It’s so nice to be taken seriously. Our bodies talk to us (or at least mine is rather chatty).

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Replies

- - January 23, 2020 at 6:59 pm
  - Quote
  lkb
  Participant
  QP, I don’t have an answer about the contrast, but I’m glad to hear you’re getting great primary care from UCSF (as am I). Hope today’s CT scan doesn’t reveal any melanoma; if it does, however, you’ll be in good hands at UCSF. Good luck!
  - January 23, 2020 at 7:41 pm
    
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    sks2019
    Participant
    
    I am surpirised to hear there are folks on this forum who are getting treated at UCSF. Which Melanoma docs are you guys seeing ?
  - January 24, 2020 at 3:21 am
    
    Quote
    QuietPoet
    Participant
    
    Just curious why you are surprised? They are a designated melanoma center. My doctor (not an oncologist but a researcher working on better diagnostic methods for those with many dysplastic nevi) is Maria Wei. I know another person who has been getting good care there as a Stage 4 warrior for quite a while though I don’t think he’s on this board.
  - January 24, 2020 at 3:18 am
    
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    QuietPoet
    Participant
    
    Thank you, Ike. Good luck with your decision.
- - January 25, 2020 at 5:34 am
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  Polymath
  Participant
  I was very pleased with my care at UCSF. They have a dedicated staff of melanoma specialists.
  In fact I credit them for saving my life after my local oncologist had run out of options.

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