Scan Results
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Scan Results

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Scan Results

  • Post
    • October 12, 2011 at 6:38 pm
    Lauri England
    Participant

    The nurse from my doctors office called me with the CT scan results after I have called 3 times.  I was told I have a 3 mm nodual on my lung and my liver is showing abnormalities.  She said the doctor would go over this with me in more detail at my appt on the 20th.  I am freaking out.  The nurse did say that the doctor wants me to be re scanned in 6 months.  6 Months!!!!!

    The nurse from my doctors office called me with the CT scan results after I have called 3 times.  I was told I have a 3 mm nodual on my lung and my liver is showing abnormalities.  She said the doctor would go over this with me in more detail at my appt on the 20th.  I am freaking out.  The nurse did say that the doctor wants me to be re scanned in 6 months.  6 Months!!!!! Yeah right.  I need to know what my choices are.  I just finished a year of Interferon a month ago.  I know they are not sure at this point if it is Melanoma but I know going into this my scans were clear with no abnormalties.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thank you and God Bless!

Viewing 11 reply threads
  • Replies
      • October 12, 2011 at 7:21 pm
      Harry in Fair Oaks
      Participant

      Is it possible to speed up the doctor's appointment, now that the nurse got you so scared?  The nodule in the lung is tiny and may be due to a number of things – that's why a follow-up scan is required to see if there is interval growth suggestive of cancer.  But 6 months seems too long.  When they were looking at my lung nodule, the follow-up scans were every 3 months.  You didn't say the nurse mentiond "nodules" or "lesions" in the liver.  "Abnormalities" could mean anything.  Again, you need an ASAP discussion with your doctor.

      Best wishes,

      Harry

      • October 12, 2011 at 7:21 pm
      Harry in Fair Oaks
      Participant

      Is it possible to speed up the doctor's appointment, now that the nurse got you so scared?  The nodule in the lung is tiny and may be due to a number of things – that's why a follow-up scan is required to see if there is interval growth suggestive of cancer.  But 6 months seems too long.  When they were looking at my lung nodule, the follow-up scans were every 3 months.  You didn't say the nurse mentiond "nodules" or "lesions" in the liver.  "Abnormalities" could mean anything.  Again, you need an ASAP discussion with your doctor.

      Best wishes,

      Harry

        • October 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm
        Lisa13
        Participant

        I agree with Harry. The nodule you have on your lung is very small and could be there for many reason (enviromental, allergies, colds, etc). 6 months is too long to wait, so I would request another scan in 3 months. When I had nodules in my lungs, I got scanned again after 6 weeks to see if they were growing.  Because your spot is small, I would think 3 months is a good follow-up time.  As for the liver, it's an abnormality, so obviously whatever it is, it's small and unknown to them at this point. These types of things could also be nothing. 

        I know it's very easy to get ahead of yourself and make yourself very worried.  Try getting an appointment sooner than the 20th so you can discuss these concerns with your Dr.

        I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's nothing.

        Lisa

        • October 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm
        Lisa13
        Participant

        I agree with Harry. The nodule you have on your lung is very small and could be there for many reason (enviromental, allergies, colds, etc). 6 months is too long to wait, so I would request another scan in 3 months. When I had nodules in my lungs, I got scanned again after 6 weeks to see if they were growing.  Because your spot is small, I would think 3 months is a good follow-up time.  As for the liver, it's an abnormality, so obviously whatever it is, it's small and unknown to them at this point. These types of things could also be nothing. 

        I know it's very easy to get ahead of yourself and make yourself very worried.  Try getting an appointment sooner than the 20th so you can discuss these concerns with your Dr.

        I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's nothing.

        Lisa

        • October 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm
        Lisa13
        Participant

        I agree with Harry. The nodule you have on your lung is very small and could be there for many reason (enviromental, allergies, colds, etc). 6 months is too long to wait, so I would request another scan in 3 months. When I had nodules in my lungs, I got scanned again after 6 weeks to see if they were growing.  Because your spot is small, I would think 3 months is a good follow-up time.  As for the liver, it's an abnormality, so obviously whatever it is, it's small and unknown to them at this point. These types of things could also be nothing. 

        I know it's very easy to get ahead of yourself and make yourself very worried.  Try getting an appointment sooner than the 20th so you can discuss these concerns with your Dr.

        I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's nothing.

        Lisa

        • October 12, 2011 at 7:31 pm
        jim Breitfeller
        Participant

        Lauri, you may want to look into a Melanoma Center of care. Also a second opinion witha Melanoma Specialist.

        http://www.melanomacare.org/centers.shtml

        Midwest
        Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
        Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan
        Ann Arbor, MI
        734-936-6360
        http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/clinic/melclinic.htm

        Pigmented Lesion Clinic
        Henry Ford Hospital
        Detroit, MI
        313-916-4060

        Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
        Karmanos Cancer Institute
        Wayne State University
        Detroit, MI
        313-745-9166
        1-800-Karmanos

        Multidisciplinary Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Clinic
        University of Cincinnati Medical Center
        Cincinnati, OH
        513-584-8900

        MetroHealth Medical Center
        Cancer Care Center Melanoma Program
        2500 MetroHealth Drive
        Cleveland, Ohio 44109

        (216) 778-4795 (Surgical Oncology)
        (216) 778-5802 (Medical Oncology)
        The Melanoma Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
        Cleveland, OH
        http://www.clevelandclinic.org/cancer

        The Melanoma Center At The James
        Ohio State University
        Columbus, OH
        614-293-7531 (medical)
        614-293-5644 (surgical)

        Wagner & Associates Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Consultants of Indiana
        Indianapolis, IN
        317-621-2520
        317-621-2580

        Interdisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
        Indiana University Cancer Center, Indiana University Medical Center
        Indianapolis, IN
        317-278-7449

        Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center
        Loyola University Chicago
        Chicago, IL
        708-327-2078
        http://www.luhs.org

        Pigmented Lesion Center
        Rush University
        Chicago, IL
        312-563-2321
        http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-R12605.html

        Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Center
        University of Minnesota
        Minneapolis, MN
        612-625-5199

        Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group
        St. Louis University Health Sciences Center/SLUCare
        St. Louis, MO
        314-268-5320

         

        Best regards,

         

        Jimmy B

        • October 12, 2011 at 7:31 pm
        jim Breitfeller
        Participant

        Lauri, you may want to look into a Melanoma Center of care. Also a second opinion witha Melanoma Specialist.

        http://www.melanomacare.org/centers.shtml

        Midwest
        Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
        Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan
        Ann Arbor, MI
        734-936-6360
        http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/clinic/melclinic.htm

        Pigmented Lesion Clinic
        Henry Ford Hospital
        Detroit, MI
        313-916-4060

        Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
        Karmanos Cancer Institute
        Wayne State University
        Detroit, MI
        313-745-9166
        1-800-Karmanos

        Multidisciplinary Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Clinic
        University of Cincinnati Medical Center
        Cincinnati, OH
        513-584-8900

        MetroHealth Medical Center
        Cancer Care Center Melanoma Program
        2500 MetroHealth Drive
        Cleveland, Ohio 44109

        (216) 778-4795 (Surgical Oncology)
        (216) 778-5802 (Medical Oncology)
        The Melanoma Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
        Cleveland, OH
        http://www.clevelandclinic.org/cancer

        The Melanoma Center At The James
        Ohio State University
        Columbus, OH
        614-293-7531 (medical)
        614-293-5644 (surgical)

        Wagner & Associates Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Consultants of Indiana
        Indianapolis, IN
        317-621-2520
        317-621-2580

        Interdisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
        Indiana University Cancer Center, Indiana University Medical Center
        Indianapolis, IN
        317-278-7449

        Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center
        Loyola University Chicago
        Chicago, IL
        708-327-2078
        http://www.luhs.org

        Pigmented Lesion Center
        Rush University
        Chicago, IL
        312-563-2321
        http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-R12605.html

        Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Center
        University of Minnesota
        Minneapolis, MN
        612-625-5199

        Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group
        St. Louis University Health Sciences Center/SLUCare
        St. Louis, MO
        314-268-5320

         

        Best regards,

         

        Jimmy B

        • October 12, 2011 at 7:46 pm
        justlittleoleme
        Participant

        Lauri,

        We have visited 3 cancer centers with my husband's melanoma.  Because melanoma is a different beast than other cancers, we feel it is more necessary to treat with an oncologist familiar with the beast.

        We had his surgery at the University of Michigan and have consulted with Dr. Lao.  We are meeting for the second time on Friday with Dr. Fecher at IU Health Simon Cancer Center on Friday.   I would recommend either of these centers for melanoma.   

        The reason his surgery was at U of M again was so he could be with Dr. Bradford who did his original surgery.  In our world, she is the best!

        Our mantra is be the patient who asks lots of questions and is persistent. Don't let em rest on their laurels!  You are in the fight of your life.  If you aren't with me, you are against me!

         

        Good luck and if you need more information regarding either center, please feel free to email me.

        God Bless!

        Barb

        • October 12, 2011 at 7:46 pm
        justlittleoleme
        Participant

        Lauri,

        We have visited 3 cancer centers with my husband's melanoma.  Because melanoma is a different beast than other cancers, we feel it is more necessary to treat with an oncologist familiar with the beast.

        We had his surgery at the University of Michigan and have consulted with Dr. Lao.  We are meeting for the second time on Friday with Dr. Fecher at IU Health Simon Cancer Center on Friday.   I would recommend either of these centers for melanoma.   

        The reason his surgery was at U of M again was so he could be with Dr. Bradford who did his original surgery.  In our world, she is the best!

        Our mantra is be the patient who asks lots of questions and is persistent. Don't let em rest on their laurels!  You are in the fight of your life.  If you aren't with me, you are against me!

         

        Good luck and if you need more information regarding either center, please feel free to email me.

        God Bless!

        Barb

        • October 12, 2011 at 10:25 pm
        akls
        Participant

        I second getting to a melanoma specialist.  I was at U of M for my initial surgeries and my treatment plan.  I was very happy with everything.  Good luck and remember that scans can show lots of things, not just cancer.  Try to keep a positive frame of mind and try to get into see your Dr. sooner.  Take Care.

         

        Amy S. in Michigan

        • October 12, 2011 at 10:25 pm
        akls
        Participant

        I second getting to a melanoma specialist.  I was at U of M for my initial surgeries and my treatment plan.  I was very happy with everything.  Good luck and remember that scans can show lots of things, not just cancer.  Try to keep a positive frame of mind and try to get into see your Dr. sooner.  Take Care.

         

        Amy S. in Michigan

        • October 12, 2011 at 10:25 pm
        akls
        Participant

        I second getting to a melanoma specialist.  I was at U of M for my initial surgeries and my treatment plan.  I was very happy with everything.  Good luck and remember that scans can show lots of things, not just cancer.  Try to keep a positive frame of mind and try to get into see your Dr. sooner.  Take Care.

         

        Amy S. in Michigan

        • October 12, 2011 at 7:46 pm
        justlittleoleme
        Participant

        Lauri,

        We have visited 3 cancer centers with my husband's melanoma.  Because melanoma is a different beast than other cancers, we feel it is more necessary to treat with an oncologist familiar with the beast.

        We had his surgery at the University of Michigan and have consulted with Dr. Lao.  We are meeting for the second time on Friday with Dr. Fecher at IU Health Simon Cancer Center on Friday.   I would recommend either of these centers for melanoma.   

        The reason his surgery was at U of M again was so he could be with Dr. Bradford who did his original surgery.  In our world, she is the best!

        Our mantra is be the patient who asks lots of questions and is persistent. Don't let em rest on their laurels!  You are in the fight of your life.  If you aren't with me, you are against me!

         

        Good luck and if you need more information regarding either center, please feel free to email me.

        God Bless!

        Barb

        • October 12, 2011 at 7:31 pm
        jim Breitfeller
        Participant

        Lauri, you may want to look into a Melanoma Center of care. Also a second opinion witha Melanoma Specialist.

        http://www.melanomacare.org/centers.shtml

        Midwest
        Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
        Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan
        Ann Arbor, MI
        734-936-6360
        http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/clinic/melclinic.htm

        Pigmented Lesion Clinic
        Henry Ford Hospital
        Detroit, MI
        313-916-4060

        Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
        Karmanos Cancer Institute
        Wayne State University
        Detroit, MI
        313-745-9166
        1-800-Karmanos

        Multidisciplinary Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Clinic
        University of Cincinnati Medical Center
        Cincinnati, OH
        513-584-8900

        MetroHealth Medical Center
        Cancer Care Center Melanoma Program
        2500 MetroHealth Drive
        Cleveland, Ohio 44109

        (216) 778-4795 (Surgical Oncology)
        (216) 778-5802 (Medical Oncology)
        The Melanoma Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
        Cleveland, OH
        http://www.clevelandclinic.org/cancer

        The Melanoma Center At The James
        Ohio State University
        Columbus, OH
        614-293-7531 (medical)
        614-293-5644 (surgical)

        Wagner & Associates Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Consultants of Indiana
        Indianapolis, IN
        317-621-2520
        317-621-2580

        Interdisciplinary Melanoma Clinic
        Indiana University Cancer Center, Indiana University Medical Center
        Indianapolis, IN
        317-278-7449

        Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center
        Loyola University Chicago
        Chicago, IL
        708-327-2078
        http://www.luhs.org

        Pigmented Lesion Center
        Rush University
        Chicago, IL
        312-563-2321
        http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-R12605.html

        Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Center
        University of Minnesota
        Minneapolis, MN
        612-625-5199

        Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group
        St. Louis University Health Sciences Center/SLUCare
        St. Louis, MO
        314-268-5320

         

        Best regards,

         

        Jimmy B

      • October 12, 2011 at 7:21 pm
      Harry in Fair Oaks
      Participant

      Is it possible to speed up the doctor's appointment, now that the nurse got you so scared?  The nodule in the lung is tiny and may be due to a number of things – that's why a follow-up scan is required to see if there is interval growth suggestive of cancer.  But 6 months seems too long.  When they were looking at my lung nodule, the follow-up scans were every 3 months.  You didn't say the nurse mentiond "nodules" or "lesions" in the liver.  "Abnormalities" could mean anything.  Again, you need an ASAP discussion with your doctor.

      Best wishes,

      Harry

      • October 12, 2011 at 7:50 pm
      jim Breitfeller
      Participant

      Your Doctor

      Kenneth A Schwartz, MD
      Hematologist, Internist, Medical Oncologist

      Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBKKMzu

       

       

      Specialty Board
      Certified?

      Internal Medicine

      Sub-specialties: Hematology & Oncology, Hematology, Medical Oncology
      		 View ABMS® certification
      Special Expertise:
      Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma; Immune System Disorders; LeukemiaLymphomaMyelomaMDS General Oncology ImmunologyImmunobiologyVaccines Other

      Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBwi9Rk

      I don't see Melanoma as one of his Specialty.You may want to consider a Melanoma specialist.

      I wish you all the best

       

      Jimmy b

      • October 12, 2011 at 7:50 pm
      jim Breitfeller
      Participant

      Your Doctor

      Kenneth A Schwartz, MD
      Hematologist, Internist, Medical Oncologist

      Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBKKMzu

       

       

      Specialty Board
      Certified?

      Internal Medicine

      Sub-specialties: Hematology & Oncology, Hematology, Medical Oncology
      		 View ABMS® certification
      Special Expertise:
      Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma; Immune System Disorders; LeukemiaLymphomaMyelomaMDS General Oncology ImmunologyImmunobiologyVaccines Other

      Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBwi9Rk

      I don't see Melanoma as one of his Specialty.You may want to consider a Melanoma specialist.

      I wish you all the best

       

      Jimmy b

      • October 12, 2011 at 7:50 pm
      jim Breitfeller
      Participant

      Your Doctor

      Kenneth A Schwartz, MD
      Hematologist, Internist, Medical Oncologist

      Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBKKMzu

       

       

      Specialty Board
      Certified?

      Internal Medicine

      Sub-specialties: Hematology & Oncology, Hematology, Medical Oncology
      		 View ABMS® certification
      Special Expertise:
      Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma; Immune System Disorders; LeukemiaLymphomaMyelomaMDS General Oncology ImmunologyImmunobiologyVaccines Other

      Read more: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Kenneth_A_Schwartz_2.html#ixzz1abBwi9Rk

      I don't see Melanoma as one of his Specialty.You may want to consider a Melanoma specialist.

      I wish you all the best

       

      Jimmy b

      • October 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm
      Jamietk
      Participant

      Hi Lauri,

      Are these your first scans? If so, then the spots could highly likely be anything other than cancer. Even if they are not your first scans and the spots are new, they really could be anything. I have nodules and abnormalities in my breast, liver, and both lungs. I'm 6 years out and they're all benign. However, when first discovered in 2006, I was scanned every 3 months for 2 years to ensure they did not change or grow (and we did biopsy the breast). I tell you this to try to ease your mind a little while you wait for further discussion. Spots really can be benign. That said, as others have recommended, 6 months seems too long to recheck. I have not looked up your profile or referred to old posts so please forgive me if you are already seeing someone at a melanoma center. But if you're not, you need to make sure you are seen by a mel specialist (you may already since you've done interferon). It's easier said than done, trust me, I know. But try to wait until you get more information before you panic. I certainly would have a hard time waiting until the 20th. I'd be on the phone demanding at least a phone call with my Dr. I'll say some prayers that your spots are benign. Keep us posted.

      • October 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm
      Jamietk
      Participant

      Hi Lauri,

      Are these your first scans? If so, then the spots could highly likely be anything other than cancer. Even if they are not your first scans and the spots are new, they really could be anything. I have nodules and abnormalities in my breast, liver, and both lungs. I'm 6 years out and they're all benign. However, when first discovered in 2006, I was scanned every 3 months for 2 years to ensure they did not change or grow (and we did biopsy the breast). I tell you this to try to ease your mind a little while you wait for further discussion. Spots really can be benign. That said, as others have recommended, 6 months seems too long to recheck. I have not looked up your profile or referred to old posts so please forgive me if you are already seeing someone at a melanoma center. But if you're not, you need to make sure you are seen by a mel specialist (you may already since you've done interferon). It's easier said than done, trust me, I know. But try to wait until you get more information before you panic. I certainly would have a hard time waiting until the 20th. I'd be on the phone demanding at least a phone call with my Dr. I'll say some prayers that your spots are benign. Keep us posted.

      • October 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm
      Jamietk
      Participant

      Hi Lauri,

      Are these your first scans? If so, then the spots could highly likely be anything other than cancer. Even if they are not your first scans and the spots are new, they really could be anything. I have nodules and abnormalities in my breast, liver, and both lungs. I'm 6 years out and they're all benign. However, when first discovered in 2006, I was scanned every 3 months for 2 years to ensure they did not change or grow (and we did biopsy the breast). I tell you this to try to ease your mind a little while you wait for further discussion. Spots really can be benign. That said, as others have recommended, 6 months seems too long to recheck. I have not looked up your profile or referred to old posts so please forgive me if you are already seeing someone at a melanoma center. But if you're not, you need to make sure you are seen by a mel specialist (you may already since you've done interferon). It's easier said than done, trust me, I know. But try to wait until you get more information before you panic. I certainly would have a hard time waiting until the 20th. I'd be on the phone demanding at least a phone call with my Dr. I'll say some prayers that your spots are benign. Keep us posted.

      • October 13, 2011 at 1:10 am
      Lauri England
      Participant

      I originally went to U Of M for all of my surgeries right after my original diagnosis.  I was diagnosed beginning of June 2011 and did not have my 1st surgery until July 19, 2010 and lymph nodes removed August 13, 2010.  I switched to Breslin Cancer Center to do the Interferon treatments.  I am now considering going back to U of M.  The only problem I had with them was the waiting time.  Very long.  Scary with melanoma.  I may try a different melanoma clinic.  Thank you for the suggestions of places.  At least I know I have a few options.  I will be try to get my doctor to do a re scan in 3 months instead of 6 and also try to get a 2nd opinion as well. 

      • October 13, 2011 at 1:10 am
      Lauri England
      Participant

      I originally went to U Of M for all of my surgeries right after my original diagnosis.  I was diagnosed beginning of June 2011 and did not have my 1st surgery until July 19, 2010 and lymph nodes removed August 13, 2010.  I switched to Breslin Cancer Center to do the Interferon treatments.  I am now considering going back to U of M.  The only problem I had with them was the waiting time.  Very long.  Scary with melanoma.  I may try a different melanoma clinic.  Thank you for the suggestions of places.  At least I know I have a few options.  I will be try to get my doctor to do a re scan in 3 months instead of 6 and also try to get a 2nd opinion as well. 

      • October 13, 2011 at 1:10 am
      Lauri England
      Participant

      I originally went to U Of M for all of my surgeries right after my original diagnosis.  I was diagnosed beginning of June 2011 and did not have my 1st surgery until July 19, 2010 and lymph nodes removed August 13, 2010.  I switched to Breslin Cancer Center to do the Interferon treatments.  I am now considering going back to U of M.  The only problem I had with them was the waiting time.  Very long.  Scary with melanoma.  I may try a different melanoma clinic.  Thank you for the suggestions of places.  At least I know I have a few options.  I will be try to get my doctor to do a re scan in 3 months instead of 6 and also try to get a 2nd opinion as well. 

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