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• March 14, 2013 12:49 p.m.

  Hello everyone, My grandmother died of lung cancer in 2003 sadly my family was to late to find the help she needed. Recently, my grandfather was diagnosed with colon cancer and doing more each day to help him my aunt and uncle found the mayo clinic and how wonderful they have been, so nice and patient in dealing with my big family. Lately its been hard affording all my grandfathers doctors appointments and medication, when I had past by a gentalman while leaving his appointment and he had told us to google up Cancer Benefits because my grandfather was in the service. confused by the gentalmans suggestion i looked it up anyway and i would like to thank him because my grandfather qualified for this benefit and we all are so excited to now able to continue with his appointments with the Mayo Clinic because how wonderful they have been to us. our family is so thankful to run across such a greatful man that we like to share the generousity with all of you!

  - mrw

• March 7, 2013 9:06 p.m.

  I am a 3 year lung cancer survivor. The cancer we found early and the tumor was in the left lung only. The removed the entire left lung. I had scans every 3 months the first year, then every 6 months and the once a year. The last one I had in December showed that the spots I had on the right lung has grown slightly so next week I go for another scan. I am sick with worry. The last report they used the word adinocarcinoma. My oncologist said they over-reacted but... I know the scans increase your risk of reoccurrence but what are the alternatives. Also I meet with the oncologist the same day as the scan and immediately get the results, which is great. Please pray for me.

  - Sue

• February 27, 2013 8:47 p.m.

  in re scans..... "scanitis" may affect some but isn't it more reassuring to believe that cancer is less likely to be an unknown, lurking in the dark, only to be discovered because of scans ?

  - anne

• February 27, 2013 2:01 p.m.

  I don't find Margaret's post offensive......I just think that everyone has a different way of dealing with cancer. BUT, I do not think that anyone should tell anyone else that their way is the WRONG way......yes, we all have to be educated patients and be part of the decision process..........don't just say "yes doctor" to everything they suggest. I am also what I consider to be "chronic", as my doctor says my stage IV ovarian cancer is not "curable", but is "treatable". I'm not at all religious, but if someone wants to "praise the lord", they can do it as long as they don't think that I agree with them. By the way, there really are patients out there that "don't want to know about it, hear about it"....my Mother was one of those breast cancer patients that didn't want to know anything, and she didn't last too long :( Linda

  - Linda

• February 27, 2013 1:49 p.m.

  I am sorry to say that I find your post offensive. You sound like my sister-in-law who refused to listen to medical advice and decided to take over her own care with diet,vitamins, and a natural alternative holistic care option. She just entered hospice and is expected to be with us only days or perhaps weeks. We are all coping the best we can and should respect everyone's decisions about how they want to live their life and in whatever way they find joy and peace. I have been in treatment for 5 years and my cancer is considered a chronic condition. My strong faith, family and friends continue to give me peace, hope and joy.

  - Nancy

• February 27, 2013 1:00 p.m.

  Reading all this religious crap really bothers me. I look to the Mayo Clinic for science and evidence based info, not religious extremists. I know you don't have control over what people write, but can't you please edit it? I've had Stage IV Breast Cancer for 5 years, and I KNOW that God has nothing to do with it. It's the way that we humans have polluted our earth, and the way that we eat that leads to cancer. I am spending my time learning how to better care for myself in this regard, and NOT having scans. I've refused mammograms outright, as the overwhelming evidence is that they are ineffective and harmful. Other scans I have when I feel the need to know, NOT when my doctor tells me to. He's only interested in prescribing chemo to pay back the corrupt pharmaceutical companies. I've done very well without chemo and radiation, thank you very much. People - EDUCATE yourselves and DON'T really on religion and doctors to tell you what to do!

  - Margaret

• February 26, 2013 6:09 p.m.

  I'm usually okay with scans. Three months after my first round of chemo, I had a recurrence of ovarian cancer. I have PET scans every 3-4 months to check to see how well chemo is working (i've been back in treatment for 19 months). About 6 months ago, my scan showed that I had developed new areas of cancer activity and my chemo treatment was immediately adjusted. Since then, the scans have been "clean". It helps that my neighbor is the technologist doing the scan. And when I have my mammograms, they tell me right away if everything is normal. And my doctor will call as soon as he gets any significant changes.

  - Vicki

• February 25, 2013 7:44 p.m.

  I agree that at times it seems all a bit too much, I get scans every 6 months because that is the way it is done in my country through an obligatory protocol.And I wonder , is not there a better test to ascertain what your cancer situation is in order to evaluate risk? I have heard of a new one, and wonder if Mayo does it or not. Thank you.

  - Luisa

• February 24, 2013 7:30 a.m.

  I find that anxiety is with me most of the time in spite of the fact that I am functioning in a pretty active life. My oncologist asked me if I were depressed because I am so tired all the time. I suppose that is true but I believe a greater factor in this scenario is the medicine. The discussion is focused on scans this time. Personally, I am grateful for the scans. Yes, I get anxious prior to them. However, in my own way I am glad for them as they help the doctor and myself know what is going on inside my body. She has re assured me that if they show the medicine is not working she has others she can try. That is comforting to me. She also schedules before the scans a daate to see her after the scans. It is two days after the scan. That is no unreasonable to wait. I go to see her by myself on the regular visits but my husband goes with me on the day of reports for support. So far after a year each scan has shown some improvement. I am a person of faith and neer forget to thank God not only for the good news but for the gift of knowledge given to doctors, nurses and researchers who work diligently on new machinnes to diagnosis as well as improve on medicines available to us. So I look at scans as a positive part of my treatmment even though my blood pressure usuall jumps up prior to the news. Have a good day everyyone.

  - Anna

• February 24, 2013 6:19 a.m.

  My anxiety is created by the numerous exposures. I want to know what is happening in my body but there is a huge cost for these images.

  - Nancy Laidacker

• February 23, 2013 12:08 p.m.

  My major concern is whether the cat-scan can cause the cancer to return.

  - Charlene

• February 22, 2013 6:35 a.m.

  Let me tell you, I was so relieved to read all of the comments posted......I thought that I was the only one that starts feeling this crazy. 4 years ago diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer, 6 months chemo, hysterectomy, 6 more months of chemo. Everything has been clear, I have "graduated" to ct scan once a year, I'm due in May. Yes, I have been dwelling on it way too much, wondering IF I should make any summer plans, etc. Stressing myself out, when I know better, I enjoy living in the moment and make sure I don't waste time being depressed....oh, and I survived breast cancer, over 20 years ago, and remember too many times when I closed myself off from everyone and concentrated on being MISERABLE..which makes me aware of how the "what ifs" can cripple your life.......I read A LOT, fiction and non, takes me away from the "what ifs"...I still don't know what the signs of reoccurences are, went to my gp with a laundry list of things that didn't seem "right", he thinks I am anxious for the ct, told me to get a colonoscopy to ease my mind (!)Anyone else run into this solution? I'm thinking, what the oncologist answered me once before, that anything that would show up in a colonoscopy would show up in a ct...

  - Linda

• February 21, 2013 9:59 p.m.

  I am now almost 6 years out from my first chemo treatment for breast cancer mets. to the stomach lining. I started with CT scans every 3 months, then 4, then six for a total of about 14 now. I will admit that I do have some concern with having so many but the peace of mind at least partly provided by the scans, has allowed me to develop some confidence in my body again. I get my results from the records office several days after my scan so I don't have to wait the week when the oncologist will discuss them.This really eases the stress of waiting.If I feel a twitch or slight discomfort over several weeks before the scan, I joke with the techs to take an especially good picture of the area "just in case". I find I have gradually gone from very stressed weeks before a scan and almost a dependency on them to tell me things are at least stable to a more accepting attitude of what will be will be.Mine is inoperable so I know it's not leaving! There was a point where every 3 months felt too frequent but I was fearful to go to six. I'm fortunate to have an oncologist who has let me gradually move to the six month span. Every night before I fall asleep I give thanks for the day, and yes, in the 2 weeks before the next scan, I will be "busy" as the time comes closer. It's a gradual movement to some confidence and there is a little period to relax and almost forget.

  - Deanne

• February 21, 2013 8:38 p.m.

  I'm a 3x survivor of stage 4 lung cancer. I'm very aware of the damaging affects of stress and the studies that support this, especially for those of us touched by cancer and under treatment. My strong faith and my active involvement in my treatment plan relieve any stress I have with scans. I am very engaged in my treatment planning and communicate frequently with my medical team regarding my condition so I fully understand my options. Because of that, I know that as long as I'm doing everything possible to help me face this disease, there is really nothing to worry about. Nothing else can be done so why worry? If it's time for God to bring me home, he will. In the mean time, I'm not going to waste a single second of my blessed life and all the opportunities ahead of me because I'm worrying about something I have no control over. Just live and LIVE STRONG my friends!

  - Matt

• February 21, 2013 8:35 p.m.

  I am a stage 4 breast cancer and am on my 6th year. Yes, indeed, the many scans that one has to go through (CT scan, CT sonogram, bonescan) and add to this MRI, ultrasound, x-rays, etc. on a more than regular basis can bring thoughts of anxiety. To cope, I talked to God and I tell Him my fears, anxieties, etc. He has never left me nor forsaken me. During the most trying moments He makes his presence felt.

  - Ging

• February 21, 2013 3:02 p.m.

  I worry about the CT contrast ruining my remaining quarter kidney. Early detection versus risk of ruining a normal-functioning piece of kidney...I had renal cell carcinoma 10 yrs ago in one kidney and then the other kidney got it 18 months ago...

  - Karen

• February 21, 2013 3:00 p.m.

  I am a real bear to be around before scans, and I've known this, but in the end and as I get closer to a scan, I turn to a deeper type of prayer and trust knowing HE has a plan. Prayer is where is it for me. The suggesting of knowing "exactly" when the results are in is a great idea.

  - Don

• February 21, 2013 1:57 p.m.

  I think scans are far to frequent-5-6 times per year--I have breast cancer mets to my right lung in the form of a 19 mm lung nodule--it is coming from an auxiliary lymph node in my armpit--the rest were removed with the right breast in 1984, I was on Tamoxifen for 9 years, in 2000 in left breast and had flat polyps in colon which they thought were cancer and were not but 8 1/4 of colon was also remove at same time as left breast. 5 & 6 times per year on scans started in late 2008, prior to that up until 2008 had chest x-rays every year--that is way too much radiation and can cause you to have cancer in your lungs. So by scanning all the time they keep you in too much stress and I believe stress can cause cancer! 4 times per year is more than adequate!

  - Joyce

• February 21, 2013 1:55 p.m.

  I am soon to complete 8 doses of chemo for grade 3 breast cancer..with a lumpectomy first.. Will i need to have yearly scans to check or will bloodwork suffice??? Are both sometimes used???

  - Dale

• February 21, 2013 1:19 p.m.

  One of my friends who also was a survivor aptly used the term " scanxiety" to describe how we feel the two weeks prior to a scan!

  - Maggie

• February 21, 2013 1:06 p.m.

  I have scanitis for sure, which kicks in just before I have to go to UPenn for CT/MRI scans in morning followed by bloodwork and Onc appointment in afternoon. What I love best about UPenn, is that the results are posted within the day. Last time, I was able to get my MRI results at the appointment and my CT results were available just after I left my appointment. Also at UPenn, you can access your reports online.

  - Michele

• February 21, 2013 1:04 p.m.

  I am 11 years out from cancer diagnosis. Any test, scan or surgery after cancer certainly brings out my fear and vulnerability to death. Everyone will die. The good news is the docs and technicians are there to serve me and I believe God uses the medical team to comfort me in His place. Prayer and Scripture reading, and talking with friends who love me helps, but yes, I feel anxious before my exams and yearly scans. My feelings, vulnerability and actions show the faith and courage I have to live in human skin before heaven. Sometimes people will die after many scans and treatment, like my husband last year. Medical treatment has not advanced to cure or extend life of some cancer patients. He fought through 9 near death experiences over 21 months. He was smiling after he died, I believe as he met Jesus his Savior. How powerful to have such a memory of a courageous man of faith I love and respect!

  - Jill

• February 21, 2013 12:55 p.m.

  EVERYTIME MY HUSBAND HAS A SCAN IT IS A WEEK BEFORE WE SEE THE DR FOR RESULTS ..I GET SICK WITH ANXIETY AS A WEEK FEELS LIKE A YEAR AND THE FEAR OF BAD NEWS IS ALWAYS JUST TOO MUCH.

  - Patti

• February 21, 2013 12:44 p.m.

  I agree with some of these other comments....I'm actually LESS anxious when I know a scan is scheduled. I get more and more nervous the further APART the scans become (I'm now at 9-month scans.) I know there's a risk/danger that goes hand-in-hand with scans, but honestly I'd prefer more frequent scans. Call me crazy, but they comfort me. I want to know as soon as possible if the disease strikes again, so I can fight it right away....

  - Lori

• February 21, 2013 12:41 p.m.

  I am currently a 3 year survivor of S3C colon cancer. I am also an RN of 30+ years. Sometimes that works for me & sometimes it works against me. I am also a worrier by nature. My smart & kind oncologist knows all this. He calls with the scan results either the evening of, or the very next day ( scans have been every 3 months until lately).I use prayer .... and a mild sedative the day of... to help with the intense anxiety running up to the scan. My oncologist & I have had a little running joke over the years that resulted from his first post scan call. " How are you ?" he asks in hushed tones. "How the heck to I know ", I reply " you're the one looking at the scans !!" We both laugh. I hope we always will, but it is only minimally within our control. Like stepping off a curb to cross the street. I try & accept that what will be , will be.

  - Celia