I had a CAT scan done November 13th, 2005 to check for kidney stones (I've had chronic problems with stones for the last few years) they scan showed stones in both kidneys, so ok I can deal with that. I then became pregnant with my third child, had the baby in Sept of this year...just today I recieved a certified letter from my GP saying I need a repeat CAT scan because the last scan not only showed some stones but also incidental "borderline nonspecific mesenteric and paricecal lymph nodes" it does on to say the main reason for the repeat scan is to make sure there has not been interval growth or change with the lymph nodes that could suggest underlying cancer such as Hodgkin's Lymphoma and that delay in diagnosis could result in notable complications including death.

So of course I scheduled a repeat scan and go in Wednesday the 29th for that, but since I really don't know a lot about any of this I'm kind of confussed. I know kidney problems can cause swelling of the lymph nodes that doesn't always suggest lymphoma, but since they came right out in the letter and brought up Hodgkin's do you think this is something I need to be prepared for??

Thanks in advance for all the help!!

There are two ways to think about the letter. One is that they wanted to get your attention so you would follow up on the tests, and the other is less ethical but is done from time to time, which is to over diagnose in order to take advantage of a good insurance program or a person who has the money to spend on testing. I don't know which one it is. It is true though that chronic inflammation like kidney stones would cause, can lead to pre-cancerous or cancerlike conditions that need treatment.

Hi

I don't know much about how things are done in America (I'm in the UK) but I would be making a complaint. To send a letter like this, in my opinion, is very irresponsible and a complete disgrace to the medical profession. Any practise worth anything would only deliver news like that face to face and even then only AFTER diagnosis!!! I am SOOOO furious on your behalf :mad:

I am not a doctor so I cannot comment on diagnosis but you definately need to go for the tests to put your mind at rest. If (and it's a bid IF - as Hodgkins is not as common as you think) it is Lymphoma it's not the end of the world. To give you the spiel about notible complications including death is absolutely disgusting. Hodgkins is one of the slow moving ones!! I had it for approx 3 years before I was diagnosed - granted, an earlier diagnosis may have stopped the spread and halved my chemo - but I am now in full remission and have just been for my one year check up. I am so healthy it's obscene!!!

I'm sorry if I have sounded like scary lady I just can't believe that someone has scared you like that!!!

I know it's easier said than done, but please try not to worry

You take good care of yourself and let us know how it goes!!


Ails xx

PS Happy Thanksgiving!!

I agree that it sounds so unethical to give all that information before even diagnosing. Even after diagnosis, death is not normally mentioned!! I was found to have multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen in July (have no idea how long they had been there) and after three cycles of chemo/rituxan, they have shrunk to a few tiny nodules. But it is far too soon to suggest that yours is lymphoma. They should have waited until the next scan before mentioning that, I feel, or just made a vague reference to it to ensure you followed through with the scan.

Do let us know how it goes.

Hi Alison

I hope you are now well!!!

Ails xx

Hi Ails!

Not too well at the moment and had to delay treatment of fludarabine and cytoxan this week and just have the rituxan. Something gave me a low grade fever for two weeks so not at my best! Still, as I say, my scan results show remarkable improvement and the oncologist has suggested that we reduce my treatments to four rather than six as I have responded well but am feeling some unpleasant side effects. We shall see how I react to the last treatment and then I will make a decision after that. I would rather continue and avoid a quick recurrence but have to balance that with the effects of the chemo on my system.

Love and prayers,

Hi Alison

Hang in there!! I had to delay a couple of treatments too has my counts were in my boots but you'll get through it!!

If I were you I'd have as many treatments as you can - I had 6 cycles of ABVD (12 treaments in all) but had to miss the last one as my Hickman had to be removed when I got a bad infection. (docs were joking that they were going in via my bikini line but I would've let them if they'd thought I needed it!!)

I know it sucks having delays but you'll get there.

Go pamper yourself, watch DVDs, hang out with your friends / family

Most of all take care of yourself

Ails xx

Hi Alison

Hang in there!! I had to delay a couple of treatments too has my counts were in my boots but you'll get through it!!

If I were you I'd have as many treatments as you can - I had 6 cycles of ABVD (12 treaments in all) but had to miss the last one as my Hickman had to be removed when I got a bad infection. (docs were joking that they were going in via my bikini line but I would've let them if they'd thought I needed it!!)

I know it sucks having delays but you'll get there.

Go pamper yourself, watch DVDs, hang out with your friends / family

Most of all take care of yourself

Ails xx