Get the latest information about new cancer diagnosis resources at our helpful online forum. Share feedback with other cancer patients and forum members today at CancerCompass.com. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancer-diagnosis/other-tests/1,0,124,97.htm Sun, 26 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 26 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Has anyone been diagnosed with MGUS?  I have alot of questions and have had a hard time finding answers.Cindy http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,12479,0.htm Cindy_d_3 Mon, 28 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT I am 29 years old. And have had chronic pain for most of my life. I am female so a lot was blamed on my female organs until those were remived in August. Most of my pain is in my right hip and lower back and for years, the doctors could not find anything wrong with me and began accusing me of abusing narcotics. On 2/15, I had a bone scan which showed I have increased osteoblastic activity in my skull, my spine and my pelvis with bone marrow narrowing. My provider did not know what this meant but now I am scheduled to see an oncologist and i am scared. Especially with not knowing exactly what is wrong with me. Can anyone give me a little insight? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,70676,0.htm monarl Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I am wondering if anyone has any information they would be willing to share with me.  My husband went to the chiropracter last week and they sent him in for xrays.  When the xray came back it showed a mass around his neck.  I am scared this may be cancer.  The Chiropracter said that he thought it may have something to do with his thyroid.  It will be several weeks until we can get in to our Family Doctor.  I was wondering if anyones diagnoses started out in a similiar way? I am scared!  My husband is 40 and I am 32, we have a 9 year old and 2 year old.  I am not sure what to think about our situatuin.  To me it sounds likes cancer and everything I have looked up on the internet backs my theory up.  I have read many of the stories that people have shared on here.  I think you all are very brave people and you will all be in my prayers tonight.  I wish the best of luck to each and everyone of you and your families.  Thank you for any input you are willing to share with me.    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,70297,0.htm Crissie1130 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT I had a bilateral mastecomy yesterday at UCH. Dr. Charles Cox was my surgeron and Dr.Pedro Solar was my plastic surgeon. All went well and I appear to have a good result however, I would like to address the issue of injections of the radioactive isotope  around the nipple one hour prior to surgery. This seem so barbaric , something that would be used in a bad movie( to torture) I was ready to go when I was informed that  the tech was on the way to inject my nipples, I refused out of hand , I had not been informed of this. Dr. Cox spoke to me on the phone and told me that this would not hurt because breast tissue does not hurt. I made note to him that he did not have breasts. for many women this might be a simple and relatively painless. I then asked why did this have to be done with out the benefit of sedation. I suggested versed be administered IV and he agreed. I was given 5 mg of versed, enough to sedate me to the point of not caring or remembering anything but the pain. Even with IV sedation I was informed I cried out in pain with 6 of the 8 injections. The nuclear med tech had to use both hands to get the needles under my skin and inject the plunger  dye because my breasts were  so hard. MY point speak up for yourselves ladies you are not helpless and you have  a say in how you are treated, but you must speak up, sedation for a painful proceedure is humane. taking care of yourself means not allowing your concerns about what people will think about you, get in the way of asking for what you need.Dr.Karen http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,35341,0.htm Drkaren Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT I just had some test done, and they said that my cell count was at 2.53.. Yet no one is willing to let me know, what it really is or means. If anyone even has a guess or close to an idea, please let me know. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40405,0.htm alwaysaboutdei Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT The headlong rush to develop pre-tests (companion diagnostics) to identify molecular predisposing mechanisms does not guarantee that a cancer drug will be effective for an 'individual' patient. Nor can they, for any patient or even large group of patients, discriminate the potential for clinical activity among different cancer agents of the same class.The drug discovery model over the last number of years has been limited to one gene/protein, one target, one drug. The 'cell' is a system, an integrated, interacting network of genes, proteins and other cellular constituents that produce functions. You need to analyse the systems' response to drug treatments, not just one target or pathway.The decoding of the human genome in 2000, sparked hopes that a new era of tailored medicine was just around the corner. However, uncovering the genetic differences that determine how a person responds to a drug, and developing tests, or biomarkers, for those differences, is proving more challenging than ever. As a result, patients with cancer are still being prescribed medicines on a trial-and-error basis or one-size-fits-all.The key to understanding the genome is understanding how cells work. The ultimate driver is 'functional' pre-testing (is the cell being killed regardless of the mechanism) as opposed to 'target' pre-testing (does the cell express a particular target that the drug is supposed to be attacking). While a 'target' test tells you whether or not to give 'one' drug, a 'functional' pre-test can find other compounds and combinations and can recommend them from the one test.The core of 'functional' testing is the cell, composed of hundreds of complex molecules that regulate the pathways necessary for vital cellular functions. If a 'targeted' drug could perturb any one of these pathways, it is important to examine the effects of the drug within the context of the cell. Both genomics and proteomics can identify potential new thereapeutic targets, but these targets require the determination of cellular endpoints.Cell-based functional pre-testing is being used for screening compounds for efficacy and biosafety. The ability to track the behavior of cancer cells permits data gathering on functional behavior not available in any other kind of testing.Gene profiling tests, important in order to identify new therapeutic targets and thereby to develop useful drugs, are years away from working successfully in predicting treatment response for 'individual' patients. Perhaps this is because they are performed on dead, preserved cells that are never actually exposed to the drugs whose activity they are trying to assess.It will never be as effective as the cell 'function' methodology, which has existed for the last twenty years and is not hampered by the problems associated with gene expression tests. That is because they measure the net effect of all processes within the cancer, acting with and against each other in real-time, and it tests 'living' cells actually exposed to drugs and drug combinations of interest.It would be more advantageous to sort out what's the best 'profile' in terms of which patients benefit from this drug or that drug. Can they be combined? What's the proper way to work with all the new drugs? If a drug works extremely well for a certain percentage of cancer patients, identify which ones and 'personalize' their treatment. If one drug or another is working for some patients then obviously there are others who would also benefit. But, what's good for the group (population studies) may not be good for the individual.Patients would certainly have a better chance of success had their cancer been 'chemo-sensitive' rather than 'chemo-resistant,' where it is more apparent that chemotherapy improves the survival of patients, and where identifying the most effective chemotherapy would be more likely to improve survival above that achieved with 'best guess' empiric chemotherapy through clinical trials.It may be very important to zero in on different genes and proteins. However, when actually taking the 'targeted' drugs, do the drugs even enter the cancer cell? Once entered, does it immediately get metabolized or pumped out, or does it accumulate? In other words, will it work for every patient?All the validations of this gene or that protein provides us with a variety of sophisticated techniques to provide new insights into the tumorigenic process, but if the 'targeted' drug either won't 'get in' in the first place or if it gets pumped out/extruded or if it gets immediately metabolized inside the cell, it just isn't going to work.To overcome the problems of heterogeneity in cancer and prevent rapid cellular adaptation, oncologists are able to tailor chemotherapy in individual patients. This can be done by testing 'live' tumor cells to see if they are susceptible to particular drugs, before giving them to the patient. DNA microarray work will prove to be highly complementary to the parellel breakthrough efforts in targeted therapy through cell function analysis.As we enter the era of personalized medicine, it is time to take a fresh look at how we evaluate new medicines and treatments for cancer. More emphasis should be put on matching treatment to the patient, through the use of individualized pre-testing.Upgrading clinical therapy by using drug sensitivity assays measuring cell-death (apoptosis) of three dimensional microclusters of 'live' fresh tumor cell, can improve the situation by allowing more drugs to be considered. The more drug types there are in the selective arsenal, the more likely the system is to prove beneficial.Literature Citation: BMJ 2007;334(suppl 1):s18 (6 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.39034.719942.94Functional profiling with cell culture-based assays for kinase and anti-angiogenic agents Eur J Clin Invest 37 (suppl. 1):60, 2007Functional Profiling of Human Tumors in Primary Culture: A Platform for Drug Discovery and Therapy Selection (AACR: Apr 2008-AB-1546) http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,43081,0.htm Gdpawel Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNor malTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} Does anyone have experience with the chemo drug metabolizing much to slowly or not at all creating a toxic effect in the body? The drug I'm on now is supposed to be metabolized within 72 hours. I was excreting large amounts in my urine and stool for several days after that. Nine days later, people can smell it coming out of my pours at times. My family and friends believe that I will likely die if I do another round of this drug. My doctor has refused to do any type of drug response test, or to change my chemo drug even though my insurance covers this. From what I understand, organ shut-down is not uncommon.  I've never had this problem before, but never had to take any type of heavy medication. Before the chemo, I first noticed this with some morphine type drugs.   My sister is lacking many enzymes and is multi-drug resistant. Problems with her extreme enzyme deficiencies ended her career as a college teacher. She became 100% disabled in 1999.  Please excuse my grammar, phrasing, etc.. I’ve been experiencing cognitive difficulties after starting the chemo. Any advice would be appreciated... ChemoLite http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,60398,0.htm ChemoLite Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT I am 22, soon to be 23 on the 10th of this month, and on the 15th I have to have the LEEP procedure done. Let me just say that I am REALLY scared. I am a big sissy, horrified of needles, and I have no idea what to expect. The procedure itself seems pretty straight forward, but I and concerned about my recovery and how I might feel afterwards. I JUST got a job housekeeping at a big hotel and I find the job very strenuous and quite hard on me physically as I am not used to it, and I am wondering if I am going to have to take a few weeks off, to give myself time to heal properly, or just a few days? If anyone can help ease my fears about the recovery, the local anesthetic and my job, I would be REALLY grateful. Thanks. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,56512,0.htm Lyrical44 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Hi I'm 40 yrs old and just got told I have Severe Dysplasia. I have to have the Leep Procedure on March 11, 2011. I'm wondering if I should ask them to put me to sleep for this procedure if possible or should I stay awake. I have read some of the forums but still need alittle more information. Also I don't understand what CNI or the other ones mean. I have not been told this from my Doctor can someone please explain it to me. I also want to know what to expect after the procedure from women who have had it done. Thank You for your time.  Metekatee http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,55128,0.htm metekatee Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT I am a 54 year old woman and have just received the results of a biopsy which show 'severe dysplasia/cis of vulva extending to the biopsy margins'. I have an appointment to see a specialist in four days but this is very scary.  Can anyone tell me what this might mean? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,54847,0.htm Helenalol Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT I recently had an abnormal pap so my doctor suggested having a biopsy done, when I went in for the test results - which came back with moderate dysplasia-he informed me that I needed to have the leep procedure done and he wanted to do it right then so I agreed. I was told that I wouldnt feel anything..he lied. It was the worst mistake of my life. If you have to have it done please insist that your not awake. I know that many women who have had this procedure done have no problems and are easily numbed by a local anesthetic, this was not my case. I felt EVERYTHING! It was like being raped with a hot poker and you can feel the pulling and scraping of your cervix. It is day 4 since the procedure and I have had nightmares, depression and still can not talk about it without re-living every horrific moment. When i close my eyes I re-live it. I am urging any women that has this done if you feel it tell your doctor to STOP!!No women should have to endure the physical or emotional pain of that procedure!! It is an important test but not at the expense of your well being!! My doctor did not stop and all he could say was " I never had that happen before" he gave me a total of 6 shots and I still felt everything..all the way to the end where he cauterized it!! and even though I was on the verge of passing out he continued.. I don't know how long it will take for me to heal mentally but I do know that I dont want any other women to go through what I went through. I was not given time to research LEEP before my horrific experience and I would have opted to be knocked out for this one. A doctor performing that procedure should STOP as SOON as they are informed that you can feel it!! It is excruciatingly painful and I would rather give birth (I have 2 children) ten times over than go through that again!! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,53733,0.htm herbgirl78 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT My tailbone hurts when I sit down and stand up  when I get up from having sat a while.  Any ideas why????????? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,48527,0.htm Ahill Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Im only 18 years old and i just got diagnosed with HPV. My yearly pap came back abnormal, i was told that i had mild dysplasia, i went and had the colposcopy done and then i found out that the dysplasia went from mild to moderate. Thats when my Gyn told me that i had HPV. I just have a couple Questions for anyone that has had the procedure done.1 Since im not good with procedures, will they let my husband come in with me to comfort me? 2 Is it possible for them to put me to sleep for the procedure or put me in a hospital for the procedure?  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,11945,0.htm Tooldforme Wed, 09 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT does anybody out there know anything that might help- i am a 4yr. survivor and tomorrow i'm going for biopsies of something on my tongue-SOS-I will reply to each and ever one who can answer the call-SOS HARRIETTE http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,46917,0.htm harriette Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT I am a post-menopausal working woman.  I just had a sterotactic biopsy which found no cancer cells but did find hyperplasic cells in the left breast.  Also micro-calcifications.  Now my doctor wants me to see a surgeon, and an oncologist, they are mentioning another (more invasive)biopsy and tamoxifin for 5 years.  I don't understand why they want to do all this when no cancer cells were present.  Is it just CYA?  Or should I panic? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41788,0.htm Cori51 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I was diag'd with MGUS 11/08. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41197,0.htm linda1953 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT hi i found a lump on the right side of my neck, after 1wk of it not going i went to my docs..he felt it and said it felt like a cyst..he didnt offer me antibiotics he said i should go for a scan....the doc said the lump was near my clavicle and too low to be my thyroid...so at the mo i am in limbo,,dreading the scan and wat it will show..i do smoke which makes me even more worried..i got 3 kids all under 14yrs...im trying to be positive but im finding it very difficult to sleep eat or concentrate on anything....has anybody out there exp anything like this..i would really like to know your story or if your going thru this yourself at tho mo...if you are then i pray for a good outcome for us all http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39182,0.htm tracyb Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT i found a site that does "AMAS" testing .... has anyone heard or used this..."oncolabinc.com/about.php".......i was reading the mesg regarding an alkaline diet...i'll research that too........sharing info is wonderful!!...we all need to support and love each other...it sure gets lonely when your friends dont call and stop coming to visit...right????.........Dazie in the Desert, NM......hugs for all!! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38836,0.htm Dazie Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT If a person has a full body pet scan for lung nodules, would it pick up other problems, such as heart blockages, etc.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38049,0.htm helenwhite Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT I went to a dentist who sent me to an oral surgeon for a swollen mass in my jaw. The oral surgeon said it was swollen glands and sent me to my GP. My GP ordered a CT scan. The scan showed a suspicioius mass and that I had inflammed tonsils. I was then sent to ENT doctor. The ent doctor was rude and abrasive. He said the jaw mass was a swollen mandible and it is quite common. He used a light to see down into my throat and said it was inflammed tonsils. I had my tonsils removed at age 14.  I tried to question him about the CT scan results and he wouldn't discuss it. He said his opinion was that it was nothing and I should leave now. I know tonsils can grow back, but why would they be inflammed? I have had a year ache for over 6 years and have had the mouth mass for 2 years. My GP was concerned enough to send me to the ENT, but ENT made me feel as if I am crazy.  Anyone else been thru this???   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,37321,0.htm weezie888 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT Can PET SCAN be done within one year of Colon Cancer Surgery? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,35932,0.htm bintu Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT I saw the gastroenterologist today and he set me up for a barium test with a pill to swallow and thinks it may be Dysphasia.  I will have the test next Tuesday morning and the results the following day and after reviewing  the x-rays will determine if an endoscopic test is necessary. My question does anyone have this Dysphasia, trouble swallowing certain foods and clearing their throat. I will keep everyone informed after the test.  Phil A. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,34357,0.htm Phil_A Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT hello everyone. my 16 y/o daughter had appendicitis last week..when they took out her appendix, they found a carcinoid tumor. She had the first part of her octreoscan today and I was watching the monitor while the machine was scanning,  I saw several glowing spots. Is this normal to see during the san, or does any glow mean a tumor?I know I should wait for the dr, but its Christmas and I'm a wreck.Thank you all.    http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,31437,0.htm J1972 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello,Im 20 years old..i have a lump on the back of my neck about an inch from my spine on the right. This bump is hard...it doesnt hurt...and ive had it 2 weeks now , Also its about 2 inches wide and long.. Im scared and im going to the doctor tommorow any advice? any suggestions on what it could be? or what i should ask the doctor? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,31196,0.htm Lara2 Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone...i wonder if someone call help me out by reading my message....First of all im still bleeding :( 3 wks already is it normal?  and i just found out my  leep came back positive :( now what? i have my pap again until march 2009...  im freaking out... i might get the gardsil shot next week but still stressing about my positive leep results  help :( http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,30564,0.htm erikka25 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT