My 6-monthly scan is due to check for cancer recurrance. After the last one, which was a CT done without contrast dye due to my problems with the iodine dye, it was agreed by my surgeon and gastroenterologist to move me over to MRI scans which don't use the same dye.
As my clinic appointment with the surgeon approaches (May) and no appointment letter for a scan appearing, I did my usual ring round to check. As I suspected, nothing had been booked but the gastroenterologist at Macclesfield agreed to order the MRI.
Somewhere within the radiology department (reading between the lines, a decision made under 'budgetary restraints'), my MRI had been downgraded to an ultrasound. Under HCC surveillance protocol, ultrasound isnt recommended as a scanning tool for cirrhotic livers, particularly within the first 3 years after an HCC resection.
Rang my liver surgeon's secretary, who is going to talk to the surgeon and see if he can over-rule that decision and upgrade me again to first class MRI. I may have to admit defeat and make the journey to North Manchester to get this done, but it's worth the longer journey if it means a better result.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS - a diagnosis and treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) diagnosed August 2010, presumed caused by 30+ years of chronic hepatitis B. And a search for how to be healthy living with cirrhosis presumed caused by Autoimmune hepatitis (diagnosed April 2011)
Fiona,
ReplyDeleteHow frustrating! I'm rooting for your liver surgeon insisting on a MRI. It doesn't make sense that they aren't wanting to do the MRI. They haven't had any clear test results for some time now and I'm sure your surgeon would like to have a clear picture of where your liver stands, not to mention you. An ultrasound wouldn't give that.
I hope you are getting to enjoy some beautiful spring weather. My tulips are in bloom and have inspired me to go out and do some serious weeding.
Carla
Hi Carla, Got an email back from the secretary 2 hours later saying cancel the ultrasound and the surgeon is booking me in for an MRI at his hospital. How efficient is that!
ReplyDeleteYes its Spring here too. I've been helping a friend look after an elderly lady who lives on a farm and each time I go there is a new-born lamb in a box in front of the kitchen stove. The sheep are having lots of triplets this year and can only cope with twins, so the extra one has to be bottle fed. How cute. (Bit more work for me sweeping up straw from the kitchen floor though, ha ha)
Yeah! How long do you have to wait for the MRI? I think I'll stick to plants. The lambs sound cute, but like a lot of work.
ReplyDeleteCarla
Hi Carla. Dont know the answer to the 'how long' question, but my next cancer check up is mid-May, so hopefully the MRI will be scheduled with enough time for it to be reported on in an MDT (multi-disciplinary-team) meeting before the clinic check-up.
ReplyDeleteThat's the idea anyway, and why I started the checking process to see if I was booked in anywhere, as mid-May is the deadline and we're now mid-April.
Fiona,
ReplyDeleteI hope you get good news and results. That would be an awesome way to kick off the summer months! Have a nice weekend.
Carla