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question about POST transplant blood test...

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Posted 3/7/2014 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
CT used to be the gold scanner for imaging. But image quality is better with MRIs and less radiation. I had a CT scan with contrast and it missed my bile duct obstruction. I went 3 more months before a new doctor ordered an MRI with contrast. An hour later they were scheduling a ERCP to clear an obstruction that was found in the MRI.

So I am a believer in MRI's with contrast over a CT.
Posted 3/7/2014 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
I will definitely discuss this with our coordinator.
Thank you!!!
Posted 3/7/2014 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Mike has an MRI every 6 months because his insurance wotn' pay for every 4 months tstbhis doc would prefer.

Of course Mike had a tumor so this may be driven by oncology rules.

ML
Posted 3/7/2014 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
Mamalama...did Mike also have HCC? How big was his tumor?
Posted 3/7/2014 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
HCC yes
2 cm
Posted 3/7/2014 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
It's always on my mind...I always fear that the HCC will come back. Obviously, I don't let my mom know my fear. How do you or Mike deal with it? Do u also have that fear?
Posted 3/7/2014 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
We get blood with the cancer markers twice a month. If they start to creep up on ongoing will leap into action. There are good early intervention, so no I don't obsess on that now. All energy focused on treatment!

Hugs
Posted 3/7/2014 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
@ Mamalama...Mike gets his tumor markers checked, twice a month? Which tumor markers do they check? My mom has blood tests once every month but her tumor markers are checked once every 3 months.
Posted 3/7/2014 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
@Worried...you have to remember he is checked often because he has active Hep C right now. Hep C increases chance of cancer by more than 30%. Once he clears the Hep C he will probably go to having blood tests less often.

Does your mom have Hep C? If not then the every 3 months is probably more than enough. Your transplant team knows what to do and will keep an eye on here to make sure nothing pops up.
Posted 3/7/2014 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
WD,
Since I had a tumor that was just turning into HCC, my team does the AFP every 6 months. I have not had any mri's or ct scans since tx. (at least that I am aware of), only ultrasounds.

How,s your mom doing otherwise? I am doing great at 7 months. they just took me off Valcyte, so far so good. (I was exposed by my donor)
Go to gym 5 days of week and getting stronger each week!!!

Only blips are forehead headaches due to Prograf, constipation due to meds, and the CMV exposure. My blood work is the best it has bpbeen in years. Only ALT is slightly elevated.

Susie


turn turn turn turn turn turn turn turn
Posted 3/7/2014 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
@ Sean...my mom has Hepatitis B. Your right...I forgot that Mike has Hep C.

@ Susie...I am very happy to hear that you are doing well. 7 months already?!?!...wow! My mom will be 10 months post transplant in a few weeks. It's amazing! Since transplant, my mom has had 4 CT scans. I guess each transplant center has different protocols, post transplant.

That's great that your going to the gym and building up your strength. I love hearing all these great post transplant stories!

Will the CMV come back?
Posted 3/7/2014 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
CMV is like the shingles once you have it you always have it. It remains dormant and then, can strike at any time.
Posted 3/8/2014 5:50 AM (GMT 0)
@ Susie...thankfully, your CMV is dormant. Fingers crossed it will continue to stay like that. :-)
Posted 5/5/2014 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi.
Just wanted to follow up with my original question from a few months ago to see if anyone has had or if their transplant center runs a "PIVKA II" blood test (either pre or posts transplant)?
Thanks!
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