Radiologists have different opinions on Triphasic CT vs Primovist MRI. Assuming the latest machines are used and the correct protocols followed, there is little difference. I just happen to prefer MRI. Cheers.
tomyboy said
Jul 16, 2015
Malani,
YOUR the best.
thank you so much for the info. For the past two years they have only done a liver CT scan with contrast. We were told he would now have a MRI every six months (but this one will be three months) and we got worried when we received the appointment notice with the eovist MRI. Tom was wondering why they never ordered this previously. Will this show a more detailed picture than the CT? Just curious. Hopefully it will come out crystal clear.....thanks again.
Laura
mallani said
Jul 15, 2015
Hi Laura,
Eovist is a liver specific MRI contrast agent. Over here, it's called Primovist and we have been using it since about 2004.
I'm surprised Tom hasn't had one before, as that is routine here for all cirrhotic-HCC scans.
The 20 minute delayed T1/T2 sequences are very useful in differentiating HCC's from a variety of other lesions.
Best of luck and let us know how it goes. Cheers.
tomyboy said
Jul 15, 2015
Thank you Tig, that is what I figured, but I wanted to ask so I could put Tom's mind at ease. I believe they just want a more detailed look and I think that is a good thing. If there is something there, they can address it quickly. I will let Tom know,....P.S. I printed out a bunch of info on the procedure for him so he could see it for himself.
Tig said
Jul 15, 2015
Laura,
You previously mentioned Tom's CT showing a shadow. The information I found on Eovist is that it is an injectable contrast agent that is liver specific and helps to define the vessels, architecture and tissues in the hepatic system. Seems to me they are simply taking a very detailed look at his liver. Better to take a close look and rule out any problems. Hope this helps!
Tig said
Jul 15, 2015
Hi Laura,
I'm going to have to look into that myself, I've never heard that specific term before. When Malcolm checks in, he'll be able to give you the best information on it. I wouldn't be alarmed because the appointment isn't until Sept 10th. If there was a problem, he'd be in there right away. It may be just what you mentioned, an advanced procedure to get a good look.
tomyboy said
Jul 15, 2015
Hi It's me again. We just got our next appointment for Mt Sinai. Tom is scheduled to go Sept 10th for a Eovist MRI on his liver. We have never heard of the eovist and I did google information. Looks to me that it will show a great deal of what is going on with Tom's liver. Tom called me at work as he was worried that they may have seen something with his previous CT scan that they aren't telling him. I told him I think it is just a more advanced liver MRI that can detect cancer lesions. Has anyone here had one completed or know someone who did? Should this be a red flag that something may be wrong. Tom is curious as he wonders why they hadn't completed this test on him in the past, as he had two years of a three month liver CT scan. Any help will be appreciated....and as usual, hope everyone here is getting positive news. FYI- he completes his harvoni in August and hope the sixth treatment is the charm.....Take care.
Tig said
Jun 23, 2015
Hi Laura,
It sounds like Tom has a very caring doctor on his case. That must help you both when dealing with these kinds of issues. He seems to be taking the necessary precautions and the extra attention to assure a positive outcome. That's so important!
I'm loving the smile on your faces! Keep that smile shining brightly and the positive frame of mind that Tom shares with us all! Keep us updated and all the best to you both...
tomyboy said
Jun 22, 2015
Malani and Cinnamon Girl,
He didn't really explain the shadow. The CT written reports are very hard to follow but it suggests that there was a "change in picture" from the scan in 3/15 and 12/14. Tom is thinking maybe he should have stayed on the oral chemo longer, but I don't think it would have mattered. To be honest with you, the doctor told Tom that he is always in a positive frame of mind and loves to see him. He also told Tom and myself to enjoy the rest of the summer and let him do the worrying for us. He scared me when it took him a long time before he came into the room because he was viewing the film himself. Hopefully when we go back in Sept his count will still be 0 and the MRI will appear normal. He is grateful for the harvoni as he has NO side effects and has gained all his weight back he lost from the chemo. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for listening. All the best to you....keeping our fingers crossed. '
mallani said
Jun 18, 2015
Hi Laura,
You guys can't catch a break. Sorry to hear the CT wasn't clear. Could you explain 'shadow'? It's a pretty strange term for a contrast CT.
Anyway, if it does turn out to be another HCC, they'll just resect or oblate it. With Tom likely to achieve SVR, the Sinai team will be pretty aggressive in preserving his precious liver.
Stay positive and again, I'm sorry you guys have been through so much. Cheers.
Cinnamon Girl said
Jun 18, 2015
Hi Laura, I'm so sorry you and your hubby haven't had the good news you were hoping for, especially as Tom's been doing so well on his Harvoni treatment. It's great news that the virus is still undetectable and it certainly sounds very promising, with not too much longer to go on his 24 weeks.
I can't advise you on the possible options for Tom if it does turn out that the cancer has returned, but I wish you both all the very best of luck and I really hope that you get some better and more positive news in September. You've been through so much already and I really feel for you.
Do keep in touch, and remember that we're always here whenever you need us.
Sending all very best wishes to you both, try to stay strong.
tomyboy said
Jun 18, 2015
Hi All,
It's been a while since I have lurked these pages. I hope to find everyone here having good results. Tom is still on harvoni and doing very well. His count is still 0. We went back to Mt Sinai 6/11 for what was to be his last liver CT scan. From there he would begin to go every six months for an MRI of his liver. What was to be a celebration really was not. The radiologist and physician saw a "shadow" in his liver scan. It was not near the portion of the liver which was resectioned, but in the back area. Of course, we were both both floored. We go back in three months for an MRI of the liver. We want to schedule a PET scan but was told previously insurances won't pay for it for liver cancer. We are praying it is nothing, but ofcourse, we both fear his cancer has returned. Tom has been through the mill. Has this happened to anyone else? I feel if they thought it was a extremely serious, they would have completed another test the same day or not had us return in three months. I love his surgeon, his team, and the whole hospital. I feel confident in them having us wait but just need some reassurance. Tom will have his 24 weeks of harvoni completed in August. We hope three months after treatment, his viral count is still 0. I feel like although he may beat the hep c, now there may be a chance his cancer has returned and this time, it may be in an area they can not remove. What would his options be then, radiation???? Sorry to be always be a downer, but this time i was really hoping to return with good news...hey one never knows, hopefully in Sept, no shadow will appear. Thanks for listening and understanding.
Laura,
Radiologists have different opinions on Triphasic CT vs Primovist MRI. Assuming the latest machines are used and the correct protocols followed, there is little difference. I just happen to prefer MRI. Cheers.
Malani,
YOUR the best.
thank you so much for the info. For the past two years they have only done a liver CT scan with contrast. We were told he would now have a MRI every six months (but this one will be three months) and we got worried when we received the appointment notice with the eovist MRI. Tom was wondering why they never ordered this previously. Will this show a more detailed picture than the CT? Just curious. Hopefully it will come out crystal clear.....thanks again.
Laura
Hi Laura,
Eovist is a liver specific MRI contrast agent. Over here, it's called Primovist and we have been using it since about 2004.
I'm surprised Tom hasn't had one before, as that is routine here for all cirrhotic-HCC scans.
The 20 minute delayed T1/T2 sequences are very useful in differentiating HCC's from a variety of other lesions.
Best of luck and let us know how it goes. Cheers.
Thank you Tig, that is what I figured, but I wanted to ask so I could put Tom's mind at ease. I believe they just want a more detailed look and I think that is a good thing. If there is something there, they can address it quickly. I will let Tom know,....P.S. I printed out a bunch of info on the procedure for him so he could see it for himself.
Laura,
You previously mentioned Tom's CT showing a shadow. The information I found on Eovist is that it is an injectable contrast agent that is liver specific and helps to define the vessels, architecture and tissues in the hepatic system. Seems to me they are simply taking a very detailed look at his liver. Better to take a close look and rule out any problems. Hope this helps!
Hi Laura,
I'm going to have to look into that myself, I've never heard that specific term before. When Malcolm checks in, he'll be able to give you the best information on it. I wouldn't be alarmed because the appointment isn't until Sept 10th. If there was a problem, he'd be in there right away. It may be just what you mentioned, an advanced procedure to get a good look.
Hi It's me again. We just got our next appointment for Mt Sinai. Tom is scheduled to go Sept 10th for a Eovist MRI on his liver. We have never heard of the eovist and I did google information. Looks to me that it will show a great deal of what is going on with Tom's liver. Tom called me at work as he was worried that they may have seen something with his previous CT scan that they aren't telling him. I told him I think it is just a more advanced liver MRI that can detect cancer lesions. Has anyone here had one completed or know someone who did? Should this be a red flag that something may be wrong. Tom is curious as he wonders why they hadn't completed this test on him in the past, as he had two years of a three month liver CT scan. Any help will be appreciated....and as usual, hope everyone here is getting positive news. FYI- he completes his harvoni in August and hope the sixth treatment is the charm.....Take care.
Hi Laura,
It sounds like Tom has a very caring doctor on his case. That must help you both when dealing with these kinds of issues. He seems to be taking the necessary precautions and the extra attention to assure a positive outcome. That's so important!
I'm loving the smile on your faces! Keep that smile shining brightly and the positive frame of mind that Tom shares with us all! Keep us updated and all the best to you both...
Malani and Cinnamon Girl,
He didn't really explain the shadow. The CT written reports are very hard to follow but it suggests that there was a "change in picture" from the scan in 3/15 and 12/14. Tom is thinking maybe he should have stayed on the oral chemo longer, but I don't think it would have mattered. To be honest with you, the doctor told Tom that he is always in a positive frame of mind and loves to see him. He also told Tom and myself to enjoy the rest of the summer and let him do the worrying for us. He scared me when it took him a long time before he came into the room because he was viewing the film himself. Hopefully when we go back in Sept his count will still be 0 and the MRI will appear normal. He is grateful for the harvoni as he has NO side effects and has gained all his weight back he lost from the chemo. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again for listening. All the best to you....keeping our fingers crossed. '
Hi Laura,
You guys can't catch a break. Sorry to hear the CT wasn't clear. Could you explain 'shadow'? It's a pretty strange term for a contrast CT.
Anyway, if it does turn out to be another HCC, they'll just resect or oblate it. With Tom likely to achieve SVR, the Sinai team will be pretty aggressive in preserving his precious liver.
Stay positive and again, I'm sorry you guys have been through so much. Cheers.
Hi Laura, I'm so sorry you and your hubby haven't had the good news you were hoping for, especially as Tom's been doing so well on his Harvoni treatment. It's great news that the virus is still undetectable and it certainly sounds very promising, with not too much longer to go on his 24 weeks.
I can't advise you on the possible options for Tom if it does turn out that the cancer has returned, but I wish you both all the very best of luck and I really hope that you get some better and more positive news in September. You've been through so much already and I really feel for you.
Do keep in touch, and remember that we're always here whenever you need us.
Sending all very best wishes to you both, try to stay strong.
Hi All,
It's been a while since I have lurked these pages. I hope to find everyone here having good results. Tom is still on harvoni and doing very well. His count is still 0. We went back to Mt Sinai 6/11 for what was to be his last liver CT scan. From there he would begin to go every six months for an MRI of his liver. What was to be a celebration really was not. The radiologist and physician saw a "shadow" in his liver scan. It was not near the portion of the liver which was resectioned, but in the back area. Of course, we were both both floored. We go back in three months for an MRI of the liver. We want to schedule a PET scan but was told previously insurances won't pay for it for liver cancer. We are praying it is nothing, but ofcourse, we both fear his cancer has returned. Tom has been through the mill. Has this happened to anyone else? I feel if they thought it was a extremely serious, they would have completed another test the same day or not had us return in three months. I love his surgeon, his team, and the whole hospital. I feel confident in them having us wait but just need some reassurance. Tom will have his 24 weeks of harvoni completed in August. We hope three months after treatment, his viral count is still 0. I feel like although he may beat the hep c, now there may be a chance his cancer has returned and this time, it may be in an area they can not remove. What would his options be then, radiation???? Sorry to be always be a downer, but this time i was really hoping to return with good news...hey one never knows, hopefully in Sept, no shadow will appear. Thanks for listening and understanding.
Laura