While my surgeon was re-doing my plumbing during my RNY in late June of last year, he happened to see a pencil-eraser-sized growth on the outer surface of my small intestine near the junction where he was forming my bypass "Y".  He excised the growth and sent it off for a biopsy.

The pathologist reported that the tissue was that of a small-cell stromal tumor, which, in his opinion, was non-cancerous at the time.  Nevertheless, I was referred to an oncologist a month or so following my RNY.  Apart from some blood work, this new doc ordered a CT scan of my abdominal area.

I recall that drinking two 400-cc bottles of that disgusting phony-banana-flavored contrast solution was more than a small challenge (considering that my "stomach" was about the size of a golf ball in those days), but that otherwise the scan was uneventful.  A follow-up with the young oncologist revealed that the radiologist and the hospital's "cancer committee" found no evidence of further tumors.  That's the good news.  There was, however, a faint "shadow" on my liver, and so I was scheduled to have a second CT scan after six months.

The second scan produced no new results, although the "shadow" on my liver was apparently still observable.  So now I am scheduled for a third CT scan, which will take place tomorrow.  My follow-up appointment with the oncologist is set for Thursday morning.

So, my main question is:  what should be my reaction if the doctor wants me to have a fourth CT scan?  When does the recurrence frequency of high-dose x-rays, such as that experienced during a CT scan, begin to pose a higher-than-acceptable risk of actually causing a cancer or other adverse outcome?  Is two CT scans every year, if that's what I hear is recommended, too many?

Are there any informed folks out there on this forum who have a fact-based opinion on this issue?

There are two type of overian cyst one is functional overian cyst  these are harmless and another type is pathlogical overian cyst which occur due to abnormal growth of cells.You shaould take proper medication for it as all the cyst are not cancerous.

I had a total thyroidectomy 2 years ago.  Seems like they have to tweak my meds every 6 months, because the blood levels bounce around.  As i'm losing weight, my dose is going UP, which is really odd.  Increased activity level affecting it, maybe?

Best to check with your Oncologist but I can tell you about my situation.  I had to be in remission for two yrs to get my doctors approval.  In some cases it could be longer.  My doc said the first two yrs were critical for me and the chance of recurrance. I got the approval but before I can actually have WLS  I must have a CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis to make sure the cancer hasn't snuck back in those areas.  Doc doesn't think it has but wants to make sure. 

I was lucky as I found the lump in my left breast.  Went to doc, MRI showed the cancer was not contained to the tumor, and had spread to other tissue .  Another test showed the cancer had just started going into the lymph nodes  The MRI also showed three more tumors in my right breast that were deep in the breast.  I chose to have a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, didn't have to do radiation because of the surgery.  My doctor did an Ocotype DX test to determine my rate of reccurance.  I landed in the upper 90 percent of the scale so I was glad that I chose to have the double mastectomy.  I still see my doctor every four months and have to take Arimidex for five years (I'm halfway there). 

I would not have been ready for WLS any sooner than now anyhow.  I've had 13 surgeries in the past 2 1/2 years, eight of which were for the cancer and reconstruction with complications.  Others were two knee surgeries, two wrist and one hand.  I've seen the inside of enough operating rooms to last me a lifetime.  My husband has been wonderful through it all but it's also been emotionally tough on him as well.

I highly recommend that you get in touch with The American Cancer Society as they have many resources available for anyone with cancer.  I have two grandchildren that were five and six when I was sick. The ACS gave me high quality activity books for each that helped explain why grandma was going to lose her hair, etc.  I didn't want the kids to be afraid of me when I looked like a martian.  They provided me with the most beautiful wig and two hats free of charge.  They also have a class called Look Good, Feel Better or Feel Good (can't remember exactly).  It to is  free of charge however you must register through ACS for it.

I wish you the best in your journey with the cancer.  The emotional ups and downs can be very hard to deal with so a good support system is important.  My family and friends were a wonderful support system however because none of them had dealt with cancer before they really didn't understand how and what I was going through.  With that being said, anytime you have a question or need to talk let me know, I would love to hear from you and how you're doing.  I truly believe in Guardian Angels and am more than happy to share mine with you.

I got the all clear from my Oncologist today that I can proceed with my surgery plans.  I'm far enough out that all shoud be ok.  Still have to have CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis to make sure nothing's there.