calm227

Hi Cindy, 

Thank you so much for replying to my post!  Just reading these response and reading other posts in the forum are helping me a lot.  It is good to read what you and others have said about LDH levels.  Still, I'm glad that the oncology team is taking it seriously enough to order the PET/CT scan and that my insurance authorized it — especially reading on this board the troubles people sometimes have with getting PET scans approved!

So, I am focusing on the positive in that I am getting the test.  I am worrying just enough so that I will be somewhat prepared if it is bad news. Also — worrying enough to join this discussion board for support, which is a good thing.  But since I really want to know, I am focused on that as a positive!

I hope that your mother is doing OK.  Thank you again for your positive message!

Donna 

Hi Aubrey,

Thank you so, so much for taking time to respond to your post. I am really sorry to hear about your mom, but it sounds like the treatment must be working pretty well.

That is why I thought my LDH levels were weird — I've only read about people having normal values or people who are stage 4 who have super high levels (that is really, really high!). I have never heard of having values that were 10-20% above normal.

But hearing your mom's story helps me know that it's reasonable to be concerned enough to take the test.  When I had the stage 1 melanoma removed, I thought I just needed to be paying attention to anymore suspicious moles — I didn't know that it's possible that it could show up internally instead.  

Anyway, I'm glad I'm here on this board, as it helps me a lot to be able to share and get the feedback.  As you said, this is all pretty standard, and I agree!  I actually am so glad to be taking this test, rather than sitting around and wondering about it!!

Wishing all the best to you and your mother,

Donna

Thank you so much for replying!  Right, this is how I am looking at it too – the PET scan may show nothing.  It helps me a lot just to be able to share the situation and have some feedback. It calms my nerves to share, and I've only told a few friends about this (who have no experience with melanoma, LDH, and PET scans).  Thank you!