Excitement Abounds

At today's appointment with the Oncologist, after waiting and being "patient" for 1.5 hours, I got to see both the Nurse Practitioner and Dr. Chang. I think I was the last patient of the day although I was scheduled at 3:40!

Both of them were more excited about the "Reduced Tumor Load" than I expected them to be. Basically, Dr. Chang said "keep doing what you're doing". He said that sometime in the next 4 months, before I see him again, I should see the Gastroenterologist (sp?) for another "scope" because those are so dang fun.

He said we are outside the window available to do surgery, but he said in light of what's happening, that may be alright. His plan is just to monitor the tumor 4 months from now and if it is still going well, then 6 months after that for several more years. He said the chance of recurrence in this type of thing is still high (he says more in the 40% range than the 90% range, but there aren't too many studies in this type of decision and treatment).

All my blood work looked normal and "perfect".

That's great, because I'm ready to go on vacation!

Love ya'll!

The Incredible Shrinking Tumor

The last Pet scan was in November. The Tumor was 4.6 cm across. It is now 3.9 cm across. That's a 15% reduction. We think that's a good thing!

Also, the SUV number which supposedly measures the activity of the tumor, was 14.1 and is now 10.4. That's a 26% reduction. However, in the previous previous PET scan in mid-2009, it was 9.2, so it's heading back down. We think that's a good thing too!

Also, there is no visible metastasis! No spread is a good thing too!

These readings were from Dr. Dramov, my Naturopath. I go see Dr. Chang, the Oncologist, on Thursday and we will discuss what the next plan of attack will be.

I'm assuming we will have another PET scan in 6 months or so. Our portion of this is $500, so we want to do these as sparingly as possible, but it is good to monitor the tumor area and get some handle on what is going on there.

Will report more after Thursday's appointment...

Love ya'll!

Victor

28 Minute Cat (Pet) Nap

The PET/CT scan today went well. No surprises at the actual scan. As always, after the 28 minutes of lying perfectly still, the technician told me I could put my arms down from above my head...I needed help.

The chair in the staging room at EPIC imaging is almost worth the $500/hour I have to pay to sit in it...

We will know the results Monday and/or Thursday as I have two doctor appointments next week with separate doctors.