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04/15/2006: "PET Scan Results"
Well, I received the analysis of my PET scan and it looks like good news and bad. I’ll share the good news first as that is what I like to focus on.
There are no new signs of metastases or spread of the cancer. “Countless pulmonary nodules are again identified, right up to 9-10mm” These are the tumors in my lungs. Being a Mathematics major, I am not fond of the word “countless”, but I am encouraged by what the doctor says next. “There are no nodules that have changed in size appreciably although some nodules show central lucency that is now more evident and might be a treatment response.” It looks like these tumors are starting to become more transparent. This is a good sign and means we may be beating them back!
“Interval resolution of previous hypermetabolic retroperitoneal small lymph nodes since the prior exam with no new hypermetabolic abnormalities in the abdomen/pelvis to suggest progressive disease in these regions. No enlarged lymph nodes” I guess if you have that much schooling, you get to use these words. In layman’s terms, he is saying that I had cancerous lymph nodes in my abdomen and these have disappeared, have not grown or turned into a tumor as might be expected.
As far as the big tumor on my 7th vertebrate, “slight decreased level of metabolic activity but increased lysis on CT”. Lysis usually refers to the death of a cell by bursting. He is using it here to refer to the size of the tumor. On the last scan in January it measured 12x16mm and now shows to be 17x19mm. This is my main concern. On the positive side, I had more pain in my neck back in January than I do now.
On Monday morning I will meet with my Oncologist to go over these results. He will credit the chemo for the successes and have little explanation for why the chemo has not decreased the size of the tumor in my neck. I have to give some credit to my diet and lifestyle change. I also have to remember to be patient with this recovery business. It took about 6 to 8 years for the cancer to progressive as far as it did. Healing metabolically will take time. Hopefully these results mean I just bought some.
I am very happy to hear the positive results of you latest PET Scan. I do believe your lifestyle changes have made a positive difference. Your positive attitude must be helping too. I know it has rubbed off on me. I have given up processed sugar and changed much of my diet.