2nd entry for 10/1 - Results from today's appointment
Yes, the hurricane passed 100 miles to the north. The pink flamingos have gone missing and there's now a strange garden gnome embedded in the tree. Where did it come from?
What the heck and I talking about?
In short: Results from the CT Scan, PET Scan, Bone Scan, X-Rays and blood work show that my liver is clean, my lungs have "improved" and there is a lot of activity around my pelvis. (Sounds fresh, doesn't it?)
BODY: There is no evidence of ANY new tumor growth anywhere throughout my body.
LIVER: Results of the scans show no signs cancer on my liver. At least that's what I interpreted from him saying "clean."
LUNGS: Scans show my lungs are "improved as compared to the last scan in July." There were "baby tumors" visible in my lungs in July, but now there are only some enlarged lymph nodes visible. Why they are enlarged is up for further review.
BONES: Bone Scan showed activity around my pelvis. Bone scans don't show tumors, they show bone growth. It could be that my bones are growing, healing themselves. OR The PET Scan showed the same activity around my pelvis and spine. PET scans show tumor activity. It is possible that the cancer is still active in these areas. OR I've been getting injections to stimulate my bone marrow to produce new blood cells. The bones could be showing activity in the PET scan because the bone marrow is stimulated.
BLOOD: My blood counts have improved, but are still far below "normal" counts. This is normal at this point in my recovery from chemo. My calcium levels are normal. If tumors were eating at my bones (as before), my calcium levels would be very high. This is another encouraging sign.
SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
My Doctor will consult again with the radiologist to try and get more conclusive answers. If they conclude that the cancer is indeed active, my doctor will consult with Dr Einhorn, the NCI, the NIH and others to seek suggestions for further treatment. We hope to learn more by next week.
Another important thing we discussed is my lack of strength. Before any further treatment begins, I need to get stronger. I can't fight this thing if I continue to be in a weakened state. One of my fears was that he was going to recommend that a new chemo regime should start on Monday. I'm very happy that it's not the case.
I feel as though 100 red-assed monkeys have been lifted from my back.
posted by L @ 5:16 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
That is very encouraging news. To be honest, I'm not fully sure I grasped the hurricane analogy (or at least what the pink flamingos represented), but I am very happy to hear that your red-assed monkey problem is resolved. This I understand. As analogies go, after tensely following all the build-up and anxiety this week to today’s results, it’s been a bit like waiting to see whether Mount St. Helen's would erupt...minus the potential for massive ecological destruction and the indiscriminate deaths of hikers and campers. Hmm, you know I’m not really sure what that analogy means either.
Anyway, hopefully now you can focus on regaining your strength again.
Take care. --Matt
See, I got the hurricane analogy, but why did you have 100 red-assed monkeys hanging around? Has Dave Milillo been bothering you again? The news is very encouraging -- thanks for the detailed update. Call when you feel like chatting. : ) Ellen
yeah, the hurricane analogy worked for me, but red-ass monkeys? c'mon now, unless it's the wizard of oz, we're mixing metaphors. wait a minute, that was a tornado and flying monkeys in that movie, not a hurricane! oh well, choose whatever images you like. i'm happy to hear positive news:-) call me if you get a chance.
- candace
Well, I'll chime in on the whole hurricane vs. monkey analogy usage debacle...I saw monkeys -- and particularly red-assed ones -- beat hurricanes any day. :) Seriously, I am so HAPPY by your news...at last take some take to take a deep, long breath and savor what I am convinced will be a new beginning for you on your road back to health. You're getting stronger every day...in fact, you're a lot stronger than you think...and will be even more so once I start whipping your yoga-ass back to shape (or to whatever state it once was...or you would like it to be...or I'll just stop here). -- Melis
This is the best news of the week. Keep up the great positive attitude. It is surely paying dividends. Talk to you soon!
E-Man
I'm sorry to confuse everyone with my mixed metaphors. What I should have said is that I feel as though I've had 100 red-assed hurricanes lifted off my back. -eric
Red-assed hurricanes? Now that sounds like groovy cocktail, baby!
To hasten the exit of those pesky garden gnomes, firmly grasp them by the ankles, shake them furiously, spin them over your head three times and when the momentum is strong enough, launch em into intergalactic space. And don’t forget to give them a red-assed hurricane to numb their senses so they cannot find their way back (do this just before launch so they don’t blick all over everything).
I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to hear of your news. Keep up the good fight. We are all pulling for you!
I can’t begin to count all the people who have kept you in their prayers throughout this ordeal. So many people have sent their prayers onward in your name. Many who don’t know you but are connected to you by their faith. No one has mentioned this in the blog so I’m tossing it out there for the sake of awareness and remembrance. May your strength continue to come to you from many different avenues.
Cee
It's so coincidental that a guy named Matt left this e-mail. I buried my late husband Matt that day. He died suddenly at 39 of a heart attack. He was diabetic and had congestive heart failure and pneumonia. I found him at 5:30am the morning of Sept. 27th. I now know what"hell on earth" means. I am living day by day; on Easter it will be 6 months.
Post a Comment
<< Home