Pre-op scans - good news

Today I had pre-operative PET and CT scans and this afternoon my sister Margie and I looked at the scans with the oncologist. We are still waiting for the full report from the radiologist, but basically, the news is very good.

The liver met was PET negative, meaning the tumor there is not pulling up any glucose, which indicates that that region no longer contains any viable cancer cells. The mass is still there though shrunken, but is likely necrotic tissue. This is huge. As to the tumor in the colon, the PET scan showed a small glucose uptake (which shows yellow on the images) but far less than the scan in March. There is a numerical scale applied to the uptake and when I get the radiologist's report I'll provide this detail. The CT scan showed that the colon region has return to normal size and shape!

Note that none of this changes the treatment plan - liver surgery continues on July 19th followed by another round of chemo then the final surgery.

The oncologist is very pleased with these results and actually gave me a hug. The journey is not done, but I could not ask or hope for better progress against this disease. I am very thankful. This is an answer to ongoing prayers. Today is also Luisa's birthday and this update she described as "the best birthday present ever".

I continue to be blessed with support and encouragement from friends and family. Thank you all so very much. I am forever indebted.

Jim