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

Surgery Scheduled - July 19th

The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday July 19th, probably at O-dark thirty.


The surgery is called a partial hepatectomy. Though I only have one confirmed met in the liver, to be safe they will likely remove most/all of the right lobe since the liver regenerates anyway (who knew!).  Because your digestive system shuts down in sympathy, I expect to be in the hospital for 5-7 days to ensure proper digestive function before they release me. I have never been admitted to a hospital or had anything other than minor hand surgery - so this will be new. I really look forward to hospital food. ;-) I will be taking a medical leave from work and they said to anticipate 4 weeks for recovery.

This gives me 4 weeks until the surgery, and I intend to LIVE LARGE during this time. I'll be taking vacation the week prior to surgery and Lu an Iwill definitely have a pre-op party at our house the weekend before.

I am scheduled for a preoperative CT and PET scan on July 29th. I hope and pray that this shows
a) Liver met has shrunk significantly
b) no other mets have appeared during chemo
c) generally that I've kicked cancer's arse with this round of chemo

Pump removed!

Today Lu removed the pump for this the 6th and final chemo session! Whoot! I also got CEA test results and I'm down from 5.7 to 4.2. That is a 94% reduction in 10 weeks of treatment. Hallelujah!

I think I'll know my surgery date early this next week, and I'll have another PET and CT scan on June 29th. Until the surgery I hope to recover my energy, my taste buds, and generally enjoy summer to the fullest. I did ask about getting EPO so that I could resume strong riding, but they said sorry. It is reserved for those with desperately low levels, and oh, elite athletes. ;-)

Thank you again my dear family and friends for the support!

Final Chemo Session!

Tomorrow (June 8th) is the 6th and final chemo session before liver surgery. I approach it with both excitement and trepidation. Excitement over being done and trepidation because I know it will bring more fatigue and other annoying side effects. I should get the CEA test results on Friday so I'll add a post then.

Here goes...