Kick-*ss Scans

Each chemo session they draw blood for the CEA test. Well after chemo #3 the results went from 3.1 to 3.4 - a trend in the wrong direction. We weren't sure what to make of this so the doctor recommended scans to see if the chemo's effectiveness had diminished. This was a very unsettling development especially as I was laid low for 3-4 days by the fatigue, and with it the emotional impact which is hard for me to compensate for. Fact is, this had me very worried.

On Wednesday (October 5th) I had a CT and PET scan. For the PET scan I get an injection of a radioactive glucose and since tumors rapidly uptake sugars with their higher metabolic rate, the scan lights up cancerous areas. The result.....I am what they call PET negative!!!! The primary tumor isn't even showing in a PET scan, and this after three of the six planned chemo sessions. Not only is this good news but it is more than I could have hoped for. I can hardly describe the joy on receiving this news and the joy of sharing it with others.

Margie and I had talked about my hopes for a "kick-ass" scan at the end of the treatment and maybe it even being PET negative - and here we have it after three rounds. This news will really help sustain me through the tough times. My deepest thanks to all of you who continue to provide encouragement and support. I am forever indebted.

Standard disclaimer - this is a very good sign but it doesn't change the treatment. I have three more chemo sessions to finish the job on cancer that might be too small to be seen, and then the final surgery.