Monday, March 23, 2009

Scan report…

I had a PET scan last week. It’s similar to a CT scan, but they inject you with a radioactive sugar (FDG) before the test. Since cancer cells tend to metabolize sugar faster than other parts of the body, the FDG should go to the cancer areas and those parts should “light up” on the scan. I’ve been waiting with some dread for the results of the scan because if others areas (liver, lungs, etc) lit up with metastases, it would likely mean that I wouldn’t be a candidate for any type of surgery.

Well, I don’t see the doctor again till next week, but I got them to fax me the radiology report and it showed nothing suspicious other than the tumor we already knew about. And that tumor…is smaller than it was last month. Can we all say “Yippee!” together? I’m so relieved.

Here’s the official lingo: “The only FDG-avid abnormality on this scan is the known biopsy-proven peritoneal implant in the Douglas space with maximum SUV of 7.2. When comparison is made with MRI of 02/12/2009, this implant has decreased in size from 3.5 x 2.1 cm to current dimension of 2.5 x 1.4 cm, suggestive of favorable response to chemotherapy.”

Just to clarify something I said on my last post…I was a little shocked by the surgeon who doesn’t take insurance, and it seems unfair that it isn’t open-access to everyone, but having to pay upfront isn’t going to impact our decision-making process. I’ve had many notes and generous offers of assistance for which I am very thankful, but we don’t need any financial help. We’re so fortunate to be well-equipped to fight this battle…physically, mentally, spiritually, financially…we have everything we need right now. But having all of your love and support means the world to us.

25 comments:

Mama T said...

Yes, I think we all can, collectively, shout yippee for small wonders. Or yahoo, as they would in this part of the world. Go figure.
I'm glad for some good, LM, you sure deserve it.
Say, since you have so much $$ floating around, why don't you buy an Airstream trailer and drive it way, way, way up north to see part of the world that is beautiful and, right now, under about 30 cms of snow. What? Doesn't appeal? The snow might be gone by the end of the week...

Mama T said...

oops, that should be good 'news'

StaceyEricSullivan said...

YIPEE! Yay!

I have been reading your posts and learning lots of medical lingo (that FU thing still being my favorite, by far, since I'm originally from New Jersey) but I like the smaller truck (SUV) thing too! Only three rounds of chemo and it's responding! Yay again!

Anonymous said...

When Sean called this AM, you did nothave the results yet. Gosh, this is such wonderful news. Can't wait to see you all this week-end. Love, Kim and Dave

Anonymous said...

Most excellent news, dude! Love, Allison

Anonymous said...

That's beautiful, fantastical news! It made me cry and laugh at the same time. Your body is taking charge!love ya, Margaret

Anonymous said...

Hey Lisa,
I do more than 500 PET/CT scans a year and the decrease in size by a third and the SUV (standard uptake value) of 7.2 are GREAT news. Keep up the good work!

Love you,
Donna

Anonymous said...

YIPPEE!! Fabulous news! So glad to hear it, you go girl!
Love,
Kathryn

Anonymous said...

YIPPEE! That's wonderful news, Lisa. YIPPEE, YIPPEE, YIPPEE!!!!!
Love,
Auntie Carol

Unknown said...

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! This is so good to hear, Lisa. Something to celebrate with your birthday this week. Love and prayers continue your way.

Aunt Ginny

Anonymous said...

Fantastic news! Let's keep it going. In defense of the surgeon since he's doing an experimental procedure the odds are insurance isn't reimbursing him for it. In other words he's working for free or paying out of pocket himself to subsidize the care he's giving. Unfortunately that's what things have come to in the dysfunctional healthcare system we have (ok, I'll step off the soapbox). Hang in there! Jason

dorothy said...

Yippee!
Play the music when you get my card and dance girl, dance!
Love,
Aunt Dorothy

Anonymous said...

FANTASTIC news!!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news. Forgive me for being cold blooded enough to only care that you are able to access the surgery and not worry about the rest of the planet. In fact, payment in cash upfront means that people like you can access the surgeon immediately since he probably is not overwhelmed with people who can to see him under those terms.

Anonymous said...

Yeah!! What wonderful news! We're continuing to send lots of prayers and good thoughts your way.
- Steph

Renée said...

Fabulous news!

Anonymous said...

Yippidie doo dah yippidie yay!! Smaller is awesome. And nothing new of course is always good. So glad to hear that. Prayers are very powerful. Hey dont remember if I told yall or not, but tell Sean that Maury is coaching Haileigh's softball team and Markle is helping him coach. Its a laugh a minute with those two. ha. Take care. See ya soon hopefully

Anonymous said...

That's just wonderful news, Lisa. It's time you're hearing some good news about this whole ordeal. Still sending good thoughts and lots of love to you and Sean all day ...every day.
Auntie Suzy

dorothy said...

3/26/2009
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday, Dear Lisa
Happy Birthday to you!

May the Dear Lord bless you
May the Dear Lord bless you
May the Dear Lord bless Lisa
May the Dear Lord bless you!

Have a joy filled day!
Love,
Aunt Dorothy

AM said...

I am so happy to hear your news. I will keep prayers and Reiki going your way.

God is GOOD!

Anne (friend of Bunny's)

AM said...

And it's your birthday???
Well, happy, happy birthday!!! :-)

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to let you know that my heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers everyday. I am awed by your strength.

Bless you,
Lisa B. (lbor)

Anonymous said...

Uncle John and I are elated with the news. God is so good to lift us up when we are down. I love your video. It was beautiful. I have read the boys respond to the questions and they are keepers in your memory book. Treasure them, they grow up too quickly. Rebeka is 21 and John David is 16.We love you, Aunt Joy Dawn

Anonymous said...

And before the clock strikes 12, I can't forget to say Happy Birthday. Hope you had a huge piece of cake!!!!!! Love, love, love, Auntie Suzy

dorothy said...

3-29-2009
Therese, Auntie Florence & I spent the day with Grandma Usher Friday. I printed out the pictures, questions % answers the kids did from March 14th. Both Grandma & Auntie Florence laughed out loud and said "37 feet long!" when they got to no.7. It must be a sister thing. Auntie Florence has you on a daily prayer list and Grandma prays for every day. Even going through your treatments you find time to put up your children's cuteness and make others laugh.
Love % prayers.
Aunt Dorothy