(Click on photo to enlarge)
The PET scan had to be rescheduled for Tuesday, and we met with the radiation oncologist today to get the results. The results have three stories connected to them. The big one first.
The original tumor is almost entirely gone, and what's left of it should disappear in the next few weeks. The doctor is considering this to be "case closed" on that side, but can't give Mike a clean bill of health until a second "100% clean" scan is made in 6 weeks or so. That is wonderful news!
A lymph node on the right side of Mike's jaw caught the attention of the radiologist, however. It is a very small growth, and they are not yet able to determine if it is benign or malignant. We'll have two treatment options--to biopsy it to see if it is malignant, or to just go ahead and remove it. We'll consult with the ENT doctor to make that decision. Either way, the node will not be allowed to grow into anything of consequence.
The third part of the great news is that the scan included Mike's body down to the pelvic region, and showed no spread of the cancer beyond the original locaation.
So, we are considering this to be 95% Great News, and that the last 5% can be achieved without major treatment--and no chemo or radiation!
We are letting this news sink in and taking things slowly at home tonight--but we need to express our thanks to all of you who read the blog, and many others, for the love, support, humor, prayers, and good vibes to help both of us make it through this very trying experience. We said right from the beginning that this would be a team effort, and that turned out to be every bit what was needed.
We'll keep posting to the blog, so please stay in touch as much as you can.
Finally, we have posted that long-promised picture of Mike, so you can see what he looks like after treatments and eating through a tube for 3 months. Hint--he's the one on the right ;)
mike and terry
Wow! Congrats Mike! This is really great news. You two have been through the toughest of times and come out the other side with smiles and good health (95% guaranteed anyway!). Savor this and hang tight to one another -- you earned it! The very best wishes to you both.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Wendy Mustain
Dear M&T
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear the good news. Please know that you both have been in my thoughts and prayers this past month. I can't wait to hear more positive news.
Leah
I am very happy to hear your great news! I came across this quote and instantly thought that you did just this...hit it out of the park! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not old enough to play baseball or football. I'm not eight yet. My mom told me when you start baseball, you aren't going to be able to run that fast because you had an operation. I told Mom I wouldn't need to run that fast. When I play baseball, I'll just hit them out of the park. Then I'll be able to walk.
~Edward J. McGrath, Jr., "An Exceptional View of Life,"
Carla