Update on Mrs. The Old Man
Susan saw her oncologist this past Wednesday in preparation for her third chemotherapy treatment. The CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) scan from last week shows that the four lymph nodes that have been a concern since the first CAT scan (prior tothe chemo treatments) were “inflamed” as part of their natural reaction to the presence of the tumor in her upper right lung and he does not believe they are“impacted” by the cancer itself. VERY good news!Also, this most recent scan shows that the size of the tumor is not shrinking as the oncologist had expected. He explained to her that before the next chemo treatment he wants to run another PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan to get a more precise analysis of the “intensity” of the cellular makeup of the tumor. The first PET scan revealed anintensity rating of 14. (No, we have no idea what this number means.) But, we do know that he is ordering another PET scan for tomorrow morning specifically to determine if the intensity is at “7 or below.” If it is, then he will proceed as he has been with the same mix of chemotherapy drugs. If the intensity of the tumor is above 7, he will prescribe a different mix of drugs for this next treatment. Her third day of chemotherapy treatment is now scheduled for Friday, June 30th.
He is taking a very aggressive pre-surgical approach to this treatment. The move of the third dose to June 30th means the 4th and final treatment will be pushed out further than its original July 13 date and the surgery will likely be a bit later in August. I’ll let you all know the results of the PET scan as soon as we know. Thanks again for your continuing prayers. Believe me; they are making a world of difference! Your faithful reporter,
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posted by TheOldMan @ 5:13 PM
