The C Word – A New Battle Day 243 - Scan Update

On Thursday we saw Dr. B to go over the scan done on the 10^th.  The days leading up to getting the results are usually a little bit anxious.  The “unknown” can be scary. 

The scan showed that the known tumors are still growing a little bit.  Unlike the last scans, this one actually stated that there appeared to be low density areas around the bowels (which is likely mucin growth).  For the most part it showed what one would normally expect to see with this type of cancer.

George was relieved the scan did not show growth anywhere else.  It is unusual for the cancer to show up elsewhere, but it can happen.  To know that it is still “self-contained” in the abdomen is good news (not the cancer is good news). 

We know a CT scan does not show reality, there may be more than meets the eye.  Unfortunately, there is not true scan or test that is available to determine a true picture of this disease and how it is progressing or not.

Unless something comes up sooner, we are still on wait and watch and will schedule another scan in six months’ time.  Praying that nothing comes up between now and then.

This week George also met the gynecology oncologist that performed the HIPEC (chemo) part of his first surgery.  We have never formally met him as George was under anesthesia by the time he entered the operating room back in 2014.  George is volunteering with the PMP Pals’ group doing their quarterly newsletter and had approached Dr. L to get an interview for one of the upcoming issues.  Dr. Lilja used to be in a punk rock band and then decided to get into medicine.  He and Dr. B were acquainted when they were at a symposium back in 2005 with Dr. Sugarbaker and learned about HIPEC.  That’s where our “dream team” began to formulate!

That’s all the news for now.  Kind of nice not to have bad news or sad news for a change.