UPDATE FROM AARON, POST TREATMENT PET/CT RESULTS.....
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:07 pm
good evening friends, today marks the 51st day post radiation/treatment for my cancer, and the follow up post treatment PET/CT scan to see where we are and what needs to be done further. in short, the results show ''positive improvement'' thus far. the left lingual lymph nodes show no 'activity' as the node has shrunk almost to a smooth non palpable lump. mind you, at the height of the cancer diagnosis in may, the node as approx. 2" in length, 1/2 inch in width and 1/2 inch in height. the node was tender, inflamed and was causing me such pain, i could not raise my left leg more than 4" above the ground. part of the cancer had migrated into the node thus the inflammation. i cannot even describe how utterly painful it was. it even caused my leg to swell to twice it's size because it was pressing against a nerve. it is now the size of a small pea. the cancer itself, as of today shows some 'slight uptick' in activity. in other words, it continues to respond to the absorption of the radiation. yes, i'm still 'radioactive' for the next 12 weeks, it has that much of a half life. i was shown the pretreatment scan and post treatment (today's) scan and the side by side is amazing. what was a large bright spot on the scan is now a small dim dot. yes, it shows some activity, but it also shows response. total shrinkage of the tumor was roughly 3 to 4 mm in mass and volume. the overall prognosis is good and now we are in a wait and see mode for the next few months. three (3) months from now there will be another PET/CT scan and a biopsy of the area. so, for now we are in the wait and see and monitor mode. overall, the oncology team is 'very pleased' with my overall prognosis, health and response to treatment. let's hope that the tumor continues to respond and eventually die, never to return.
gastro intestinal issue still continue to plague me as does continued lower 'gut' pain---think perpetual stomach ache. the GI issues are due to the residual effects of the radiation causing the actual lining of the intestine to be 'burned' off. lacking the surface area to properly digest food causes the pain, but, i'm told,that this will improve as my body continues to rebuild the tissue.
let's hope so, because right now, it's NOT the greatest of feelings and the comfort level is way below normal. in short, i know it takes time, but, believe me, all i want to do now is 'feel normal'.
that's it for now.... will keep you posted when developments take place.
thank you all for your continued support and good wishes.
aaron
gastro intestinal issue still continue to plague me as does continued lower 'gut' pain---think perpetual stomach ache. the GI issues are due to the residual effects of the radiation causing the actual lining of the intestine to be 'burned' off. lacking the surface area to properly digest food causes the pain, but, i'm told,that this will improve as my body continues to rebuild the tissue.
let's hope so, because right now, it's NOT the greatest of feelings and the comfort level is way below normal. in short, i know it takes time, but, believe me, all i want to do now is 'feel normal'.
that's it for now.... will keep you posted when developments take place.
thank you all for your continued support and good wishes.
aaron