PET results

We had very good news from the newest PET scan. Jim's radiologist says the results were MUCH better than he expected. The largest liver tumor (which had the chemo-embolization) was dying and the bottom of the tumor which has another blood supply was also necrotic, as were the two smaller tumors.

He is still having another chemo-embolization on the 14th, now gets his long awaited hernia repair on Tuesday. His blood transfusion last week was a very frustrating experience. I spoke to the customer service rep who called us today to see how their "service" was. (wasn't) I explained that spending 11 hrs getting a 5 hr blood transfusion was frustrating and unacceptable. She agreed, so I expect a better result next time. Good news is his counts are good enough for surgery.

We are so grateful for the good results, no avidity anywhere except the 3 tumors in the liver, no new masses, nothing in the esophagus and the only lymph node that showed up has shrunk from 3.5 cm to less than 1 cm. The radiologist said he saw no shadows or "spots" that might present problems later. He also had a dilation last week and has gained 5 lbs. He hasn't weighed this much in months!

So...if you are Stage IVb, there is still hope! We were so disappointed when he told us that the tumors in Jim's liver generally did not respond well to "spheres" therapy, but evidently they do respond well to chemoembolization. Thank God that Medicare covers this and we have Med Supp insurance as well. I don't think it's quite as expensive as Spheres, but haven't received a bill yet.

We pray daily for all on this site, and are confident prayers are heard.
Sally