Monday, October 18, 2010
PET Scan - Oncology Consultation II - 10-18-10
Well we had finally some good news given to us. Truly it is an answer to many prayers. This morning we went for the PET Scan. We arrived early and they took us immediately. It ended up lasting about an hour and forty-five minutes. It then took another hour waiting for the results to be sent up to Dr. Pritchard's office, but he finally got them. About 11:00 am, he came in to report the results. First off, the PET Scan showed no other signs of cancer anywhere else beside the left breast!!! It did reveal that there is a lymph node behind the tumor in the left breast that has cancer, but nowhere else in the body. Second, the blood test revealed that the low iron was not the result of some internal bleeding rather what the doctor called Anemia of chronic disease, probably the result of the body fighting the cancer!!! He said that they would only have to monitor the blood work regularly but felt we could now go forward with treatment. Dr. Pritchard went onto describe his recommendation as to treatment which was what Dr. Spalding had reviewed with us, and what we have posted previously. It was asked if instead of chemo, could there be just the mastectomy. He said of course, but this would entail more extensive surgery to make sure that all of the cancer was removed and probably skin grafts to repair the area. He also said with this type of cancer, being more superficial, it has a high rate of returning and reinfecting the area. Questions were asked about the chemo treatments and Dr. Pritchard gave us some great information as to what would be the routine and effects on the body. He then left us alone to make some decisions. After counseling with one another we felt impressed to go ahead with the chemo treatments. They are scheduled to begin this Friday at 9:40 am. Dr. Pritchard said that we would have 3 to 4 treatments of 3 weeks each and then begin looking to surgery. The hope is to shrink quite considerably the cancer to allow the surgery to be less intensive than it would be. All in all, we felt peaceful with the news and the decisions. We celebrated with Tim, Heather, Felicia, Doc, Lucy and Victor. Of course the place was Vinnies!!! 
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Bob and Alicejo this is the best news I've heard all year !! I know your going to have a long road but you are a strong woman and God is with you,so happy no cancer any place else,You guys are still in our thoughts and prayers constantly.Hope to talk to you soon. Jeanette
ReplyDeleteHalleluiah and Praise the Lord!! He does answer prayers!! We are so happy for the good news that the cancer hasn't spread. We will be praying for you that you will be able to handle the chemo treatments and that they will work to shrink the tumor. We love you so much and thanks for the update! You and Dad are in our prayers always! Please let us know if there is anything we can do!! We love you both tons! Love, Becky
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. We are very grateful to hear that the cancer hasn't spread and will continue to pray for you as you face the journey ahead. In sacrament meeting on Sunday two things/quotes the speaker said stood out to me. First, that the covenants we have made do not protect us from the trials of life, but as we keep them the power of the Lord is unleashed in our life to help bouy us up through those trials. Second is the quote: "Come what may and love it." This past year has taught me personally to embrase these two truths. Sure love ya! Allison
ReplyDeleteSo grateful for the good news and answered prayers. Thank you for your wonderful examples of faith and courage. I have started looking at tickets, just need to know when will be the best time for me to come. We love you and will continue sending prayers and good thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteLove, Ginny
Wow, what a blessing! I'm so grateful to the Lord for answering everyone's fasting and prayers. Mom and Dad, your names are in many Temples multiple times. We know that as we all "let go and let God" and submit to His divine will, that good will come about. We weren't with y'all at Vinny's but we certainly celebrated just like it :) We are looking forward to seeing you sometime soon. Love, hugs and kisses! Glenn and Liese
ReplyDeleteMom and Dad, we are so grateful for the good news. We know that all the prayers are being answered. We will continue to pray for you as you start the treatments. Hang in there we are with you in spirit.
ReplyDeleteBest news ever. In both cases that our friends and work associates have gone through, the 12 weeks of chemo reduced the tumor so much that surgery was almost unnecessary compared to what it would have been required without the chemo, so you are making the right choice. Lots of rest and a great attitude is what you need, and will have with all of this support. You can beat this! Let us know what we can do. Love you both.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy! My favorite scripture: Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lead not unto thine own understanding. In all thy way acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." You're doing that! You're my example and I love ya'll. I miss ya'll so much. :)
ReplyDeleteGrandma we love you and are praying for you continually.
ReplyDeleteAlicejo, God will be with you Friday as you start your first Chemo treatment,he is aware of you because we are not letting him have any rest with all our prayers continually being said in your behalf,we love you and Bob and will be thinking of you. Jeanette DeMastus
ReplyDelete