recce101 Posted August 12, 2009 Posted August 12, 2009 August started out a bit stressfully for me as a result of some comments on the radiologist's CT scan report. Though I had looked at the CD images shortly after I got home from the scan and nothing jumped out at me in comparison to the May scan, the radiologist's written report contained the statement "increase in size of left pulmonary lung metastasis." This got the attention of the nurse practitioner who received the faxed report that afternoon, she called my onc at his other clinic, and they set up a Saturday appointment for me to see him there and also scheduled a repeat of the brain MRI and bone scan which I last had in 2006. But when I saw the onc on Saturday he was very reassuring, saying the left lung changes (one nodule from 3mm to 5mm, another from 3mm to 4mm) were so subtle and minor as to not constitute progression. And even the radiologist stated that the right lung, where this all started, was stable. We'll be continuing the Carboplatin/Alimta therapy. We talked about my increased shortness of breath on Alimta, so the onc set me up for a pulmonary function test which I'll be getting next week. Since my lung capacity has not apparently decreased recently, the NP believes the shortness of breath is largely due to the anemia which has developed and gotten worse while I've been on Alimta. For example, the RBC (red blood cell count), HGB (hemoglobin), and HCT (hemocrit) numbers have been trending down and are all now below the normal range, probably for the first time in my life. I hope we can boost these numbers through diet without resorting to a treatment break, a transfusion, or Procrit with its side effects. And the PFT may reveal something else treatable. Anyway, now that I've got something to latch onto, I'm feeling better about the situation. And for some icing on the cake, the brain MRI and bone scan were both negative for mets! So if I can stay away from those buses, I don't think I'll be going away any time soon. Aloha, Ned Quote
beatlemike Posted August 12, 2009 Posted August 12, 2009 All in all Ned that sounds like a good report. Congradulations! Quote
Muriel Posted August 12, 2009 Posted August 12, 2009 That's great news, Ned. Thanks for letting us know so soon. Muriel Quote
Barbb Posted August 12, 2009 Posted August 12, 2009 Ned, your news absolutely made my day, I am so happy for you. Look both ways before you cross the street Barbb Quote
fillise Posted August 12, 2009 Posted August 12, 2009 Well, I guess if we HAVE to put up with Ned for a little while longer we will. It's just so hard to have someone around who is so knowlegable and helpful and who knows how to pick you up when you need it or give you a swift kick in the rear if that's called for. I GUESS we will have to make the best of the fact that Ned will be around awhile onger to provide unflagging support for his fellow travelers. Gosh Ned, I suppose it will be hard, but I guess we can manage it. Love you, Susan Quote
Kasey Posted August 12, 2009 Posted August 12, 2009 Ah Ned, your words are the music to my ears so needed this week. You are awesome, my friend, and from PA I am wishing you a heartelt 'aloha'! Is that an appropriate use of the word? Let's laugh over our scanxiety this time next year and the next and the next ~ whaddaya say? Now in all seriousness, I'm so glad to hear this. KAsey Quote
Connie B Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Aw shucks Ned, what's another 25 years amoung friends? I'll stick around for 25 more years if you do!!! My husband always says "Not to ask for more then we can handle, because it's for the needy not the greedy. So, I'll say 20 years instead of 25. DEAL? It's funny how we don't always get the best of the best health news, but when it all comes together and the dots start to connect, even alittle, we seem to find comfort in knowing that. Must me a cancer thing. Hope your PFT goes well next week. Quote
jaminkw Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Ned, this is one time I'm glad to say: I TOLD YOU SO!!!! I hadn't been onsite all day and am so glad I ducked in for a minute tonight. Judy in Key West Quote
Bud Baker Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 That's great news, Ned! We need your aloha around here for a long, long time to come. Quote
bud Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Ned, Me and Rosie are happy campers. Stick around Quote
Flyman35 Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Oh, okay. I think we can put up with you for a bit longer. Congrats on the good report and good luck with the PFT. Denise Quote
Calintay Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 I think we could put p with you still NED! Yor pretty dang fun to have aroudn lol Thats great news! Quote
shineladysue Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Ned, This is awesome news...sure am glad I checked in and read this tonight.. Hugs, Sue Quote
ts Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Hooray for Ned! We like having you around, in case you hadn't noticed. Quote
Calintay Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Kind of funny instead of editing my post on her from yesterday I thought I would leave it because I really must of been tired just about every other word is spelled wrong or missing letters. Couldnt help but laugh at myself this morning. Quote
fighting4mom Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Ned, I am so glad to read the good news ... and even better news that you're still planning to stick with us all and continue with your great advice and encouargement! Big YAY! Mahalo and Aloha, Kimberly Quote
Carleen Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Yeah Ned! I am so happy to read the good news. It makes me smile a big cheesey grin to think of there being more NED here. Those buses can go drive off a cliff!!! Sending you a warm and happy Aloha, accompanied by hugs. Quote
cat127 Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Well I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I will have no trouble putting up with you a while longer. Glad to hear the good news Ned! Quote
michellep Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 That's good news Ned! Keep up the good work Quote
ursol Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Great News Ned! It is always comforting to see you doing well. Lilly Quote
Caren Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 This is wonderful news, Ned. I'm so very pleased for you. Quote
Renate Posted August 13, 2009 Posted August 13, 2009 Ned, This is wonderful News. I am very happy for you. We need you here on this board you are so helpful and knowlegeble. Thank you for letting us know. Renate Quote
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