Friday, August 12, 2011

Lastest results have left me in Limbo

I am now back from Brisbane and had my PET scan. Went back to see Dr K and the PET scan results told us they could only find signs of a tumor in the right lobe of my liver. Fantastic news, BUT Dr K bought me straight back down to earth. He suggested the results may be floored and for various reasons may not be showing all the cancer spots in my liver. Looking at the big picture the results are still good, as one of the reasons they may not be showing up on the scan is they have reduced enough in size not to show up. If I compare to my last PET scan nearly 12 months ago where they could see two large tumors and a multitude of splattering throughout my liver to now only showing one tumor is a great result. So I will keep again keep positive and look at this as a good improvement. I also had my regular blood tests. The results of this are not so good. My tumor markers have increased again to 43. So in one hand we are saying the cancer is reducing in my liver but the tumor markers are telling us an increase in activity, hence my state of limbo. We have decided to do CT scans and have another close look at the liver and hopefully they will support the PET scan and show a reduction. So a CT scan and back to see DR K before the end of the month. Wish me luck. I am still on the chemo cycle and managing the side effects day by day. Working fulltime keeps my mind occupied pushes me to get out of bed everyday although some days are a struggle. Not sure how I am feeling emotionally at the moment. Maybe I am just too impatient, but I just want to know my exact situation so I can plan an attack on the cancer. Now nearly 12 months since I was diagnosed and funny enough although it has turned my world upside down it is now just a part of my life and take it in my stride and push forward every day. I have made fantastic progress from last year so I am very lucky considering the Doctors told me to go home and get my “affairs” in order. In other words prepare to die within the next 6 to 24 months!! I think the prognosis is much better now and my goal is to be able to go into remission in this year.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me over the last year, I would not be where I am now without this support. I will update again once I have the CT scan results.

4 comments:

  1. Keep the faith mate - we certainly will be. Great catching up last month and make sure you keep us updated.
    I think as a reward you and Megan should come and visit us in the Maldives.

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  2. Alicia Castillo HolleyAugust 13, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Keep up the positive, those cancer cells of yours didn't know whom they were getting into.

    We are here to support you in any way we can.

    With admiration, Alicia

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  3. I wish you luck, and I will pray for you.
    Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts and feelings. Many blessings from Alicia's sister.
    Gabi

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  4. Keep it going Buddy, You are an insiration!
    Just think, this time next year we'll all be sitting around having a beer saying "remember when"

    keep fighting the fight, we are with you every step!

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