Clear PET Scan

Just got home from oncologist visit. They drew blood for another CEA test and
then I had exam by my oncologist. He then told me to put on my shirt and come into
his office. (I thought it strange since he hadn't mentioned results after I told him
that I felt good about Monday's scan.).

My wife was with me and we sat in the chairs in front of his desk while he was
reading the report. He said that the scan was 100% clean! Then went on to say that
they still want to monitor me for 5 years since the chemo started and June will be
two years.

We told him about how our health insurance has changed and we now have to pay 20% of
all "allowed charges" for tests, xrays, scans and even bloodwork. He said that instead of another CT scan in six months (October), I'd just have CEA bloodwork and perhaps just a CT scan next year. Then I told him that I knew of someone that has only had CEA tests since finishing chemo and his response was that different doctors treat patients different ways. I "almost" brought up the fact that I read about doctors ordering unneccesary tests, but bit my tongue and kept quiet.

So, overall I'm happy that everything is fine but I'm still
wondering if the scans are really necessary.

Have a great weekend!
God bless us all!

February

Well, here it is February and Spring will soon be here. I haven't posted since last month's post follow-up and just a quick update today.

The 3 things that are still causing me problems are neuropathy, fatigue and short-term memory loss. I find that I need to write things down more often. The neuropathy is better, but I do notice that it is a slow process and may take several more months to completely abate. General fatigue is touch and go. I have good days mostly, but some days I just end up falling asleep with naps or early at night.

I haven't been to a dentist since last January (2008), and I have a tooth that's bothering me, so I called my oncologist and he said it was fine to go for dental work. I called the dentist this morning and have an appointment for a cleaning and exam on Thursday (day after tomorrow). They insist on this before doing any other dental work. I'll bet my gums are going to bleed worse than usual. I'll blame the chemo!

Thanks for everyone's support and I'll update next month after my next follow-up when they flush the port, check bloodwork and I have my exam.