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!

April 1st - 2010

Here we are in April now. After three more days of heavy rains and severe flooding we are hoping for some sun and warm, dry weather for Easter.

The above video clip explains how a PET scan works. Mine is scheduled for April 12th with a followup oncology visit on Friday, April 16th. Depending on the results of this procedure will determine the next step in the journey I've been on.

Tomorrow is Good Friday, then Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. I hope that everyone enjoys this weekend and remembers the real reason for it.

More details after the results have been discussed.

March 2010 - PET scan scheduled

Well, here we are into March of 2010 now and it's been a tolerable winter for the most part. I've just confirmed and received my acknowledgement for my next scheduled PET scan which is in 6 weeks (April 12th) with a follow up including labwork at the Cancer Center on April 16th. I've been trying to keep thinking positive since my diagnosis and see no reason to stop now.

When you stop and think about "life" there are many things that make you wonder about and really don't understand. By helping others who have been diagnosed with cancer and trusting in our Lord, it has helped me and I'm ready for whatever is dealt my way. While we are here on Earth, one thing is for certain, nobody gets out alive...

Valentine's Day Weekend - 2/12/2010

Happy Valentine's Day weekend to all. I have a neice who's birthday is on Valentine's day and this Sunday is the Baptism of her second child, a boy named Joseph.

I got a call from my oncologist today and was told that my next PET scan is scheduled for April 12th with a follow up on the 16th. Even completing six months of steady chemotherapy after a major abdominal surgery where the surgeon believes
that he got it all out, you still wonder about that 20% chance of re-occurence
and always ask yourself..."is this going to be the test that shows something?"

I've learned to think positive though and leave it all in the hands of God. Only HE knows when he wants me.

So in closing, enjoy your Valentine's Day and put some love in this world that could really use some!

Midway through January 2010

Well, here we are midway through January with a little January thaw coming in by Monday. The Winter NAMM show has just ended in California and lots of new and exciting gear was showcased.

Things are going pretty good at this point...still some neuropathy in my feet, but all in all, much better than last year at this time.

I've now been cancer free for one whole year!