So... we just got results back from Rick's first CAT scan since he started his chemo treatments (started November 15th) for Stage IV CC with mets to the Liver. The Doctor said that his CEA count has come down from 4000 (!!!) to 300 - which has got to be good - but the Doctor said that he noticed several areas of "calcification" on the liver on the CAT scan that he says is "unusual at this stage of treatment." He says that he wants to do a PET scan to get more information on what's going on.
What does calcification mean? Does that mean the tumors are dying? Does that mean the Oxaliplatin is so strong it is destroying not only the tumors but his good liver tissue also? And why would the Doctor want a PET scan done (perhaps he wants to be sure that what he is seeing is really cancer tumors on his liver - not just some left over scars from some previous infection Rick might have had)? (Wishful thinking). The Doctor said that he sees no possibility of Rick ever having his liver resected - that a surgeon wouldn't know where to start because the liver is covered in tumors. So why the PET scan?
As you can see, my mind is racing with What Ifs. I would appreciate hearing from anyone with similar information or experience.
He shall not die. He shall live to proclaim the works of the Lord.
June