Decent Scan

[BrownBagger]

Sloan-Kettering usually doesn't post the radiologist's report on the portal until after you've had a chance to review it with the doctor. This time, however, they did it before my appt. with Dr. Kemeny tomorrow. Happily, it's a good scan--some significant shrinkage in some places and stability in others. No sign of a recurrence of the bronchial tumor that I had removed in March (whew!). Since this is my first scan since starting on Xelox 2 months ago, I'm pleased that we're seeing some positive results. I don't want to take more oxi than I have to, but after four rounds it's still no big deal. I think I can do 12 rounds no problem. Not sure what the end game is on all this (other than the obvious), but it looks like I'll be around to see it.

I realize the wisdom of Sloan's policy, and I really debated peeking at the report. But, you know, couldn't help myself. At least now we don't have to spend our five-hour drive tomorrow wondering and worrying. Don't think I'll tell Kemeny that I knew in advance.

On an unrelated note, I managed to get the garden in over Memorial Day weekend, thanks to my daughter who came out from California to attend her bridal shower and of course, to help me put the garden in. It's not all that hard, mostly because the soil is very loose and workable, but I tire easily and while I have lots of stamina, it's only available in small doses. I need to rest frequently when doing any kind of hard work, but am good to go after a few minutes. So it gets done over time with persistence. Much easier having some labor available. She wants me to supply some of the food for her wedding in August, so I suggested she help me choose what to plant.

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend spent working with one of my favorite people.

I will be posting photos once there's something besides bare ground to see.

[eleven11]

It makes me really happy to hear that you are doing well, BrownBagger. Hope you enjoy your time with your daughter and gardening this summer! These are the moments to keep fighting for. Cheers to you.

[ams5796]

Congratulations on your scan. It's always scary to look at the results online...and to get them in person.

Exciting news about your daughter! You'll have to post some wedding pictures soon. I got to see my daughter get married a few months ago. It was very special to be there.


Ann

[BrownBagger]

Congratulations on your scan. It's always scary to look at the results online...and to get them in person.

She's pretty good at letting you know as soon as she walks in the room whether the news is good or bad. But waiting for that moment is pure torture, as I'm sure we can all appreciate.

[midlifemom]

Congrats on decent scan. I would call it "good" though.

Once, I was able to see my scan results online before meeting with Dr Kemeny. I prefer it that way - so I can ask questions. Butt, I also understand why most docs prefer to give the news first hand.

[BrownBagger]

My last scan in late March generated a call from Kemeny about 2 hours post-scan. I was about halfway home when she called my cell phone. Wanted me to return the next day to see Dr. Huang about the bronchial thing, which we did. I had surgery the following morning.

That's the kind of amazing access to treatment that's gotten me this far. It sure helps to have a doc who can get things done in a hurry when she thinks it's necessary.

[jdepp]

Fabulous news, Eric. Love to see you taking chemo & carrying on with life. It can be done! And it's easier when people show us how.

[teachpdx]

Glad to hear that your scan was good. It's nice that your daughter is visiting & helped you out. Now you have vegetables and a wedding to look forwasforwasrd to!

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm glad you had a good scan!*hugs*

[CRguy]

Sounds like good news on all fronts my friend !!!

Glad to see some CRCass still being kicked in typical BBagger fashion

MEGA Cheers bro'
CR

[Nik Colon]

Great news!

[juliej]

Happily, it's a good scan--some significant shrinkage in some places and stability in others. No sign of a recurrence of the bronchial tumor that I had removed in March (whew!).

Just the news I wanted to hear! Sounds like oxaliplatin is working very well!!!

I realize the wisdom of Sloan's policy, and I really debated peeking at the report. But, you know, couldn't help myself. At least now we don't have to spend our five-hour drive tomorrow wondering and worrying. Don't think I'll tell Kemeny that I knew in advance.

Probably better not to tell Sandy or Trish either. Sandy, especially, is a strong enforcer of The Rules. Anytime I do something unsanctioned and she finds out about it, she asks, "Does SHE know you're doing that?" -- as she jots down my offense on the notes she gives to Dr. K.

I'm conflicted over the policy. On one hand, it's up to the oncologist to interpret the results so patients don't misread anything in the report and flip out over something inconsequential. On the other hand, patients who've had years of experience with CT scans are pretty savvy about reading those reports. Waiting to hear the results from the onc can be pretty stressful, even for pro's like us.

I managed to get the garden in over Memorial Day weekend, thanks to my daughter who came out from California to attend her bridal shower and of course, to help me put the garden in. It's not all that hard, mostly because the soil is very loose and workable, but I tire easily and while I have lots of stamina, it's only available in small doses. I need to rest frequently when doing any kind of hard work, but am good to go after a few minutes. So it gets done over time with persistence. Much easier having some labor available. She wants me to supply some of the food for her wedding in August, so I suggested she help me choose what to plant.

Your daughter's getting married? Cool! Will the wedding be at your house? I hope you use the drone to cover the event wherever it is!

I was the same way doing hard work on chemo. Tired but with lots of stamina. It was like a timer went off every few hours. BEEP - time to sit down and rest! I had to literally stop what I was doing and just sit or lie down in the shade. After 15-30 minutes of rest I was good to go again.

[Lee]

Congratulations on your scan results. Keep it up.

I wanna see pic of your garden.

Lee

[DebZ]

Congrats on good scan! May I ask if only in lungs and how many? Mine are scattered throughout lungs but really tiny and I'm on Folfiri w/ Avastin. Haven't had scan since starting back on chemo.

[HopeForJesse]

Congrats on the positive news and lucky portal peeking enjoy the garden and wedding plans!