Hello all,
Yesterday I went to Stanford to meet with both surgeon and oncologist. They were there to read the scans (PET and CT) and look at all data. All went very well. The liver tumor has shrunk more than 50% from the start. Long story short.... GREAT NEWS. This is interpreted as the chemo is working and probably taking care of any smaller micromets. The tumor did not even light up on the PET. While this is unusual it does occur. The PET scan has me injected with radioactive glucose and then "resting" 45 min. in a big tube while a non human voice tells me to breath in and out, hold your breath.... Obviously this machine was designed by deep sea divers as some of the hold your breaths had me turning almost blue.... The interpretation of the tumor not showing up on PET ranges from nothing to good. Because it did show up once before, it is "probable" that the chemo killed many of the cells (if not all) and the glucose uptake can not be seen. Long story short... GREAT NEWS....

Because all looks good...no new metastases showing, the pulmonary embolism in the lung clear and shrinking tumor... I now have liver surgery scheduled for the 28th of Feb. at Stanford. They anticipate surgery on Wed and get out of the hospital on that Sunday. They think 4 - 6 weeks for recovery. This surgery is to take out the tumor and do an interoperational ultrasound to "burn out" with an electric probe any smaller questionable areas.

Weight, blood work, and physical all look good and the Dr even called me "lean", first time that word was ever used in a sentence with me. Long story short .... GREAT NEWS....

I am relieved and grateful for the great work, prayers, kindness that everyone has put in for myself and my family. I walked out of the hospital under overcast skies at 4:00 pm and just let out a great big yell. It felt so good.

The Dr.'s said now you need to get strong, eat well, rest, exercise gradually and build your immune system back up. Hopefully, I will be back on Monday at work. All my best, love and respect
Impactzone

This is WONDERFUL news! I am so happy for you. I hope the surgery goes well and you recover quickly. We hear such encouraging news from others who have had liver resections, I am sure you will do well. Now, do what your doctor advises...look after yourself!

Love and prayers,

That is certainly great news. :) I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for continued good news.

Terry

I am so happy to hear your good news, I don't come on here to much, I did a few months ago for different things.

I did read your posts going back then.... keep your chin up!!

You and your family are in my prayers...Mandy

Thats great news.I'm really pleased for you. It's so nice to get the updates when things are going well. It's very encouraging to others.

Good luck with the Liver surgery.

Best Wishes
Lalee

Wow - so nice to have some great news here! Keep that positive attitude through your liver surgery and you'll do well. Your news will help those who are newly diagnosed and needing positive outcomes. All the best to you!

Great news! We always like to hear good news on this board. Best of luck with your liver surgery.

That is such wonderful news. I am so happy for you. When dh had his liver resections (he has had two) he really did so well. Just remember to walk all you can, it really helps get rid of the pain my dh says. I will say extra prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.:) dee

Impactzone, great news; hope you are doing well. (Sorry; am a bit late to this thread).

Can you tell me what chemo regimen you are/were on that shrunk the tumours?

Impactzone, :blob_fire I hope you did the "Happy Dance"
I am so glad to hear you great news. I am also a bit envious about you being referred to as lean :D In spite of everything he went through, my husband maintained his excess padding. I worry that his excess weight puts him at a greater risk for a reocuurance.:rolleyes:
Our children are also concerned and we now have a "BowFlex" machine in our spare room waiting to be assembled. (Our youngest son's weekend project) Larry has promised to use it so I am hoping that he will indeed trim down
I pray for you to continue to have good test results, :wave: Kathy