Monday, May 24, 2010

Results of CT scan of my chest done today.

I couldn't get a copy of the chest CT to post on Emmettville so will just have to go with a written report of the findings as Norda and I can remember them. I went in to the Radiology department at 11 am today and had the CT with IV contrast done and then had Dr. Richard Hopkins review the images with us plus compare today's findings with the previous two exams. On the first CT which was done after the jejunal polyp was found and before it was removed last November I had a nodule about 2 cm. in diameter in the outer aspect of the right lung. On the exam done after the first 12 chemotherapy treatments the nodule had gone down in size considerably but they also found a lot of blood clots throughout the lung (which were not producing any symptoms.) I started on a 6 month course of Coumadin blood thinners then and continued another 12 more infusions of chemotherapy. The exam today showed all of the blood clots to have disappeared. The tumor nodule is now just a small scar and the pneumonia in the left lung base with productive cough and fever that I have had recently is clearing. Dr. Ben-Jacob started me on 10 days of antibiotics a week ago yesterday but I may have to stay on something for a little longer depending on what he or Dr. Mike Stones recommends. I am feeling much better that I did last week and hope, now that the chemotherapy has been discontinued, that I will be able to regain some general strength and particularly build up some strength in my legs again. I will find out more as time goes on and will try to keep you updated.

8 comments:

  1. Great news. We'll keep praying for increased leg strength. I know a few Emmetts who are already planing on skiing with you next winter.

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  2. That is great news! There must be magic in that blue leather chair!

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  3. Hooray! What happy news. Thanks for updating us.

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  4. Outstanding news indeed. Do I sense a "Papa John KO's Cancer Ultra Eighth Mile Run/Walk Through Adam's Park to Prep for Ski Season" event coming up in October?

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  5. I will give it some serious thought, Bill, but the distance may be a little long - I don't know if I can handle a block all at one time!

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  6. Let's make sure we have at least two feed zones with banana bread, cheese and Tab. One on 6th North and one on 5th North. I think with proper nourishment, you'll be able to handle it!! Tom should get the T-shirt order started asap.

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  7. Count me in. I have always wanted to do one of those long distance races and this one sounds like a great one to start with. Especially since the inspiration of John's continued battle over cancer will insure a successful completion. (But can we do something other than Tab?)

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