Today, I went for a follow-up PET/CT. I have been feeling great, almost asymptomatic except for some dryness in my mouth and reduced taste sensation. I was optimistic that the scan would be normal and I could have a happy Thanksgiving and head off to my Hawaii cruise in a good frame of mind.
No such luck. The scans showed a mass in the posterior mediastinum measuring up to 4.5 cm, almost two inches in diameter. It is located just above the diaphragm behind the heart, next to the esophagus and spine, near the aorta. There was nothing there on my previous scan in June. The rest of this examination shows no evidence of significant abnormality elsewhere.
I put in a call for Dr Nghiem this afternoon, but it is Thanksgiving. I have an appointment to see him on Tuesday.
So what next? Surgery would be very difficult and dangerous, painful with a long and arduous recovery and no real expectation of success. Chemo is an option. Radiation is another option. The latter seems more likely to be successful. I await word from the specialists.
I will post more in the next few days.
Dave,
ReplyDeleteSorry the news is not better. While I am not a doctor, I do not think you can do much about this development until Tuesday. To the extent you can, forget about it for now and make the most out of your Thanksgiving with the family.
Howard
Hi Uncle Dave,
ReplyDeleteI can certainly relate to getting an upsetting diagnosis right before the weekend. It leaves you feeling temporarily helpless and hopeless, but don't give into those feelings. Keep yourself busy, distracted by family and please don't let it spoil your Thanksgiving.
We're thinking of you,
Andee & Ben
So sad to hear the latest development. However, with your tenacity and positive attitude toward life, I know you will fight on. I am sure this Thanksgiving will mean more than ever for you and your wonderful and supportive family.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes,
Teresa
Dave, Just read this distressing news. Our thoughts are with you, and hope that a miracle comes your way. Please know that Carol and I will be there for you and your family whenever needed. Our best hopes and wishes for all of you. Larry and Carol
ReplyDeletei've sent an except to Dr. Nghiem by e-mail. blessings Dave. Marty
ReplyDeleteDave
ReplyDeleteYou absolutely don't deserve having to go through this. Beat it.
Murray
Dave,
ReplyDeleteHerb and I share your distress and expect
that there will be a way out of this situation.
We call this Plan B. Take care and know that we are thinking of you and your family over this holiday.
With love,
Judy and Herb.
Dave,
ReplyDeleteTuesday will be here soon and you and your oncologist will come up with a plan. In the meantime, try to enjoy your weekend with your family. They are what matters. We're thinking of you! The Alson Family & SIA family.
Dave,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep a positive attitude and know that we are all pulling for you during this difficult time.
With many blessings and prayer, Yvonne in Oregon
All the best Dave..hope it can be taken away.Let me know if anything I can do.Justin E.
ReplyDeleteDave
ReplyDeleteI like to believe that just becuse there is a mass that it is possibly benign. The new focussed radiation can treat growths with fine precision and I am hopeful that your progress will continue
george