PET scan Update

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Today was a crazy, busy day. We started first thing this morning with an appointment up at SHC with Lisa Stearn’s group, a pain management clinic. I kind of had a feeling that the appointment was going to be a waste and I was pretty much right. After a $40 copay, I answered some questions, had my vitals checked and then reiterated that I did not want a pain pump at this time. Then I was on my way.

Megan and I whizzed a few blocks over to pick up the CD of the PET scan I had done last week. Yeah! We would finally get results on the progress of the cancer! We had about an hour to kill before heading to Dr. Kukinoor's, so we grabbed some quick lunch and then were on our way to SW Hematology Oncology. Dr. Kukinoor was not able to meet with us today, so we had an appointment with his nurse practitioner, Joanne.

We went over the PET scan results. They were kind of confusing to understand, but from what I got from the meeting was that the cancer in my lung had decreased activity. My right hip also had decreased activity. The vertebrae did show activity, but Joanne said this could be from the vertebroplasty. On the down side, my right hip did show increase in growth or activity. I guess this would be why I felt pain in my hip and it makes it hard to walk.

I need to go over the written report that she gave us and check it out on my own and maybe there will be a little more detail. All in all, the report was mixed. I guess this is good. I was really hoping that it would be a little more positive, but I’ll take what I can get.

At Dr Kukinoor's, I was also able to get my third round of Zometa. This is the bone density drug that is given via IV. I love taking this because I feel like my bones are getting stronger by the minute. I am so afraid now of breaking my back after the L3 fracture incident. I don’t have a follow-up appointment with neurosurgery until a month from now to see how my back is doing. For the moment, I just started taking Tarceva again and am hoping this will be the miracle that will help to slow or stop the progression of the cancer.

Link to blog: http://themelissawaller.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/petscan-update/

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.