Scan results show some change

Last night's sky to the east from my backyard.

I was more nervous than usual before going today to see my oncologist for the result of Monday's CT scan. So when my oncologist came into the room I was listening intently to find out if she'd start with the word "unfortunately" as she did when she gave me the news that the cancer had spread to my bones.

But this visit didn't start with that word. She was very pleasant but not quite as chipper as when she has "good" news. My sister was taking notes and recorded the first question my oncologist asked:

"How have you been feeling since I saw you three months ago?"

It's been a mixed bag as I have shared with y'all on this blog. Some painful times. But then improvement.

She asked about my spine, and I have indeed noticed more pain where I think the cancer first went to my bones—where they did the bone biopsy at the base of my spine. But the pain hasn't been that bad.

My oncologist said the scan showed "subtle changes." The least surprising change to me was that a spot on the lower spine was "brighter." That indicates to me that the cancer which was kind of put to sleep with the med is now starting to wake up a bit. That's where I've been having the most consisent pain.

My doc said something seems to be "evolving" but not quickly.

There is also a new 3mm lung nodule. That may or may not be a problem.

The "tumor marker" is okay. That's a good thing.

My oncologist says "at this juncture we make decisions based on how you feel—miserable or not."

But that another scan sooner than three months plus some blood work can give us a better picture.

I agree.

I'm not feeling miserable. Some days are kind of rotten but not many days are in the "miserable" category. I was miserable a year ago. I feel SO MUCH BETTER now than then!

So I'm set for bloodwork on November 30th for a "liquid tumor biopsy" to find out if there’s "a circulating tumor cell." That includes checking DNA and doing a molecular analysis.

That blood work along with another CT scan on December 9th will tell us more. I'll see my oncologist on the 10th for results.

My doc says there are two main types of cancers within what I have. I'll call them X and Y. If the scan indicates what she called a "flare" there are "more pills to slot." If the liquid tumor biopsy indicates X we'll take one targeted approach, one set of pills. If it indicates Y there is a different one. But there could also be something that is neither X or Y. And that would call for a "general" drug.

I had a feeling the cancer might be waking up a bit. I think being proactive now in finding out specifics and having a sooner scan makes a lot of sense. The next steps may be imminent—or a ways down the road.

Whichever one I think it's better to be prepared.

So I left the appointment feeling hopeful. It wasn't the really encouraging scan from the last times. But it also wasn't a scan that says "We need to ramp up RIGHT NOW."

We'll keep watching closely and gathering information and will go from there.

It's a journey for sure.

But hey a year ago I really wondered if I'd be around for my 68th birthday in December. It looks as if I will be.

A year ago I was using a walker and needed someone to drive me to everything. Now I'm not even needing a cane and am driving myself almost daily somewhere.

A year ago I needed much more help around the house. Heck I even needed someone to bring me my mail every single day (or I'd drive down the driveway to get it). Now I can walk to get my mail (though I do get winded. COPD is another factor in my life now).

The life road will keep going for at least a little while longer (barring anything really unforeseen).

And on this leg of the journey I can find plenty of reasons for gratitude!

One of which is the pretty sky that a neighbor pointed out last night and which my sister and I both enjoyed. She's another HUGE reason for gratitude.

I get to keep enjoying pretty skies and a wonderful sister for a while longer.

Those reasons plus support from many friends and relatives and many blessings from all kinds of things and directions fill me with gratitude.

Even when it's not a "holding steady" scan result.