Note: This is a quick update; hyper links to technical terms will be provided later this evening. All edits completed.
Sherryl met with Nancy this morning to learn the results of the PET scan that was performed last week. The news is better than we anticipated.
Cancer has spread in the L2 area of Sherryl's back, so radiation will be scheduled for that area. In addition, the scan shows something under the left arm, but it cannot be felt so the plan is to watch this area closely.
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With the exception of L2, the condition of all other bones has IMPROVED!
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There are no spots on the lungs at all; tests show the lungs are completely clear.
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The tumor marker increased to 185, but it is believed that this increase is due to the activity around L2.
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She will have blood work done once a week and will see Nancy once a week as well.
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An MRI is scheduled for Thursday to focus on the L2 area of her back.
So, the news is good. And there is no sweeter sound in the world these days than Sherryl's voice when it is full of relief and excitement. Excitement because she gets to live her life, continuing to work at day care and spending time with family and friends. That is, after all, all she has ever really wanted to do.
Good for you, RaRa!!!!!
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9:00 PM: Sherryl spent the remainder of the day puttering about her house. She told us this evening that she didn't realize how stressed she was in anticipation of the PET scan results, and said every time she thinks about the good news today, her "shoulders just drop."
As optimistic as Sherryl and the rest of us are, those worries have a way of sneaking into the nooks and crannies of our minds -- until the official results are known. Sherryl's were not the only shoulders that just dropped today.
What wonderful news!! So thrilled to hear that.
Posted by: Kathy Schaum | July 08, 2008 at 04:31 PM