New Scan Same Results

The old saying goes....No news is good news. Tom's latest Octreoscan came back clear. While this is good, it just means the cancer hasn't grown large enough to find. Tom's primary doctor believes that with the previous radiation treatment is keeping the cancer from becoming aggressive.

So it looks like we will shift back into a wait and see mode. They will more than likely hold off any scans until August. I am sure, to Tom's delight, that they will only poke him every couple of months for his blood counts.

Tom cancelled his MRI for last Saturday night. He will have to call this week to reschedule it. He felt that there was no hurry to get this done as we have decided to also cancel the U of M visit. There is no need to talk with a surgeon when there is nothing he can do at this point. You can't remove what you can't see. Honestly I believe Tom needs a break from scans, doctor visits, and hospitals (work excluded).

Last weekend Tom was able to enjoy some time out in the woods with his sons. This was Cody's first time hunting. Even though it was a rainy day, I think all my boys had a good time. Cody even got his first rabbit. Tom was very proud. Being in the woods brings back fond memories of rabbit hunting with his grandfather. The boys really got into it but I put my foot down when they asked if they could get a Beagle!

One to Go

Tom had his Octreoscan on Wednesday and Thursday of this past week. I tried to keep my husband amused. I'm not sure if he laughed harder when I was confused about which floor to go to when we were on level 1 and going down to the basement (and there is only one choice for those who are wondering) or when I pushed the wrong button and set off the alarm bell. You would have thought my mind was elsewhere! I was treated to breakfast in the cafeteria when the ordeal was done, unfortunately I spilled my coffee before we sat down. He can't take me anywhere!

Tom's MRI has been rescheduled for this Saturday, March 14, still plenty of time to get the results to the U of M for our consult. Tom is sick of being poked and prodded and I can't blame him. I am hoping that we hear from a doctor before we head there, but only if the news is good.

We take a breath this week and remember to cherish all of our days. Thanks again to those of you who follow Tom's progress and for assurances you share with us. I watched Beth Moore this past week and really agreed with what she said. She talked about walking with God and trying not to control or lead our situations, especially the hard days. Her message was with me all during Tom's test Thursday and beyond. "I trust God. I trust God!" Amen

Testing, Testing

We had to make a few phone calls to get all the tests set up to be completed before we went to U of M. Tom's allergies to the contrast does not allow him the freedom to be tested anywhere, he must be tested at the hospital. So the next couple of weeks Tom will be busy with the Octreoscan & MRI.

Wednesday, March 4 Tom has his Octreoscan scheduled. He will receive an afternoon nuclear injection and then after a 4 hour wait, he will have his first scan. Thursday morning he will have another scan which is a lengthy process and hopefully they will not need another test a 3rd morning. Wednesday, March 11 Tom has his MRI scheduled and this process will take about an hour to complete.

This will all be forwarded to the U of M for our March 27 consultation with Dr. Prince. I am glad that we were able to move Tom's U of M appointment from April 17 to March 27. It's interesting that the appointment date was changed before we even had this new diagnosis. God is good!

John 17:31-33 "Do you finally believe this?" Jesus asked. "But the time is coming - in fact, it is here - when you will be scattered, each one returning to his own home, leaving me alone. Yet I will not be alone, for the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world."

It's Back

We met with Dr. Campbell, Tom's Oncologist and went over the test results. Here is what we do know. All indications are that the cancer is active and in the early stages of forming somewhere in the neck again. Because it is so small and the fact that Tom has so much scar tissue in the neck, it makes it difficult for them to find it at this time. The cancer has not spread to the lungs or lower.

Dr. Campbell has order an MRI and a Octreoscan here at Butterworth. He wants these test performed ASAP so that he can forward the results to Tom's surgeon at the U of M for our meeting on March 27.

If these tests show the mass we will discuss surgery at the U of M with radiation to follow at Butterworth, just like last time. If these test are also inconclusive, then we will repeat these scans in 3-4 months until the mass is large enough to be detected.

So until this next meeting Tom will try to keep his focus on work, family, and sprinkle in some fun. Thanks for continued prayers as we try to comprehend this and what this means.

New Feature

We had added a new feature to Tom's blog called Followers. You will see it on the left hand column. If you would like to join it will keep you updated on our journey. This option will give us an idea of how many people we are reaching with this blog. If you choose to remain anonymous, that is fine also.

I have also added an Endocrine website that gives more information about Tom's cancer, etc.

Tom's CT & chest x-ray is tomorrow at Butterworth. Thanks for your continued support. I appreciate the Prayer Warriors who have not stopped praying for our family, especially Tom.

I turn again to the Psalms (don't be surprised) as I have turned to these all my life, maybe it is the poet in me. Anyway I would like to share with you:

To you, O Lord, I pray. Don't fail me, Lord, for I am trusting in you. Don't let my enemies succeed. Psalms 25:1-2 Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives salvation. I have no hope except in you. Overlook my youthful sins, O Lord! Look at me instead through eyes of mercy and forgiveness, through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. Psalms 25:4-7

Plan Changes

Today Tom's Oncologist called and he has ordered Tom to go in for a CT and x-ray of the neck and chest on Tuesday at Butterworth. By the urgency in which they are getting him in, leads me to believe the doctor is concerned with the high counts. We will get the results two days later when we meet with him.

We are adding a new specialist to Tom's list of doctors. Tom's primary doctor is referring us to Dr. Tate, an Endocrinologist here in the west side of the state. The meet and greet has not been set up yet, but stay tuned.

Please keep Tom in your list of prayers. He keeps his sense of humor and takes it all logically, unlike his other half.

Spoke too soon

After blogging last night Tom's Oncologist called today with the results of his latest blood work. His Calcitonin levels has shot up to 298. This is the highest level since pre surgery. It is not what we wanted to hear, but Tom is taking it rather well. He just told me to step up those College classes! At this time he is not going to worry about it, and see what happens when they poke him in March at the U of M. I however do not share my husband's "wait and see" attitude. I am not sure how he goes on with his daily grind. He does it with a smile. He just keeps reminding me it is out of his hands. It is definitely something I need reminding of today.

Tonight I remember Psalms 40:1-2
I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along.