Hello all,
The abdominal CT scan was released today. The scan showed no signs of cancer recurrence, or abnormalities in any of the abdominal organs.
This, along with the previously released chest scan pretty much indicate I am practically cancer free at this time. Overall great news, but it's still got a ways to go.
Scanning will continue for the next several years, with changes in the timing of the scans based on progress. Right now they will continue with every 3 months. May move to six months at one point, then possibly annually.
Given the good news on the cancer front, there are just a few leftover health issues we are actively dealing with.
My leg issue is one. This will take some time, and can only really get better once I can gain better pain management. They have asked me to go in for an X-ray on my hip and that general area to see if anything is going on around there.
My creatinine (which partly measures the efficacy and efficiency of my kidney function) continues to go down indicating my kidneys are getting better and healing. I am almost where I need to be with my kidney function.
The final issue is the ureteral stents. Dr. Morash had put them in in order to allow me an opportunity to lose the nephrostomy tubes. The stents gave me a much better quality of life, with the exception of the frequent urination is often results in. Now that the scans have come back so positively, and the ultra sound showed my kidneys, ureters and bladder were functionning normally (filling and emptying), he may decide to take the stents out all together and just let my natural functions take over.
I am realistic however. There are always small (sometimes not so small) issues that will crop up as I continue my cancer journey. But getting to this point has been miraculous for me.
And again, I have all of you, Dr. Morash, Dr. Beltran, Dr. Reaume, Dr. Seguin and their colleagues and Residents to thank.