A big day yesterday with a CT scan followed by a consultation with the oncologist.
I reported to the onc. that my health seemed very good and I have been feeling very strong. My weight is very stable at about 69 kg.I also mentioned some recent very minor discomfort in the back.
The CT scan seems to suggest there may have been some very slight tumor growth, but not to an immediately alarming extent.
The status of the kidneys remains unclear. Opinion seems to wax and wane as to whether the mass on the right kidney is a tumor and we are currently in a phase where is seems more likely than not that this is so. Despite the comments in the radiologist’s report (see below), the opinion of the oncologist is that further investigation at this stage is not warranted as a positive cancer diagnosis of this mass would not alter the current treatment recommendations.
The onc. recommended no further intervention at this time, given my general level of good health and lack of very significant growth revealed in the scan. If the cancer started progressing significantly, it is likely that further chemotherapy options would be considered.
The next check-up with x-ray only is now scheduled for mid-December, presuming no deterioration of health in the meantime.
The full text of the CT scan follows and selected CT scan images below.
CT Chest and Upper Abdomen with contrast
CLINICAL NOTES: Non-small cell lung ca. progress.
Report: Post-contrast scans were performed through the chest and upper abdomen. Images were compared to the CT chest performed on 4/7/07.
The mass lesion with the right upper medially, is again noted and measures approximately 30 x 28mm (transaxial) x 30mm (superoinferior). It appears to have increased slightly in size since the previous study, although accurate comparison is difficult with outside imaging. Biapical fibrosis and centri lobular emphysema is again noted. No other lung lesions are identified. The pleural spaces are clear. There is no pneumothorax. No significant axillary, mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy is identified.
The sclerotic lesion involving the medial aspect of the right 12th rib is again noted and is essentially unchanged.
The lobulated hypodense lesion within the junction of segment 7 and 8 in the liver, is again noted and essentially unchanged. No other liver lesion is identified.
No adrenal mass is identified. The spleen, pancreas and gallbladder are within normal limits.
There are multiple hypodense lesions in both kidneys, including a lobulated mass lesion arising from the interpolar region of the right kidney laterally. This has not been completely imaged. It measures up to 3.7 cm in diameter. It does not have the CT appearances of a simple cyst.
Conclusion:
The mass lesion within the right upper lobe medially, has possibly increased slightly in size since the previous study.
There is a lobulated hypodense lesion arising from the interpolar region of the right kidney laterally, which has not been completely imaged, however it does not have the characteristics of a simple cyst on the CT. A mass lesion needs to be excluded. Further assessment with an ultrasound is recommended. At the time of the abdominal ultrasound, further assessment of the hypodense lesion within the liver at the junction of segments 7 and , is recommended.
CT scan images of lung and kidneys:
6 responses so far ↓
Grea // 2, November 2007 at 9:28 pm
Hi Waz
I’m glad nothing dramatic eventuated out of the scan. Re: that conversation we had about using an RSS so I can more easily monitor your blog and others, do you have an opinion about these Firefox addons for sorting out my technical dilemma?
Wizz RSS News Reader 2.1.9.7
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/424
BlogRovr 1.1.477
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4689
Hugs
G
Jude // 3, November 2007 at 12:17 am
Well .. that update is consistent with my own recent witness to your metamorphosing your body .. You are ‘beaming’ with life .. Can it be that the slight ‘rate of’ growth might indicate a backward ‘trend’ .. towards zero .. ? In any case ‘Bravo!’ .. I have encountered two striking examples of ‘life-force’ recently .. The other is a youth in his prime who has stopped smoking ‘weed’ after 15 years of daily surrender to it and the couch .. He is similarly ‘beaming’ .. We forget that the body is not inert .. and your examples are compelling reminders to the contrary. And of course .. It is always a pleasure to reacquaint that other vital ‘half’ being ones’ mind with your lively repartee .. It stands resilient. Thank you for directing me to the Research paper on ‘method’ obtainable from The Gawler Foundation website titled (for other interested readers) Mind-Body Medicine: Science, Practise & Philosophy by Dr Craig Hassed url http://gawler.org/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?id=186&nav_cat_id=236&nav_top_id=84
Viva la Vie
Alistair // 3, November 2007 at 5:08 pm
I think that is all good news – thanks for the update – NZ sends her regards and wants to see you here in the near future – will make verbal contact real soon now.
J J // 16, November 2007 at 9:31 pm
Dear Warren, So glad to read this pretty good news entry on my return from OS. I did try Sydney phone but that must have been during some of your travels. Have you found quigong to be beneficial to well being and health? JJ
jenny a // 21, November 2007 at 9:37 am
hi warren just wanted to let you know i,ve been thinking of you lately . i believe you don,t like to talk about your health but i want you to know that i care . if there is anything i can do please let me know . love jenny sis
Not so good CT scan « faceache // 6, May 2008 at 4:12 pm
[...] Yesterday’s CT scan showed some quite significant growth of the tumors when compared with the last scan in October 2007. There are also a certain amount of spreading to new sites in the left lung which now shows several [...]