Sometimes Courage Looks Like Patience

 The words are flowing a bit less freely for this post. Findings of my PET scan received on 1/16/24 confirmed the known malignancy but also added yet another layer to the ongoing information gathering session. The Pros: No further confirmation of involved lymph nodes (but to be finally determined by biopsy during surgery). The Cons: Areas of increased uptake at T11 and L1 warranting further imaging to determine if incidental finding or potential metastases. This, my friends, is why I waited until after a thoracic and lumbar MRI with and without contrast on 1/19/24 before posting this next post. Unfortunately, the MRI wasn't as helpful as we had hoped either. It identified some incidental findings showing hemangiomas at C7, T3, T4, and T10. 

There is still an area of undetermined involvement in T11, although noted to be in a different area than what was visualized on my PET scan. It states "Potentially this could represent reactive edema from the degeneration however, metastatic disease cannot be completely excluded on this exam and attention on follow-up examination is recommended." There is also findings of a Schmorl's Node in my T11 vertebrae. Hang on tight everyone, we're now in unchartered territory together. I may as well plan to donate my body to the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia. Been there, seen that. It is worth it if you get the chance!

The long and short of it is that there is more to come after my visit to the oncologist on 1/22/24 to determine if a bone biopsy is needed or if we're good to go on starting chemo.

I had my powerport placed on 1/19/24. I'm a little sore but that is to be expected. The care I have been receiving and continue to receive at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is exceptional.

TL;DR

This is me, being patient.