"Scan results disappointing again"

The much hoped for good news regarding the most recent scan didn't happen...again. I met with Dr. Karamlou yesterday and the growths in the liver are much bigger than before. Sure wasn't what we wanted to hear (Mom was with me) and very disappointing.

What is interesting (for lack of a better term) is that the lung and pancreas appear to have stabilized - there has been no change in the nodules in either place and that is great. The growths in the liver, however; are growing rapidly. Dr. Karamlou said this would indicate the chemo isn't working, but also raises the question of a very slight (1-2% chance) that what we're dealing with in the liver may not be the cancer we think it is. This doesn't mean the growths aren't cancerous, the tumor markers and other indicators clearly show it is, but it does raise the ever so slight possibility the cell structure of the liver growths aren't what they (the docs) think they are. Bottom line is, with even the slightest possibility it could be a different cell base, we need to be sure and it was agreed I would have another liver biopsy on Tuesday. This will confirm exactly what we are dealing with, in the liver, and a protocol can be determined from there.

My first reaction to the chance it could be something else (and remember, this is a VERY slight possibility) was thunderstruck and I asked "Is it possible I have a third cancer?" Dr. Karamlous said no, this wasn't likely but it is possible for cell structure to be different in the liver, even with a metastasized cancer. So.....we take another turn in the road on this cancer journey. The word that keeps coming up in the conversations is "atypical". Nothing about my cancer journey has taken what, in medical terms, would be considered a normal progression and this is just another fork in the cancer road.

The biopsy is currently scheduled for Tuesday, the 22nd, and I'll see Dr. Karamlou on Friday, the 25th for the results and the next steps. If if is the same cancer, we'll start a new chemo that is delivered through a 48 hour pump via a pic line and if it's not....well, I'll find out on Friday.

Many praises in even all this.....I still feel good, have energy and am loving being back in the classroom with the kids. It has been just great! We're starting our third week of school on Monday (is that possible already?) and it's been so much fun getting to know each one of the 140+ kids I have. The weather has been delightful with a combination of warm, sunny days and a little bit of rain here and there and my Giants are still not completely out of the race for the wild card. There is hope!

And that's my bottom line, there is hope. Hope in healing for this cancer and in the joy of every day. Your prayers for a quick and safe biopsy on Tuesday are so appreciated. I'll update again as soon as we know more.

In the meantime, love, hugs and blessings to all,

Susan