As the title indicates, we didn’t get any bad news from the PET scan. I am reluctant to use the word “good news’, but we definitely got the best news we have had since my liver resection!

I don’t have the report so my science might be a little off in describing what is going on. So lets get to it!

There is no cancer at my initial colon resection site!!! In fact they couldn’t see anything there, let alone a tumour.

All liver lesions and lymphnodes have either shown a complete or partial metabolic response. Meaning that there is less to no cancer activity from my lesions/lymphnodes in comparing it to my PET scan back in October. The doctor told me that for some spots they can still see where the tumour is, but there is no activity there. This could either mean the tumour is dormant or dead. They don’t actually know. (The metabolic activity comes from the tumours taking up the radioactive sugar coursing through my blood. That is how the PET scan works)

So outside of hearing “your cancer free” I don’t think there could be more positive news than what we just got. I will tell you it feels really good to take a deep breath, even if this is just temporary. Going to celebrate tonight with some Chinese food and a beer!

As far my physical well being, I did decide to take an extra week off chemo. I have been pretty tired and burnt out and I just feel like my body needs a little extra rest. I have multiple sores in my nose that bleed. Not dripping or anything, but there is always blood when I blow it. Its not serious as this is a side effect of the Bevacizumab, but still a little unsettling. My hand/feet tingling and numbness has also been a little more intense and my intestines have just all over felt off and tender. On the pain side, this has come down a lot. It is no where near what it has been. During the day I can barely notice it (if I am engaged in something) and in the evening it tends to only be a little more prominent. But it is nice to know that most of it is caused by chemo and not cancer growth. Why do I think the pain is less? Two reasons – one, this chemo isn’t as toxic as the last one and so I think I have healed a little more from that. And second, the tumours have all shrunk and putting less pressure on my liver capsule and surrounding nerves. (the liver itself has no nerves)

So, next chemo is scheduled for April 24th. I have 2 weeks off before that and not only do I get to feel physically good, but now mentally as well. Easily the most relaxed I have been since that shitty scan back in October. Decided today to fly to Phoenix to meet Renee’s mom and dad and I am not going to think about cancer for 9 days. Boo.Yah.

On another note, there is now some more talk about stereotactic body radiation therapy. This is a newer technology that delivers more precise radiation to tumours. In the past, radiation to the liver has been challenging because the standard radiation would damage too much surrounding tissue. The standard radiation wasn’t as intense of a beam as stereotactic, so not as effective either. Anyway, we will cross that bridge after I speak with the radio oncologist and update everyone more then. But this could be a very exciting door that could open for me. You can read more about it with this link. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Sending out a cheers to everyone on this special day. We needed this.

Dan