Oncologist tomorrow...

We were told six weeks ago that Jim's NSCLC Lung Cancer had returned. Last week Jim had a CT and a PET scan. Tomorrow my husband Jim should receive the results of these two tests. These test results should determine the rate of growth of the new cancer spots. The PET scan should also tell us if the cancer has spread to any other parts of his body. The ROG and location will help determine what options are available to Jim.

I do not know what the news will be. I am nervous, and a bit scared. I am fearful that it will be bad results. I know that there is nothing that I can do but wait and worry. I think that I will feel more comfortable once I hear the outcome, good or bad. After we hear the conclusions, Jim and I can make a plan. No matter the results, the waiting often seems worse. It has been a very long six weeks. At least when I have a plan, I will feel like I am doing something.

PET scan Feb 2014...

My husband Jim had a PET scan today. He was told last month that his NSCLC Lung Cancer had returned. This time the cancer is in his right lung. His left pneumonectomy was February 2013. We will not have the results of this PET scan or CT scan until next week. They will check the rate of growth of the "new" cancer; then they will give Jim his options so that Jim can make a new plan of action. Please keep Jim and my family in your thoughts and your prayers. 

Good news...

22Oct2013 Jim’s appt, short answer: GOOD NEWS! Long answer: My husband Jim had his consultation today regarding his Lung Cancer status. We did not receive any bad news today. Jim’s most recent CT and PET did NOT show any worrisome activity. Jim’s pericardium and pulmonary vein looked good. There is a small area on the right lung that will be closely monitored, but we are not alarmed. The doctor feels, and we agree, that they have done all the chemotherapy and radiation that they can do at this point. The doctor would not say “remission”, we did ask him directly. The doctor did say “guarded optimism”. The doctor stated directly to Jim that he “expects the cancer to come back within two years”. This timeline falls in line with the information that we received at the time of Jim’s pneumonectomy. *Stage 4 NSCLC that has invaded the heart has its own set of parameters. During this phase we will have a “wait and see policy” with Jim having serial CTs and PETs. We are pleased with this update. This news is good news.

This status post comes just nine short months (to the day!) after I announced on my facebook that Jim had cancer. It is just ten short months (to the day!) from Jim’s very first appointment that began this journey. We had no idea at that time that it was cancer. Our lives have certainly changed during 2013. 

Good news...

Today I am writing about some good news. Yesterday, my husband Jim had his power port implanted into his chest. The tubing goes directly into his superior vena cava vein. This will make Jim’s chemo sessions much easier for him. The device is small and completely contained. This titanium power port will stay implanted for many years. In the photo below you can see the small incision where the port was implanted. The upper photo is an Internet image of the device before installation. The lower photo is Jim’s actual chest x-ray just after the procedure. Here is the link for more information about Jim’s Power Port.

Yesterday Jim also had a colonoscopy to rule-out cancer in the colon. The results were good; no cancer was found in the colon. This news made me very happy.

Today Jim and I, along with my Uncle and Aunt, went to visit “Victory in the Valley”, a cancer support organization in Wichita, Kansas. *My Uncle is also dealing with cancer. We were very pleased with what we learned about this organization. VV is privately funded; no funds from United Way! Jim and I plan to utilize one of their support groups.  They also provided Jim and my Uncle with a goody bag of supplies to assist them in dealing with cancer.

I will enjoy learning more about this organization. I read in the brochure that they also have a quilting group. I think I might want to give the quilting group a try. I think I would like to volunteer at VV after Jim is more stable.  If you would like more information about VV, here is their link. You may show support for VV by liking their facebook page.  FYI, the home in the background belongs to Kirstie Alley. 

PET scan results…

Finally, after a very long wait, we have spoken with my husband Jim’s nurse about the results of Jim’s PET scan last week. As of right now: The cancer is contained to the left lung and it is squamous cell (non-small cell) lung cancer. Both of these results are what we wanted to hear and we are very thankful. 

The plan is to remove Jim’s entire left lung. Jim will have several pre-surgery appointments. The surgeon will be setting the surgery date “soon.” We do not have a date or location for the surgery.  I really want to thank everyone that has been thinking of Jim and praying for Jim. Your words of encouragement, good wishes, and especially prayers really mean a lot to us both. 28Jan13.