What Lies Ahead

Today’s appointments shed more light on the next steps of the plan. I get about a month to recuperate from the last cycle of chemo before the next round of testing begins. When we return to Mayo on October 19th I will have an MRI, a PET CT scan and a sigmoidoscopy (all on the 19th). These will all be used to evaluate the current condition of the original tumor and two affected lymph nodes. The tests will also reveal if there is/are any new “distal” occurrence(s) of the cancer.

There are four possible outcomes from the scans and scope:

#1 The Cancer is “dead” and there is no new occurrence(s) of the cancer.

#2 The Cancer is “dead” and there is a new occurrence of the cancer.

#3 Some of the tumor is still “alive” and there is not a new occurrence of the cancer.

#4 Some of the tumor is “alive” and there is also a new occurrence of the cancer.

Of course, #1 is the best (fingers crossed on this outcome); outcome #3 is OK, but will require a significant surgery with its own risks, and outcomes #2 and #4...well, we just don’t want to see either of these outcomes. Up to this point my scans have been in my favor (no indications of a new occurrence) so there is a chance to see #1.. Both the surgeon and the radiology oncologist brought this up but it is just too early to tell. 

It was clear after my two morning appointments that Mayo is about different disciplines of medicine working together to provide their patients positive outcomes (the team approach). The medical, radiology, and surgical teams are collaborating to provide the best possible outcome for me.

So now is the hard part - to wait a month to know if surgery is needed or basically what will happen next. A dear friend shared some comforting words that Jon and I will try to live by as we continue this journey…

Worry doesn’t take away tomorrow’s troubles, only today’s peace.