Well, according to the PET scan, it appears Mom's lung cancer is isolated and has not spread. Great news! They are doing another MRI of her head and eye to rule out any probability of cancer there. It is rare but possible for cancer cells to break off into the bloodstream and attach somewhere else in the body, and occasionally, this sort of condition with her eye can be evidence of that. It was one of the things they tested for while she was in the hospital, but all of the tests turned out negative. However, if this was the case, but just too small to identify at the time, it would have have a few months to mature, and would show up on a scan now. This is just to double check why her eye is healing not as quickly as hoped. We go back to the oncologist on the 15th of December to find out the results to that and hopefully recommendations on treatment of the lung cancer.
Her lung function test proved that her lungs are in pretty good shape as far as functioning well (surprising considering her years of smoking), but it looks like she may have some issues with oxygen diffusion. She may have some vascular issues, which could be related to the buildup of plaque in her carotid artery. This plaque buildup in her arteries could be all throughout the veins and arteries in her body, and it could hinder the oxygen absorption into her bloodstream. This seems to be minimal in comparison to the cancer, but I just wish she would quit smoking as that would be better for her health all around.
We got Dad's thyroid test back and it is normal. This upset me quite a bit. I just had such high hopes that the issues he was facing could be fixed with a pill. The doctor thinks that the area in his brain that regulates temperature has been effected by the cancer (or treatment), and he is probably so tired as a result of the late onset side effects of the treatments. UGH! So frustrated! I am continuing to research and push them to keep investigating. It is not fair for Dad to have to lead his life asleep in bed under 8 blankets. I am so thankful that he has done as well as he has knowing the type and extent of the disease, and that he is not really in any pain, but what sort of quality of life does he have? Very frustrating...Just got to keep fighting.
On a happier note, Mom and my Aunt and I are planning on hosting a sort of birthday open house for Dad on Sunday, December 14th at his care facility. We are thinking just cake and coffee, and would love for people to stop by for a visit and to wish him a happy 74th birthday in the afternoon, from about 2:00 to 4:00 or so. Please, if you are available, I am sure Dad will be happy for a visit. No gifts please, just smiling faces and well wishes. Stop by for some red velvet cupcakes! Please let me know if you need directions.
Much love!
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