From My Mind to....

Scan Results

Yesterday I had an appointment with my Oncologist for what I thought was my quarterly CT scans. I guess I've had so many tests and scans since the beginning of the year, I've lost track of which test I was supposed to have and for what reason.

Yesterday's visit included some bloodwork, CT scans were of my abdomen/pelvis and my chest, followed by a chat with my doctor. The results of the scans weren't available when I met with my doctor so we discussed some possible scenarios and my treatment plan. I really like her; she's very compassionate and knows how to place a body at ease. I certainly hope she's still around after my next set of scans in March 2026. (Some doctors at the VA, though civilian, get moved around.)

The scans were my first set of six-month scans dated from my surgery in April. I had scans in June, which I thought were the first set of three-month scans. In fact, the June scans were extra, done to correct a diagnosis regarding a biopsy of a lymph node in March. It turns out the original cancer diagnosis was NOT from that node--good for me. Now my treatment schedule is just CT scans every six months for three years, the first set being yesterday.

Treatment adjustments will obviously be made if anything bad shows up.

Because the drive to the VA Hospital is two hours, I didn't get my daily walk in until after getting home mid-afternoon. And, of course, I got a call from the Oncology Clinic with the results while on my walk. Fortunately, I carry a small notebook and pen EVERYWHERE I go. I never rely on my memory these days; on the rare occasion I forget them, I need them.

Of the five results, only one is pretty concerning--there's a small cyst on my remaining kidney. A biopsy is needed to determine my next course of action. Apart from that cyst, there's no recurrence of cancer.

I'm off to make some phone calls.