The Pet Scan Results Are In

My dad and mom wrote this update to you all........

UPDATE – 06-08-11 6PM

Loma Linda had 2 final tests needing completion before determining my cancer treatment. 1) PET Scan and 2) Bone Marrow testing. I was scheduled that day to have these 2 tests completed. Just before I was to begin, my insurance company put a stop to any further treatment by LL and demanded I be returned to “their” network up in the High Desert. So for the first week after my release from the hospital, I still had not had those tests performed. On June 2^nd, I finally got the PET scan completed and done.

We had no idea when the bone marrow scan would be scheduled as of early this morning (June 8^th). With diligent phone work by my fine bride, we were able to get our oncologist to schedule us for the 14^th even without getting the completed referral back yet. We received a phone call later today that they could get me in for the procedure today at 3 PM today! So definitely an answer to prayer!!!!!!!

Prior to the procedure, the doctor went over the PET scan results. Here is a breakdown of the PET scan results:

The PET scan showed a definite pancreatic mass which was nothing new to us. They detected cancer cell activity in the lymph nodes in the upper chest/abdomen area, meaning cancer was found in the nodes in the upper chest area and below in the abdomen. My pain in my abdomen could have told them… LOL J. They also found activity in the right leg/groin area. I have had pain in my right leg causing me difficulty to use that leg without the assistance of my hands or my lovely wife J. This is a good explanation for the increased pain in the area. They also saw activity in my bone marrow.

Based on the above findings being above and below the abdomen area, they can pretty well determine its stage 4 cancer without looking at the bone marrow test. The bone marrow test of course will be the definitive results.

We are still awaiting the Loma Linda pathologist’s final amendment for the marker test to determine the exact “subdivision” of the B-Cell lymphoma. The first subdivision has already been broken down and identified as “Diffuse large cell lymphoma” (very rare on the pancreas). Mine has been determined to also be inside my pancreas, not just outside on the head of it as earlier diagnosed. The last marker will define if it’s a “Burkitts Lymphoma.” Burkitts will be a more difficult chemo treatment and will probably require me being treated at USC which is a “tertiary care” facility (specialty doctors in all different cancers…ie pancreas, liver, colon, etc.). Loma Linda is a tertiary care facility. USC falls within our insurance group and even Loma Linda doctors rave about how outstanding USC is for cancer patients. The possibility exists for a bone marrow transplant if determined needed. The last marker is “the key” for everything else now. We just called Loma Linda and the pathologists are still awaiting the results (had to be sent out to another laboratory so it’s out of LL’s hands). It will be critical to have these results which will determine the type of chemo treatment.

Regardless of all these facts…WE HAVE NO FEAR! We serve a mighty and powerful God who has given us an amazing peace throughout this whole ordeal. He is in FULL control of our lives and we will stand on His word, his promises, and we will praise him in all things regardless! We thank you for the prayers, thoughts, generosities, texts, FB notes, and all the encouragement you have lavished on us! We are SO blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. Thank you all!

Randy and Tammi