There's a plan.

Here's an update on today's appointment with Dr. Matthews.  He was able to explain why the unclear message last week.  Because the radiologist had provided the doctor with an incomplete report, the doctor had to back track when he received the complete information.

Although we wish the outcome would've been different, Dr. Matthews was able to be give a clear and confident recommendation on Mom's care. 

One of the tumors has grown 1/2" (doubled in size), but that is the only one.  The others have stayed the same and some even decreased in size.  Dr. Matthews explained it can mean that the cancer is growing again or that this one tumor had morphed and changed position which can mean growth, but not necessarily.  Because some of the tumors have gotten smaller, the results are inconclusive, they don't know.  She will have another scan in 4 weeks (Sept 27th) and continue with chemotherapy in the meantime.  Because this is the second incomplete radiology report she has received, Mom will have her next scan in Omaha at Immanuel Medical Center.  (the doctors she sees in Columbus are based out of this hospital)  We agreed as this is an important scan as the results will drive the next course of treatment for Mom.

She will continue with the same chemotherapy treatment in September. Depending on the results of the next scan, there are a few options that Mom has. We're praying for no change in the tumor and that she continues the maintenance chemotherapy she is currently on.   Keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers this coming month. 

Quick update today .. more to come.

Mom had another scan to check her progress last week and received the results on Monday at her regular chemotherapy appointment.  As most of you know, Mom continues every other Monday with her chemo-treatments ... same formula and process since they changed in September '09 (yes, she's been at this for almost 1.5 years).

Back to the update, I've been struggling to write this as it seems as though the results of the latest scan are a little unclear.  Most of the tumors on her liver are the same size and some a little smaller which is GREAT news, but it appears according to the radiologist and a seemingly confused oncologist that one of the tumors has grown in size.  First response from the oncologist (via the radiologist report) explained that one of the tumors has grown slightly and by the end of the appointment (after double checking w/ the oncologist and the oncologist following up w/ the radiologist who reported on Mom's scan) that one of the tumors doubled in size (growth was a ~ 1/2 inch).  But, they didn't make any change in the treatment, she still continues on the same maintenance plan.   

It's making all of us a little uneasy on sitting and waiting to see if it grows more (why wait right?).  She decided she is going back in next Monday just for an appointment with the oncologist to discuss further and ask more questions to understand the recommended protocol.  It will be a different oncologist next Monday so it will be good to hear a 2nd opinion.  More to come.  More prayers.  More Support.  More PRAYERS!