PET Scan from 11/10/2011

Yesterday I had another PET scan done. For now these are being done a two-month intervals. I have been worried about this one because my CEA has been going up since September. I also had my CEA drawn today and expect that result later today.

I'm happy to report that this PET scan appears to be clear. There is still a "soft tissue density" that was seen last June but it has decreased in size and I think it's under their threshold to call it a definite tumor. I'm sure everyone will be keeping an eye on this one.

I go to see the doctor on Monday. At that time I'll learn if the chemotherapy schedule will be modified or will stay the same. That may depend, in part, on this CEA level. {Update: I just got my CEA result, and it's 1.3, which is down from the previous 1.5 Now, that's better!!}

Here is the PET scan report:

CEA Up a Little More

Last week my CEA was run and I'm disappointed to report that it's up a little more. It came in at 1.5, up from 1.3 the week before. For some people, little movements like this are meaningless and some doctors would downplay its significance because these things can fluctuate. However, mine has never fluctuated, and every time there was a rise we would find something in an upcoming scan. So, naturally this one has me a little worried and my oncologist isn't disregarding its significance either.

I have a PET scan scheduled for next Thursday, a week from today. With the CEA still low this PET scan may not be the one to show any growth. But we'll find out. I'll post the result when I get it (probably next Friday) and then I'll see the doctor the following Monday to discuss the ongoing plan.