dad update: latest pet scan results

i had been dreading this week for a while...my dad was having another pet scan and meeting with his oncologist to go over the results. these always makes me anxious, but this time especially so.  you probably remember last time he had a scan things weren't looking so great and the doctor told my dad we don't have a lot of "good" treatment options left. my dad decided to stay with the same treatment because he was at least feeling decent. he actually had a hunch that maybe the tumor growth from last time happened during the extra weeks where he was not receiving treatment while exploring joining a clinical trial. he has continued to feel pretty good for the last two months. but even so, i mentally prepared for bad news.

...my dad called me excitedly with his report after his appointment: his back tumors shrunk (which are the ones that give him the most discomfort), his lung tumor looked to be the same size, but the doctor told him the tumor appears to be "inflamed", which apparently is a sign that the cancer drug is not only keeping the tumor from growing, but also working to destroy it! my favorite thing my dad said was "in 2 years of scan results, my doctor has never talked about the drugs 'destroying' my tumor." destroy just might be my new favorite word! the activity level of his lung tumor went from a 12 last time to a 3 this time. i almost broke down crying while driving. it's amazing the effect little victories can have on this often seemingly hopeless situation. 

so, what does this all mean? first of all, an increase in morale for everyone. could we find out in a couple months that the treatment isn't working anymore? sure, but for now it is and we are clinging to that hope. the plan is that he will continue with this treatment and and he and my mom can go down to florida until christmas (he'll get chemo down there) and then they'll do another pet scan around christmas time and re-evaluate then. i'm so thankful for every day i'm getting with him. he's not going down without a fight, that's for sure! 

and as always, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. we really appreciate them! 

Comments

Kelly B. said…
SO happy to hear this for you guys! no bad news is good news, and you should absolutely enjoy it until you have any reason to believe otherwise!
I second Kelly! :) What a great gift!
Celebrating with you today!!! Great news!
Anonymous said…
Yippee! I nearly broke down in happy tears while reading this! I love the word destroy and pray that the treatment keeps on destroying those tumors! This is great news and I send a big hug!
Bridget said…
this deserves a big 'woooohooooo' :)
Jackie and Tom said…
What wonderful news Melissa! I'm so happy for you and your family. Your Dad is a fighter for sure!
Sarah said…
Such amazing news! So excited for you and your family!
Sarah said…
That is amazing news!!
Durant Imboden said…

That's great news! We knew your dad was scheduled for a PET scan and are delighted to hear the encouraging results.
Carol said…
Wonderful news---I'm happy for you all!
~Dawn~ said…
This is AMAZING news, Melissa! So happy for your dad and your whole family!! Our thoughts and prayers continue :)
Becky said…
Yay! Oh I'm so happy for your dad and for your whole family! What wonderful news!
Brittany said…
Oh I am so happy to read this! :)
Leah D said…
What great news!!

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