So I had my post-treatment scans on Thursday (sorry for the delay in posting here). I have mostly good news: My CT scan looked great. Only a very minor amount of scar tissue remains. My PET scan, however, showed a small amount of activity in my chest.
The doctors don't seem worried yet. Apparently having a small amount of activity in the PET scan is common for this type of lymphoma and treatment. Unfortunately, current PET technology can't dissociate inflammation and active cancer, so interpreting PET images can be a little tricky.
Most likely, the activity in the scan is inflammation caused by my body trying to break down scar tissue. To be sure, I need to repeat my PET in four weeks to verify that the level of activity is stable or decreasing (an increase could indicate that I still have active lymphoma, in which case we would move on to biopsy to confirm).
While I was hoping to have a clean PET this first time around, it looks like I'll have to wait a few more weeks to hopefully hear that news. In the mean time, I'll have my little Zachy to keep me busy!
Hang in there Shana! Remember what the old man said, you're going to be fine. I am optimistic about your next test, although I know waiting and not knowing can be the hardest part. I am always thinking about you, and praying for you.
ReplyDeleteHang in there Shana! Hopefully it's just inflammation. I can't imagine all that chemo not causing some inflammation.
ReplyDeleteMelina
Shana, I haven't seen a posting in awhile. What is the verdict? Is everything ok? I wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteSilviya