I decided to take the bull by the horn and get second and third opinions on my "disease progression.
Seems that the notes by the radiologist for the recent CT scan I had are the "worse case scenario," according to my pulmonologist. I took the report apart and made immediate appointments with two of my doctors in speech pathology and pulmonology. Took the pneumonitis note and saw my pulmonoogist who allayed some of my fears about metastasis. He said there is no way to be sure there is disease progression even with a PET scan, as the suspicious nodules are too small to show up on the PET scan and there are many false positives and false negatives as well. He is the one who did my biopsy back in 2006 to confirm mets to the lungs from previous breast cancer. He spent almost an hour with me patiently showing me my last two CT scans and saying that even the way you lie down on the exam table and breathe can affect the way the CT scan comes out. When were're dealing with such small changes as 1-2mm he said, this can happen.
We talked about my previous diagnosis of asthma, which could be complicating things and making me breathless when I walk up hills (Perhaps NOT from lung mets progression) and started me on some stuff for wheezing, etc. He is so wonderful and kind!! He has adopted a little eight-year old African-American girl.
Then I saw my speech pathologist three hours later, who is greatly concerned about my swallowing/choking problem, which could cause aspiration to the lungs (and once again the notes from the radiologist on pneumonitis in the lungs could be from this and NOT lung mets progression)
So, the docs did not rule out disease progression as a possibility, but they said it is a "watch and see" type of thing. I haven't even seen my oncologist for my follow-up visit next week, who noted that "Since the changes were small-to-known" we won't be changing our course of treatment." Perhaps I panicked and read into the report the "worse case scenario," but at least some good things came out of it for me!! I will be coming up with some answers potentially which explain things that do not necessarily point to "disease progression" from cancer, but from other causes.
I have easily moved into an all raw diet, with absolutely no cravings for cooked foods. Made dehydrated foods and snacks all week to munch on for comfort foods. I am ordering Pure Synergy and VitaMineral Green this week-end. My speech pathologist is impressed that I am on a raw diet and mentioned to me today that he needs to lose weight!! I told him I had lost 92 pounds from my highest weight back in December 2005.
I have renewed hope!!!
Nancy
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