01.26.06
Results of CAT scan
The results of Wednesday’s CAT scan came back sooner than expected. Here is the report:
My family doctor phoned to say that the scan confirmed the tumor in the lower left lobe of my lung, but nothing definitive about what it is, though he said, given my history, that we presume it is melanoma until we can exclude that possibility. (More testing, therefore.) The scan also turned up two more nodules at the top of my right lung—one pretty small and the other about the same size as the one in the left lung.
So, the next diagnostic step is almost certainly a biopsy.
There are points of good news from the scan, however: the liver, spleen, pancreas, etc. were clear. The lymph nodes and lymph system also appeared clear. My blood test results came back normal. Finally, I feel well, which my family doctor takes as a good sign. But he was careful to say that none of this excludes the possibility that melanoma has metastisized to the lungs.
As I said, on Monday we have an appointment with a team of doctors at Penn. Will let you know what that produces.
Your prayers, notes and concern have been most encouraging. God continues giving us the same peace of his presence that he has been giving from the beginning. There are tough moments, but we are so grateful for the encouragement of Jesus’ resurrection. Whatever the days ahead bring, he has lifted us up and opened our eyes to his grace afresh. Philippians 4:4-7 has been encouraging, especially how it reminds us to rejoice in him wherever we find ourselves and also to make our petitions known to him with thanksgiving. Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20 has been another source of great comfort—alarmed and afraid at the vast army arrayed against him, Jehoshaphat set his face to seek the Lord, beginning his prayer by acknowledging that the Lord is able to do all things and concluding it with these words: “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (v 12) This prayer is most humbling and challenging, and full of comfort. We have Christ to whom we look and upon whom we fix our eyes. We may waver, but he does not.
We pray for God’s blessings on each of you.
Blessings, Al