Things are beginning to move quickly. Monday morning I'll have the Broncoscopy. A narrow tube will go through the mouth and down into the lung to view and biopsy the tumor. Seems that the tumor is blocking the air passage to the lower lobe of the left lung. Today's testing showed that if possible (that is the cancer has not spread to the surrounding lymph nodes), then the removal of the lobe is possible. This would be the best option.
The next two options are predicated on the results of the PET scan and the MRI. These tests are scheduled for Tuesday. The PET is a test that reveals cancer anywhere in the body, except the brain. The MRI will show if any tumors have developed in the brain.
If the tumor is inoperable but the cancer has not spread, or metastasized, he next option is chemo and radiation. If done concurrently, the rate of success is quite high. Life expectancy could be as long as 2 years. The problem afterwards is cancer's maddening tendency to return. It is common to irradiate the brain just to be on the safe side. Having been down that road, negotiations will ensure. I just ain't got enough brain to spare any more without a definite target.
The last option is considered if the cancer has spread. Treatment is the same as two but perhaps more aggressively. In this case the treatment is not considered curative but palliative, intended to prolong life and quality of life in the remaining months. This is the time where experiment treatments are offered.
On Thursday I'll meet with my Oncologist and Pulmonologist to review the data and create a treatment plan. I suspect that things will get started right away and plans should be laid in before Thursday.
Planning away.
Cautiously Optimistic.
(no pictures 'cause that would be gross, lol)
Just seeing all this now... keep me updated. sending positive thoughts your way and hoping you pull through and become a super human miracle... twice. ~Myra
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