Hi--I just wanted to update on this topic I started in May. It's been a whirlwind couple of months. (background: after getting news of metastatic spread to lymph node(s) of lungs, we were advised to wait 8 weeks, do another PET, and see how this thing behaves. No cure; only treatment) My husband had the 8-week followup PET scan June 19. The good news is that one of two bright spots is fading (subcarinal lymph node of lung), which seems to confirm biopsy result that that one is negative. However, the Hilar lymph node is still bright (SUV 3.3 in April increased to 3.8 in June), (and of course had been biopsied positive for malignancy in April). We have received 3 second opinions these last two months as well. The Hopkins MO feels this is a very slow growing thing; she wants to consider radiation with "Chemo light" to the area--trying for cure, not just treatment. We meet with Hopkins RO next week. They have treated 4 cases in this manner at Hopkins; 3 are currently in treatment, and the 4th has been NED for 6 months. This is a bit of an out-of-the-box approach that seems to be based on the following facts:
1. only one met (had subcarinal node been involved, chances were slimmer that they would try this)
2. metastasis apparently only in lymph system (not in blood) (as demonstrated by clear CT scan)
3. met is very small (under 1 cm)
4. I am not sure if HPV + plays into it.

So we have followup meetings with 2 of the 3 second opinion practices next week.

Best to all,
Mary