Update on Barry -- first PET/CT scan - 12-29-2005 06:17 PM
Hi all --
Went up to Hopkins for Barry's 3-month post-treatment PET/CT scan (which is when they do the first one) -- he also saw his dental onc and had a color Doppler ultrasound of his right carotid as the enlarged cancerous lymph node had caused some narrowing (stenosis) and they wanted to see if that was resolved after treatment. They do scans every 6 months for two years on HNC patients, then less frequently.
Our RO nurse just called -- his PET/CT showed no abnormal activity, with no indication of any cancer remaining at base of tongue or the lymph nodes. Also, the artery stenosis is gone and the blood flow normal. Both wonderful news, esp. the first!! Nice to have some good news for the new year, 2005 was a "bit" rough for us...
The dental onc said everything looked very good, teeth good, etc. -- he did suggest Barry try Evoxac as he thinks it will improve his swallowing of more difficult foods, such as cooked meats (tho he did eat a pork chop last night, albeit with a lot of water). He also strongly seconded the use of the Xylitol gum to improve dental health and saliva flow.
So ending the year on a bright note --
Happy New Year to all on the forum, and a healthy 2006!
Gail and Barry
Went up to Hopkins for Barry's 3-month post-treatment PET/CT scan (which is when they do the first one) -- he also saw his dental onc and had a color Doppler ultrasound of his right carotid as the enlarged cancerous lymph node had caused some narrowing (stenosis) and they wanted to see if that was resolved after treatment. They do scans every 6 months for two years on HNC patients, then less frequently.
Our RO nurse just called -- his PET/CT showed no abnormal activity, with no indication of any cancer remaining at base of tongue or the lymph nodes. Also, the artery stenosis is gone and the blood flow normal. Both wonderful news, esp. the first!! Nice to have some good news for the new year, 2005 was a "bit" rough for us...
The dental onc said everything looked very good, teeth good, etc. -- he did suggest Barry try Evoxac as he thinks it will improve his swallowing of more difficult foods, such as cooked meats (tho he did eat a pork chop last night, albeit with a lot of water). He also strongly seconded the use of the Xylitol gum to improve dental health and saliva flow.
So ending the year on a bright note --
Happy New Year to all on the forum, and a healthy 2006!
Gail and Barry