Jun 13, 2013.   Second checkup since radiation: PET + CT.

My lung oncologist said today that the CT/PET scans “look good”; they show a smaller tumor.  He is encouraged that the CyberKnife radiation appears now to have killed all of the cancer.   Say hallelujah!  He wants to repeat the scans in 3 months but I’m thinking about six months because they are very expensive and they subject me to high radiation.  I am also going to search for a new oncologist, a medical oncologist who will advise me on both the lung and prostate cancers and will respect my commitment (not exclusive) to holistic health and alternative approaches.

Jan 16, 2013.   First checkup since CyberKnife radiation: Full Body PET Scan w/Diagnostic CT of Chest w/Contrast + Pulmonary Function Test.

The oncologist said, “Your PET scan looks great!  The tumor is slightly smaller and there is some radiation scarring, as expected.  Breathing tests are normal.  Come back for another checkup in 3 months.”   

Oct. 17 - 23, 2012.   CyberKnife radiation for five daily 50 minute treatments.

I laid perfectly still for 50 minutes as the radiation gun danced around my chest, irradiated the tumor from many different angles; a painless and easy procedure.

Aug. 11 - Sep. 11, 2012.   It takes three biopsies to confirm cancer!

It took three biopsies to confirm that the mass is cancer, stage 1 adenocarcinoma, a common, small cell, less aggressive (thankfully) cancer of the lung.  The first two biopsies, one via bronchoscope and one guided by CT imaging, produced suspicious but not definite results.  The third biopsy contained cancer cells and prompted the decision to treat the tumor with CyberKnife radiation.  Removal of the upper third of the lung lobe was another option, but the oncologists suggested that the radiation would be a less painful and equally effective option.  They also pointed out that surgery would remain an option if the cancer returns after radiation.  

Aug. 1 - 3, 2012.   Hospitalized with blood clot in my lung: CT scan also reveals potentially cancerous mass.

I returned from a 19 hour flight from Johannesburg, SA, on Tue., July 24th, drove our RV to CT and back over the weekend, and wound up in the hospital on the next Tuesday  with an embolism in my lung – possibly the most fortuitous experience of my life!  I’ll never forget the moment when the emergency room doctor told Kate and me that the CT scan also showed a small mass in my lung that most likely was cancer.  Memories of my wife Toby’s 15 month fight with the lung cancer that cut her life short flooded my consciousness.  But the doctor’s following words were encouraging: the mass was small and probably stage 1, and seemed in a location that was easily operable.
     As I look back, it is evident that without the embolism, the cancer would be merrily growing in my lung until it was big enough to be discovered, when it would have been advanced enough to bring my life to a short and unpleasant end.  Time will tell, but I thank The Lordfor giving me the embolism that permitted me to have the cancer treated while it still may be treatable.

Dec 3, 2013.  Third checkup since radiation: PET + CT

My (new) oncologist said today that the CT/PET scans “look great,” the mass continues to shrink, and she doesn’t see any need for scheduling another for a year.   And then it will be the CT scan only.  I’ll forget about it for a year, and continue the life style that is so rewarding.

May 15, 2018.  Assuringly stable.

 My new GP and I agreed that the threat from lung cancer has diminished to the point that scans every 1.5 or two years will suffice.   Deep breathing exercises every night before retiring seem to be expanding my lung capacity when I exercise.