. . . is finally available. It purportedly compares the 4/9/09 CT scan with the scan performed six weeks earlier on 2/26/09. But it’s filled with enough weasel-worded, cover-your-ass rhetoric to make it difficult to get a clear picture of what’s going on. Nevertheless, the following is my best effort to distill the data into somewhat understandable highlights:
Lungs: Largest mass has decreased in size from 3.1 x 3.1 cm in prior study to 3.0 x 2.8 cm in last week’s study, representing an average lineal decrease of about 6%. But the radiologist qualifies the change by stating “slight difference in slice selection, this lesion probably has not appreciably changed”. Whatever, Dr. Wetblanket.
Cardiac: “difficult to measure . . . appears grossly stable.”
Peritoneum: “huge low-density peritoneal mass”, 22.8 x 19.3 x 12.7 cm on prior study, 22.5 x 19.6 x 12.3 cm on last week’s study. Two of the three dimensional components have decreased an average of 2.2%, the third dimension increased 1.6%. So the overall effect is a slight decrease in tumor volume.
Abdominal Wall: Mass within left erector spinae muscle was 14.9 x 5.4 cm on prior study, is now 13.8 x 4.8 cm on current study – an average decrease of 9% in six weeks – woohoo! Mass within left superior gluteus muscle measures 12.2 x 4.7 cm in current study versus 12.2 x 5.3 cm on prior study – a decrease in one lineal dimension of 9%, unchanged in the other dimension.
So all in all, encouraging results. And as my oncologist said, more important than what the CT scans show is that my overall health, appearance, and wellbeing are on upward trajectories. So it's back to LA for more Juice . . .
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Dear Paul, And I thought school board members and superintendents were currently champions of the weasel-worded, cover-your-ass rhetoric! Think they may have found their match! But you are absolutely correct; your overall well-being trumps EVERYTHING and it doesn't take a rocket scientist(which I am NOT) to see how your overall health and appearance are waaaaayyyy in the positive column. We are all so very thrilled for you. And lets not forget the tremendous TLC that Cecily has brought-Thank you, thank you for all you continue to do, Cecily!! Love, Jan
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