I remember reading advice last century from Ann Landers that complaining to a loved one "You never write!" was not at all a motivator but pouring on the compliments on the rare occasions that he or she did write was much more effective at encouraging additional correspondence.  I haven't updated in way too long, but I'm not going to crab at myself about it.

The PET/CT scan on May 2nd produced the following results:
A. "There has been near-complete resolution of 'the thing that required chemotherapy and radiation.' (My paraphrasing to avoid using the exact description that includes right cervical, and right nasopharyngeal abnormality.) No new abnormality is observed on the right."
B. "However, previously mild increase in the left posterior nasopharynx has focally increased in relative intensity of uptake, not noted on the prior scan, and while these changes could be inflammatory in origin, persistent/recurrent neoplasm at this site cannot be excluded."

My ENT admitted he could not see the see the image that produced the 'However' comment and would have to speak to the radiologist, but in the meantime, he ordered an MRI to get a closer look at the 'However' site.

The MRI produced the following analysis: 
1. No definite residual mass. Previously seen abnormal signal infiltrating the right nasopharynx has nearly completely resolved.

2. No evidence of cervical nodal or perineural metastasis.

The next Dr. appointment was with the Chemo Oncologist who immediately commented "So the MRI was pretty good." at which point I shot back "Pretty good?! What's it take to get a 'really good' or similar?  Why must you couch your upbeat diagnoses in 'nearly,' 'mostly,' and 'pretty good,' terms?  I had a tumor in my skull that has disappeared. Doesn't' that merit a 'Damn Good?"  As near as I can decipher, they will spend the next 30 years running tests and considering the pretty good results to determine if I am cancer free...

So, I had another PET/CT scan today and I thought it was appropriate to rant, or rather, opine about the last scan before learning the interpretation of this latest one. 

60 is a significant number this year. My wife turns 60 at the end of the year (Dec. 27.)  My adopted hometown of League City, TX celebrated 60 years as an incorporated town in May this year, which means we have now lived in League City for 1/2 of its existence.  Additionally, the Astros are celebrating their 60th year as a MLB club and wear a patch on their uniforms this year to promote that fact.  Perhaps the most publicly noteworthy 60th anniversary this year is that of the NASA Johnson Space Center. 

Regarding the NASA JSC anniversary, we were alerted to an official celebration by retired 35-year career NASA employee (and very close friend) Patrick Chimes, so we signed up for tickets.  We discovered that the $6.00 admission included a Chik Fil A sandwich and beer (score!) They also were hosting a 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s costume contest.  As a kid who grew up in the 60s (completely enchanted with the space program,) and had a dad that worked in the Aerospace Industry during those years, I was instantly drawn to the 60s contest.  The photos accompanying this post depict my WINNING entry in the 60s contest.  (I never referred to it as a costume, rather I called it a uniform.) Probably a dozen strangers complimented me and said, "That looks just like what my dad wore to work."  We were asked to name our entry (hippie, beatnik, Elvis, etc.) so I said "60s NASA engineer."  I like to think I won in a rout over a couple hippies and maybe a Mr. Green Jeans.  As soon as I won, Brenda texted a picture to our daughters Lindsey and Kristen with the comment "Your dad won the contest, and he didn't even have to dress up!" Coolest takeaway from my entry is that the tie and the slide rule (with the handsome, belt mounted leather case) were my dad's.  My dad never rocked the pocket protector like me though.  A fun time was had by all.  I would also note that the beer selection consisted of Michelob Ultra (which barely qualifies as beer) and Yuengling Flight, the light beer offering from America's Oldest Brewery.  That allowed me to approach the beer table for each of my 3 paid for, permitted, ticketed beers and when asked "Michelob or Yuengling?" I could confidently declare "Go Flight!"

Lastly, but not finally, I have news to report regarding the Sept 1 PET/CT scan.

"Previously seen mild activity along the left posterior nasopharynx continue to improve." followed by a 'No suspicious' tag applied to each of Head and Neck, Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis, and Musculoskeletal scanning region's analyses. 

I met with my ENT and his very informative and helpful PA Brittany today.  He scoped my nasopharynx (stuck the camera tube down my nostrils) and was very complimentary about the view.  We established that I no longer need to follow up with my radiation and chemo oncologists, just the ENT.  When the Dr. stepped out, I asked Brittany about my current state and asked if this was a 30+ year process of determining if I'm cancer free. She said "Five years. You're cancer free now, (Woo-Hoo!) we'll monitor it for 5 years and if it stays that way, we declare you to be cancer free.  Any future cancer event will be considered an unrelated event."

So, I'm given a chance to reflect on the last 12-13 months.  I found out I had a cancerous tumor in my skull, received a treatment of chemotherapy and chemo-radiation, and now I'm pretty much past it all.  No matter how crummy I might have felt, every one of the 39 visits for chemo or radiation put me face to face with the perspective that I had it so much easier than many of my fellow clinic visitors. 

And the prayers.

And the well wishes.

And the 'likes.'

I remember it was scary and disheartening at times but that's already mostly faded, and I'm about at the point where I view the past year as just something unpleasant. BUT the "And the...' items listed - it's all very humbling.  I think the "And the...' items merit a separate journal entry (soon, but I'm not promising soon.)

Until next post, God bless you all, thank you for your love and support, and "Let's Go "Stros!"