Hi all - Today was a Mayo day where I had a CT scan in the morning and treatment in the afternoon. Cheryl and I met with Ailsa, my marvelous physicians assistant, to get the scoop on the scan and the next steps for treatment. I have learned from experience to only hear scan results from a medical professional rather than reading the report as soon as it is released in my portal. Today was a good day to have followed that advice. Ailsa opened today’s conversation with “I have good news AND…” 

So the good news is my principle tumors - the one in the middle of my chest - the mediastinum - and the one in the muscles along my spine - paraspinal muscles - are stable. There is even some reduction in the size of the chest tumor. All good. 

The “and” is the CT scan showed an enlarged lymph node under my left collarbone that looks suspicious. A biopsy will confirm if there are cancer cells in the lymph node and scans will look for any additional signs the cancer has spread. Cancer likes to travel through the lymph system so it is never good to find cancer cells in a lymph node. 

So I now have a collection of tests coming up: PET scan, brain MRI, and a biopsy of the lymph node. Fortunately, the lymph node should be easy to access under local anesthetic. If they find cancer cells in the lymph node they would likely zap it with a course of radiation. 

I am less than excited about this news and the collection of tests and potential treatment it precipitates. I just need to be patient because there is a lot to learn before the next steps come into focus. For the past couple of months my schedule has not had to entirely revolve around medical appointments and that has been a bit of normal life I have really enjoyed. I just need to keep moving forward.

On a lighter note, I have been watching the construction of a very cool Mayo building over this past 6 months or so. This new research facility is now complete. Today’s photo is of this building with its unique scrim facade. Here is a link with more info about its construction: Mayo research building