2Nd Pet Scan Result

i have been avoiding writing this post since last friday...in july my s.o.'s first scan lit up on his lower spine...he had wrenched his back some months ago so they thought it could be that but scheduled another scan for last week to be certain...his second scan has revealed that the cancer has spread to his spine and two smaller areas in his shoulder and femur.  his back pain is really bad, the other two areas are not painful.

we were told it is not curable...with palliative care they can relieve the pain and extend his life.  he starts 10 days of radiation today.  by monday he should feel some pain relief.  when the radiation is done there may be a clinical trial for him at dana farber in boston that will slow this cancer down...at this time we don't know if it is slow growing or not.  we have been on an emotional roller coaster - the days are getting better but sleep is difficult.

yesterday we decided we needed to be positive and to keep making plans for the future...we still have a long list of things to do!!! 

we are praying for a miracle...sometimes they do happen

~meesh

meesh:

 I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Yes, you're right--sometimes miracles do happen so don't despair yet.

Becky  

I am so sorry to hear, too.

I agree, sometimes things do turn around so hang in there and thank you for sharing with the rest of us.

I always wonder who those I remember being online during my hubbie's treatment are doing.

How long has your's been out of treatment and when did his back pain begin? Did it start as a nagging pain or did it come on as a really intense pain?

I'm sorry to hear that the cancer has spread. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, hoping for the best.

Mike

his treatment ended on april 22, 2008.  at the time of his first post treatment PET scan on June 30th his back was a little sore- they said at that time there was an "area of concern" on his spine.  about 2 weeks later his back was very painful - he has had back problems off and on for over 20 years and he said it didnt feel any different from that...the only difference being in the past with rest in 5-7 days he was back to normal...this time it was constant.

~meesh

MEESHA,

I am so sorry to hear your news. I will pray for peace, relief of pain and a miracle!

DeniseB 

First, I am sending many prayers and positvie energy to you and your s.o. Thank you for sharing with the group as I do try to track the progress of everyone who has been on this journey with us. I am so sorry for the bad news, but you are right - miracles happen and hope carries us a long way.

I just scheduled my husband's post tx PET for mid Sept. - I am hoping for the best and trying not to let the negatives creep in. I know everyone who reads this has been there at some point, so the support helps!

Hang in there and know that lots of people are thinking of and praying for you both.

I'm not here to bring anyone down.  I want to tell you how glad I am that you have a chance to fight this.  In May my brother (who had suffered with back pain for many years) saw his doctor.  They found a tumor on the spine.  While they were deciding what to do an MRI was ordered for two days later and they found 4 spots on the spine.  A day or so later a PET showed the entire spine involved and the hips and pelvis.  They told him a few days to a week.  He lived for 3 weeks in intense pain and major paralysis and died 13 days after our mother died.  No diagnosis, but the speed of progression led them to conclude that it was a very virulent lymphoma.  He never had the chance to fight this.  I'm so glad you do.  God Bless you and my best as you face this challenge with peace and comfort.

Lorre G.