Dammit

Today's visit with Dr. O'Reilly brought us the news that we all feared.

Several "spots" were detected on the CT Scan, some in both lungs. Further tests are required, namely, a Pet Scan to help distinguish those "spots" that are cancer from those that are "inflammatory".

This was absolutely NOT the news we wanted to hear.

The tumor treated this Spring with Proton Radiation is gone! One happy bit of news delivered today.

The news of new "places of concern" was taken with a bit of teary eyes from all of us in the room. Dr. O'Reilly assured Dale that he would continue to work with him to find the best options for treatment. He also told Dale that we are now working to contain the cancer, not cure it. This was a bitter pill to swallow and we're all trying to remain upbeat and positive until we have further information after the Pet Scan and several "committee" consult at MD Anderson.

Options suggested depending upon Pet Scan results:
1. Radiosurgery (4-10 daily treatments): A radiation therapy procedure that uses special equipment to position the patient and precisely deliver a large radiation dose to a tumor and not to normal tissue. This procedure does not use surgery. It is used to treat brain tumors and other brain disorders. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer, such as lung cancer. Also called radiation surgery, stereotactic external-beam radiation, stereotactic radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotaxic radiosurgery. (Dr. O'Reilly)
2. Chemotherapy (Dr. Tsao)
3. Wedge resection of one "highly" suspicious spot (Dr. Rice)

Dale still feels great although it's taken a few hours for the "gut punch" to subside. I can hear him singing "One Day at at Time" in the kitchen right now! I guess that's our new mantra!

Side note: If you haven't responded to the RSVP for Dale's 8oth birthday bash - today would be a great day to call Marcy!