Resources and support for families dealing with cancer and serious illness

Today, my dear husband had his chest CT scan, and the results are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

The report states: "...No signs of potential tumor enlargement in the mediastinal lymph nodes were observed. The trachea and both main bronchi show normal lumen width and regular flow. Following IV contrast administration, there are no signs of pathological opacification. Regarding the lung parenchyma, no focal lesions or signs of pleural effusion are visible."

"The only things visible are scars: 'On the left, an extremely high position of the sternum is visible, along with soft tissue, fibrotic, postoperative, and post-radiation scarring following the aortic arch and extending left laterally from the pulmonary artery trunk.'" —that’s where that damn SS-guy used to be, and now he's GONE!!!

We had the CT done at a private clinic called Diagnostic Imaging Pro. We actually did the MRI there before the surgery. Since they take Medicare, you can go with a referral, though you'd end up waiting about 2-3 weeks in that case. The staff there is professional, kind, and genuinely welcoming, regardless of whether you have a referral or are paying out of pocket. Plus, they maintain such meticulous patient records that they had no trouble printing out the old scans to compare them with the new ones.

My Pigeon is doing wonderful now. He'll likely head back to work sometime after the New Year. For now, he just needs to rest... These days spent waiting have been quite draining for both of us. Things feel a bit heavy; we've carried so much worry and fear lately. We still have a follow-up with the attending physician next week and a PET scan scheduled for December 19th, which should wrap things up for this year. As for how often we'll need these checkups, I'm not entirely sure, but I suspect it will be at shorter intervals, maybe every three months or so.

Anyway, my friends, we are doing well and we are happy! Both of us have birthdays coming up this week, and this CT result is the most beautiful and cherished birthday gift we could ask for! We beat that SS-guy!!!

slyseal28 said:My darling just got his chest CT scan back, and the results are absolutely AMAZING!!!...

Anyway, everyone, we are doing great and feeling so happy! We both have birthdays coming up, and this clean CT scan is honestly the best birthday present ever! We beat that cancer guy!!!

Hey there, my little Pigeons!...

You guys just made my day! This definitely calls for a celebration... absolutely wonderful!

slyseal28 said:My darling just had his chest CT scan, and the results are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

The report states: "...No signs of potential tumor enlargement in the mediastinal lymph nodes. The trachea and both main bronchi show normal lumen width and regular flow. Following IV contrast administration, there are no signs of pathological opacification. Regarding the lung parenchyma, no focal lesions or signs of pleural effusion were detected."

The only things visible are scars: "On the left, an extremely high aortic arch is visible, along with soft tissue, fibrotic, postoperative, and post-radiation scarring extending distally from the aortic arch and left laterally from the pulmonary artery trunk." — that’s where that SS-monster was, and now it's GONE!!!

We did the CT at a private clinic called Diagnostic Imaging Center. We actually had his MRI done there before the surgery. The clinic takes Medicare, so you can go with a referral, though you might wait about 2-3 weeks in that case. The staff is professional, kind, and welcoming, whether you have a referral or are paying out of pocket. Plus, they keep meticulous patient records, so they had no trouble printing the old scans to compare them with the new ones.

My Pigeon is doing wonderful now. He’ll likely head back to work after the New Year. For now, he needs to rest... These days of waiting have really drained us. Things feel a bit heavy; we've carried so much anxiety and fear lately. We still have a follow-up with the attending physician next week and a PET scan on December 19th, and then we should be set for the year. I'm not sure how often we'll need checkups, but I assume it'll be at shorter intervals, maybe every three months or so.

Anyway, everyone, we are doing great and we are so happy! Both of us have birthdays coming up this week, and this CT result is the most beautiful birthday gift we could ask for! We beat that SS-monster!!!

You know, I told George on our way home from meeting you all that if Pigeon doesn't beat this, nobody will😍. And I was right! He earned this victory, and you deserve to have such a Great man by your side👍! God bless you!

God has blessed you!

slyseal28 said:Basically, everyone, we’re doing just fine and life is good! Both of us have birthdays coming up this week, so this CT scan really feels like the best birthday present we could ask for. We finally beat that damn cancer!!!

👍 That’s the spirit. And happy birthday to you both! 🙂 🙂

Nancy Thomas18 said:I really want to say thanks for all the kind words of support from everyone who reached out to me. To be honest, these last few days have been pretty rough, and I’ve been feeling this creeping anxiety about whether I’ll have to go under the knife again because things have gotten a little complicated. I just can't seem to shake this abscess forming under my liver, though it is thankfully much smaller than it was after that first surgery. I’m finally heading in this Friday to get my chemo schedule sorted out, so there’s just a lot of chaos swirling around right now. Looking through some of the posts here, it seems like everyone goes through such terrible side effects, and I’m genuinely scared about how I’ll manage it all, even though I know I have to. My biggest wish is just to hold on long enough to see my son graduate. He’s only three years away from finishing, and I really hope I can make that happen; I’d like to think I’m not that much of a jinx.
Hang in there, everyone fighting for the people you love; those of us dealing with this just have to take it one day at a time, pushing through until things get better. Sending love to everyone, and my deepest sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones.

You’re going to make it. 👍
There are definitely going to be crises, but there will also be those moments where you tell yourself everything is okay, because you actually will be okay. I honestly think you should start getting your support system organized now, just so things are easier when you truly need them.
Don't try to carry the whole world on your shoulders if you don't have to, and please, don't feel bad about asking for help. There’s no such thing as a stranger when it comes to illness and hardship, and people who have walked this path before you will understand exactly what you're going through. And believe me, they are out there. 👍

Just keep moving toward that day when you can sit down at your computer and write: my son graduated today, stay strong, keep fighting, and just keep moving forward.👍

slyseal28 said:My sweetie just had his chest CT and the results are SPECTACULAR!!!

The report says: "...No signs of potential tumor enlargement in the mediastinal lymph nodes. Trachea and both main bronchi show normal lumen width and regular flow. Following IV contrast application, there are no signs of pathological opacification. Regarding lung parenchyma imaging, no focal lesions or signs of pleural effusion were observed."

The only thing visible is scarring: "On the left, an extremely high aortic arch is noted, along with soft tissue, fibrotic, postoperative, and post-radiation scarring seen distally from the aortic arch and left laterally from the pulmonary artery trunk." — that’s where that SS-guy used to be, but now he’s GONE!!!

We did the CT at a private clinic called Diagnostic Center 2000. We actually did an MRI there before the surgery. They take Medicare, so you can use a referral—though if you go that route, you're looking at a 2-3 week wait. The staff is super professional, friendly, and welcoming, whether you're coming in with a referral or paying out of pocket. Plus, they really respect patient privacy and data, so they had zero issues printing the old scans to compare them with the new ones.

My Pigeon is doing great now. He'll probably head back to work sometime after New Year's. For now, let him get some much-needed rest... These days spent waiting have really drained us. Between the anxiety and the fear, things have felt pretty heavy lately. We still have a follow-up with the specialist next week and a PET scan on Dec 19th, and then we should be set for the year. I'm not sure how often we'll need checkups, but I'm guessing it'll be fairly frequent—maybe every 3 months or so.

Anyway, everyone, we are doing good and we are happy! Both of us have birthdays coming up, and this CT result is the most beautiful birthday gift we could ask for! We beat that SS-guy!!!

You totally made my day. Keep it up—I am so happy for you guys. News like this gives all of us strength. God bless you!👍

slyseal28, congrats. Give my best to your husband!
Everyone else—wishing you all strength and good health.

slyseal28 said:My wonderful husband just got his chest CT results back and they are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

The report says: "...No evidence of suspicious mediastinal lymphadenopathy is noted. The trachea and both main bronchi appear normal in diameter

Oh my goodness, everyone, we are doing so well and feeling so incredibly blessed! Both of us have birthdays coming up this week, and honestly, this clean scan is the most beautiful, precious birthday present we could ever ask for! We totally beat that cancer monster!!!

Bravo, bravo, bravo! Keep pushing forward! I am just over the moon happy right now! 🙂

slyseal28 said:My husband just got his chest CT results back, and they are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

Way to go, slyseal28—seriously, kudos to you.
There are always people who come out on top. You two will be right there with them if you just stay the course.
Thanks for sharing such wonderful, uplifting news with all of us. Just keep pushing forward.
Best regards,

slyseal28 said:My wonderful husband just had his chest CT scan, and the results are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!

My Pigeon is doing so much better now. He’ll probably be ready to head back to work sometime after the New Year, but for now, he really needs to just soak up some rest... honestly, these past few weeks of waiting have just completely drained us both. There's been so much anxiety and fear piling up lately, it felt a bit heavy. We still have a follow-up appointment with the specialist next week and a PET scan scheduled for December 19th, so once that's over, we can finally wrap up this year on a high note. I'm not quite sure how often we'll need to do scans and check-ups moving forward, but I'm guessing it'll be pretty frequent, maybe every three months or so.

Anyway, my dear friends, we are doing great and we are so incredibly happy! Both of us actually have birthdays coming up right now, and this CT result is truly the most beautiful birthday present we could ever ask for! We beat the cancer!!!

Happy birthday to you both, and what an amazing victory!
Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful news with all of us.
I am just beaming with joy for you guys.
Hang in there, my dear friends!

slyseal28 says:
"My husband just got his chest CT results back and they are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!"

A huge congratulations to both of you! :-) :))))
Thank God for such wonderful news!!!!

slyseal28 said:Today my dear husband had his chest CT scan, and the results are absolutely STUNNING!!!

The report states: "...There are no signs of potential tumor enlargement in the mediastinal lymph nodes. The trachea and both main bronchi show normal lumen width and regular flow. Following intravenous contrast administration, no signs of pathological opacification were observed. Regarding the lung parenchyma, there are no visible focal lesions or signs of pleural effusion."

The only things visible are scars: "On the left, an extremely high position of the sternum is visible, along with soft tissue, fibrous, postoperative, and post-radiation scarring noted distal to the aortic arch and left laterally from the pulmonary trunk." — that's where that SS-guy used to be, and now he is GONE!!!

We had the CT performed at a private clinic called Diagnostic Imaging Centers. We actually had an MRI done there prior to the surgery. The clinic accepts Medicare, so you can go via prescription, though in those cases, there is roughly a 2-3 week wait. The staff is professional, polite, and welcoming, regardless of whether you arrive with a referral or are paying out of pocket. Furthermore, they maintain meticulous patient records, so they have no trouble printing old reports to compare them with the new ones...

My Pigeon is doing wonderfully now. He’ll likely head back to work after the New Year. For now, let him rest... These days of waiting have been quite exhausting for us both. There is a bit of fibrosis, and a significant amount of worry and fear has accumulated over these past few weeks. We still have a follow-up appointment with the attending physician next week, followed by a PET scan on December 19th, and then we should be finished for the year. How frequently we will need scans and check-ups remains to be seen, though I suspect it will be at shorter intervals, perhaps every three months or so...

In any case, my dear friends, we are doing well and we are happy! Both of us have birthdays around this time, and this CT result is the most beautiful and cherished birthday gift we could ask for! We defeated that SS-guy!!!

What can I say, other than this is the wonderful birthday gift we have all been praying for! Happy birthday, and keep celebrating, because I am certain many good things lie ahead for you...

kisses

What happened to you guys? Where's all the fight? Let's get those posts moving before we lose our spot at the top of the trending list.😕
Keep typing. I’m still right here and I’m not stopping.👍

Angela Wright said:What’s going on here? Where are all my fighters at? Let's get those posts moving before we lose our spot at the top...😕
Don't worry, I'm still here and I'll keep the posts coming...👍

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing... where did everyone go?...

Alright, I’m going to need you all to keep me in your prayers and send some good vibes my way this time... I have to go in for a breast biopsy...
I'm a little worried, but I truly believe everything is going to work out! After surviving ovarian cancer, this is really all I need to deal with...
I'll let you guys know once the biopsy results come in...

gentlemoose62 said:Yeah, I’m wondering where everyone went, too.

Look, this time I'm stepping up and asking for your prayers and good vibes because I have to go in for a breast biopsy.
I'm a little anxious, but I'm trying to hold onto the faith that everything is going to turn out fine. Honestly, after dealing with ovarian cancer, this is the last thing I needed on my plate.
I'll post an update once the biopsy results come back.

It’s going to be okay. Just hang in there and keep believing in yourself.👍

My mother-in-law is actually doing much better too—her digestion has finally leveled out, she’s starting her mornings with fruit, and she's keeping things varied. Honestly, I think mental stability plays such a huge role here (I actually discovered the magic of warm water!), but in our specific situation, it's one of the most critical factors. She's scheduled for her second round of chemo this week, and I'm just praying everything goes smoothly. Wishing you all some good days ahead!

gentlemoose62 said:Yes, I find myself wondering where everyone has disappeared to as well...

Well, this time I am going to step forward and ask for your prayers and good vibes, because I have to undergo a breast biopsy...
I am feeling a bit anxious, though I try to maintain a certain faith that things will somehow work out... after dealing with ovarian cancer, this is really the last thing I needed...
I will provide an update once the pathology results arrive from the lab...

Just stay brave—no matter what happens, you are incredibly strong, so believe in that... nothing can stop you from fighting your way through this, sending kisses...

mellowbadger5 said:my husband's mother is also feeling better; her digestion has finally stabilized, she's starting her mornings with fruit, and she's eating a much more varied diet... I suspect mental stability plays a massive role here (I recently discovered the benefits of warm water), but in our specific situation, it remains one of the most decisive factors. she is scheduled for her second round of chemotherapy this week, and I am holding onto the hope that everything goes smoothly. wishing you all pleasant days...

mental fortitude is absolutely essential... stay strong and lean on one another for strength...

gentlemoose62 said:Yeah, I’m actually wondering where everyone disappeared to, too.

So, look, this time I’m going to be a little selfish and ask for some prayers and good vibes from all of you because I have to go in for a breast biopsy.
I'm feeling a bit anxious about it, though I'm trying to tell myself everything will turn out fine—as if an ovarian cancer diagnosis wasn't quite enough to deal with already.
I’ll post an update once the pathology results come back.

Just one of those weird, messy chapters in life, I guess. Who knows.🤷

First off, sending all those good vibes straight to you.👍
And to everyone else out there fighting their own battles, too.🙂
Life is unpredictable and keeps throwing curveballs, but whatever comes our way, we just have to deal with it; there really isn't any other way to live, is there?
Stay strong, we're right here with you.👍