I was really hoping to be able to post with good news about my dad's CT scan (which was taken one and half weeks after his 3rd infusion). Thankfully, I am able to do so. According to the scan report, the tumor in his lung can be described as an "improved but persistent left hilar mass currently measuring up to 4 cm and previously measuring up to 6 cm." Interestingly, the chest CT noted no suspicious bone lesions. I don't know if this means the rib and vertebrae mets are gone or if this CT scan (compared to the previous PET/CT) was not as sensitive in detecting those lesions.
Also, I would like to share that we have transferred all of my dad's care from the local oncologist to UCSF. We made this decision because we felt the local doctor treated my dad more as a number than as a patient. We felt rushed when seeing him and discouraged every time we left. My mom reported feeling "terrified" after the second meeting and I think my dad felt that he would have already succumbed to the cancer by now based on the doctor's grim demeanor. Contrast that to UCSF, where, mind you, we weren't presented with any different information about prognosis, but where the doctors have been encouraging about their ability to treat the cancer and improve my dad's quality of life while he is still with us. They have spent as much time with us as needed and have thoroughly answered all of our questions (even if I might have already known some of the answers thanks to GRACE ;)) So, all this is to say, I think the bedside manner of the treating oncologist is an incredibly important factor in quality of life for those diagnosed with this terrible disease.
Best,
Seth
Reply # - May 21, 2014, 11:39 AM
Reply To: Dad's Scan Results
Hi Seth, Congrats on the good scan! I don't know if anyone here can speak to the difference in PET and CT BUT a dedicated CT is a higher resolution CT than is the CT on a PET so if it wasn't seen it probably has resolved. !
I think there are lots of over worked and cynical docs and unfortunately many who aren't up to date on the ever growing amount to new info coming at them from all directions of the cancer community. Dr. West has said many times that it's impossible for one person to keep up with all of it and the reason for Grace.
So it makes sense that a different doctor can make all the difference. I'm so glad for your family they've made the move and are given the right to hope.
Congrats again,
Janine
Reply # - May 21, 2014, 03:58 PM
Reply To: Dad's Scan Results
Seth,
Congrats on his favorable results and on finding a new place and oncologist he and you are happy with.
As for the different imaging techniques, a PET/CT is likely to be better for bone lesions, but bone lesions are still notoriously squirrely to follow over time -- just very hard to infer what is really happening with them -- which is why only new bone lesions are considered a clear indicator that something has changed with them. Otherwise, response/remodeling can look like progression of existing lesions, so we try to not read too much into interval changes of existing bone lesions over time.
Good luck.
-Dr. West
Reply # - May 21, 2014, 04:45 PM
Reply To: Dad's Scan Results
Thanks Dr. West.
Reply # - May 21, 2014, 07:19 PM
Reply To: Dad's Scan Results
Janine and Dr. West - thank you so much for the kind words.
As to the scan, they definitely said no new lesions, so we will take this as a small victory!
Seth
Reply # - May 28, 2014, 03:07 AM
Reply To: Dad's Scan Results
Hi Seth,
Let's hope these small victories add up over time. Great to see your Dad has some nice shrinkage in the tumor. I'm so glad to hear that your Dad went for a different cancer center/oncologist and is happy. That makes so much difference. Every single visit to our oncologist's office for us is like a visit to our best friends house. From Dr. West to the nurses to the desk person they are all so friend;y and helpful. My wife feels so confident that we are at the correct place to best treat her illness.
All the Best for Your Dad,
Chuck
Reply # - May 28, 2014, 07:50 PM
Reply To: Dad's Scan Results
HI Chuck,
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, it does make all the difference to be somewhere where we feel my dad is cared for with the utmost compassion and professionalism. I think it goes without saying, but, based on my observations here, Dr. West clearly is one of those doctors who cares deeply about his patients and provides them with the best care available.
Best,
Seth