Okay, just as I was walking out the door for a meeting, our primary gastro-doc called with results. Remember, the tests done so far give less than 100% proof of anything, but they are very likely correct (90%? I am not sure just how accurate, but very very good).
Basically, they are the second-best result we could have gotten. The best would have been no evidence of any carcinoid ANYWHERE else. However, there is one lymph node in the left chest that is large, and probably has carcinoid . This is evidently not surprising (according to the folks at Duke), and does not necessarily carry a big negative impact on overall prognosis. We will have to have it biopsied, and maybe it gets removed; don't know yet.
BUT, the liver is clear! Praise God! The small intestine, large intestine, lungs, and all other possible locations show no evidence of tumor growth at this time. Hallelujah! We still have one other highly specialized scan to go, and it could refute these results, but that is not likely.
This was a tough day. Every phone call was brutal, as heart rates raced, then it was just the invisible fence guy (for example). We rejoice that this stage is over, that the overall outlook just got a lot better, and we can begin to more accurately know what we are up against.
Thank you all for your prayers and emails and notes. They have been a blessing. Please, feel free to comment on the blog postings, but also email Dee Dee directly (lotofhats@nc.rr.com). She will not read the blog as often as she checks emails.
Thank you friends!
Tony
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6 comments:
Praise God for 2nd best! We are overjoyed that the liver and other major organs are clear! I know this day had to be so very hard, I'm glad this first step is over and now we wait for more good news.
Love ya'll,
Donna
What a relief to read your blog tonight!!! Your whole family has been in our thoughts and prayers constantly. We love you all! Chris and Aimee
OK, one set of results in -- and AMEN & HALLELUJAH that these are better than they might have been. Now the laboratory scientist in me wants to know about the chemical testing that may have been done; I'm also pretty sure that most of it will have been sent out to a reference lab, so it'll take a few days more.
We do continually give thanks to God for His grace and strength and love for all His children, and especially at this time for the Clark family -- you are all precious to Him, and to us, too.
Love you,
Linda Lee
PRAISE GOD for already answering our prayers! Great to get that update! Continuing to pray...
Lori Fuller
Auburn, AL
THANK GOD!!!!! He is so good. Mom, I love you so much. I was so relieved when you told me 2nd best. 2nd best is much better then in the Liver or someplace else. I love you.
Samara
Tony,
God placed Dee Dee on my heart yesterday and I wondered if you all had heard back from the GI series. I got an email from Lynn Custer. Please know that we are praying for both of you. When the time comes for meals or anything else, let me know what I can do.
Beth Branch
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