Brain Scan Clear - Biopsy Not

Pat, Peg, Bob, Becky, Karen, Tim, Boomer and I all listened on speaker phone as Dr. Morar called to explain test results. First was the good news that the brain scan came back clear. We were all relieved to get this news.

The frustration level increased significantly as we spoke about the cancer though. Unfortunately we still do not have an answer on the type of cancer she has in her lung. We only know that the lung, bronchial tube and surrounding lymph nodes are the only areas that show cancer at this point. It is possible that the interior and exterior linings, although inflamed, may also not be involved. The upper lobe is showing clouding, which along with increasing white blood cells, may indicate pnuemonia still in this part of the lung due to the decrease airflow. This may well be the reason she is feeling so sick and causing so much breathing/caughing problems. The antibiotics she took in Texas made her so sick but, if they can get her on an iv perhaps it will be better.

Mom has only had one biopsy performed so far and that was the one done in Texas. If you recall, this was performed by going thru the nasel passage, down the bronchial tube to the lung. As they hit an obstruction her heart began to race and they were forced to stop with less samples then they wanted. With starting out with a lesser sample and then sending a portion of the sample back to Illinois, there simply is not enough material to perform a definative conclusion as to the cancer type. Therefore, a new biopsy has been scheduled for next Monday. This will be performed much like the proceedure to drain her lung. They will use a needle, pin pointed at the areas they want samples from. They believe they will get exactly what they need and then be able to offer a complete diagnosis by next Thursday. Ahh, one more test. One more follow up visit. No wonder the poor lady is so wore out. I feel so sad for her. But, she is a trooper, and she will get through this too.

Also, they will try again tomorrow morning to get the operation done to install the medi port in her upper chest. Take care, Jim