It's been a while since we've updated the blog - suffice to say the kids have kept us busy! Unfortunately, the reason we started this blog has created more concern for us as we start into the new year. Those of you who have read this blog from the beginning know that we started it to provide status on Lauri's fight with cancer to our friends and family. Well, we had been cancer free for about 3 years and enjoying life with kids when a spot of interest showed up on Lauri's scans in late November 2012.
The spot in the November scan was inconclusive by itself - it could be due to infection from a cold, or it could be a recurrence of Lauri's cancer. Additional scans were needed to verify if the spot had grown, shrunk, or remained the same size. Growing typically would mean a cancer is present, while shrinking or absence from a follow up scan would lead one to believe it was a short term infection/inflammation. We carried out the follow up scans yesterday, January 14.
The follow up scans show that the spot has basically remained the same size, if not grown slightly. The scan also shows the spot as somewhat more solid than the previous scan showed in November - although that could be in the eye of the beholder. Bottom line - the follow up scan left the doctors and us a bit concerned about what it actually is. Our Oncologist (who has been with us since the cancer moved to Lauri's lungs) recommended a biopsy next week, or the week after, to gather additional information. Our doctor was not comfortable waiting a few months for an additional scan. We are waiting for the schedule for the biopsy, but we know it should be an outpatient procedure (in and out the same day). The large needle will be used to gather tissue using a realtime CT scan to guide the work. Lauri will be put under for the procedure. We should get results around 5 business days after the biopsy.
If the biopsy is positive for cancer - then we proceed immediately into treatment, which could mean chemotherapy, surgery, or both. If the biopsy is negative for cancer, then the doctors will decide if further information is needed (more biopsies, etc) or if observation is sufficient. Will have to wait for the biopsy results to know what to do next.
Definitely not the news we wanted today, but Lauri is strong and experienced - we've beaten this before, so we are ready for a fight if a fight must be brought. Hopefully, all this is just a false alarm. We're hoping and praying for good results, but getting ready for a return to the fight just in case.
The spot in the November scan was inconclusive by itself - it could be due to infection from a cold, or it could be a recurrence of Lauri's cancer. Additional scans were needed to verify if the spot had grown, shrunk, or remained the same size. Growing typically would mean a cancer is present, while shrinking or absence from a follow up scan would lead one to believe it was a short term infection/inflammation. We carried out the follow up scans yesterday, January 14.
The follow up scans show that the spot has basically remained the same size, if not grown slightly. The scan also shows the spot as somewhat more solid than the previous scan showed in November - although that could be in the eye of the beholder. Bottom line - the follow up scan left the doctors and us a bit concerned about what it actually is. Our Oncologist (who has been with us since the cancer moved to Lauri's lungs) recommended a biopsy next week, or the week after, to gather additional information. Our doctor was not comfortable waiting a few months for an additional scan. We are waiting for the schedule for the biopsy, but we know it should be an outpatient procedure (in and out the same day). The large needle will be used to gather tissue using a realtime CT scan to guide the work. Lauri will be put under for the procedure. We should get results around 5 business days after the biopsy.
If the biopsy is positive for cancer - then we proceed immediately into treatment, which could mean chemotherapy, surgery, or both. If the biopsy is negative for cancer, then the doctors will decide if further information is needed (more biopsies, etc) or if observation is sufficient. Will have to wait for the biopsy results to know what to do next.
Definitely not the news we wanted today, but Lauri is strong and experienced - we've beaten this before, so we are ready for a fight if a fight must be brought. Hopefully, all this is just a false alarm. We're hoping and praying for good results, but getting ready for a return to the fight just in case.
