I want to share these two images with you immediately: Will’s PET scan from December 5th and the one from today (January 8th).
The moment the doctor opened these images, my heart truly sang with joy. The visual improvement is undeniable. However, this battle with cancer is never a straight line, and today we went through a rollercoaster of emotions that kept our hearts pounding.
📉 THE CONFUSING NEWS (From the CT Report): While we were waiting for the MRI, the CT report came in. This report compared his current status to the old scan from December 1st and concluded: “Active disease progression.” This felt like a cold shower right when we were celebrating the visual results.
📈 THE JOYFUL NEWS (From the PET Scan): In complete contrast to the CT report, the direct visual comparison of the PET scans between Dec 5th and today (Jan 8th) shows an incredible improvement. The positive difference is so significant that even our treating doctor appeared confused when she saw it.
❓ WHAT IS HAPPENING? Why is there such a contradiction? We and the doctor are requesting an amendment to the report for a more accurate comparison (specifically comparing Jan 8th to Dec 5th). The most logical hypothesis right now is:
- Will had the old CT scan on Dec 1st.
- However, he didn’t start taking the Cabo chemo pill until Dec 9th.
- In that gap of over a week, with such an aggressive tumor, the disease likely progressed rapidly. Therefore, comparing today’s CT to the Dec 1st baseline makes it look like things have gotten worse.
- BUT, the PET scan images (comparing Dec 5th and Jan 8th) reflect the period AFTER he started the medication. And they show that the medicine IS WORKING.
📞 SUPPORT FROM MD ANDERSON Another major pillar of support came tonight. I felt much more at peace after a phone call with our oncologist from MD Anderson. He was able to view the file on My Chart. Tomorrow, we will submit the actual images for him to review personally so he can weigh in on the plan of action.
Regarding our local doctor today: The look of confusion on her face when she walked back to tell us—to both Jason and me—felt like a positive sign. It wasn’t a shake of the head in despair, but rather astonishment at a miraculous change in the right direction.
We choose to believe what our eyes are seeing today. We choose Hope! Please join us in praying for good results tomorrow! 💪❤️
