NED!!!!!

My 5/19 CT scan reports are back and as far as we can tell, there is no evidence of disease!!!! YAY!!!! The report indicates there is a "small, sub-centimeter hypodensity" in the "central aspect of the liver near the portal vein" which is "somewhat less prominent." As far as I can determine, this means there is an extremely small spot in my liver that appeared on the last scans, has shrunk a bit, and caused no alarm in December so should cause no alarm this time. I'll keep you posted should Dr. Keohan disagree with my assessment.

I had a physical therapy evaulation last night before they apply for 16 more visits. I reached most of my short-term goals but not all of them. It seems I need to work a bit harder to get more bend in my ankle, especially to help me go down stairs more normally. Otherwise, my progress continues and I even did some weeding over the weekend. I know, it's not the most exciting thing to report, but when you think about how you have to move your feet and bend when you're weeding in and around plants, trees and ponds, it's somewhat impressive (pausing to pat myself lightly on the back). I have a feeling my foot and ankle (such as it is) will be tender tomorrow since I've been working that joint harder than usual today.

Thanks for continuing to keep track of my progress and keep your fingers crossed for many more years of clear scans. The next one will be in August.

We're back!

We returned Saturday from our whirlwind tour of Florida. We visited cruise friends in Tallahassee (hi Chris and Ian!), Boynton Beach (warmest greetings to Joan and Ed), and Bradenton (hello Anne and Andy!) in addition to spending one night in Orlando and three nights on Sanibel Island. The weather was fabulous (upper 80s and low 90s with only one morning of rain), the company was excellent, and the driving was easy. It's hard to believe it's over already, but I've got a platter of sea shells on the dining room table and lots of wonderful memories. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality.

On the physical front, I'm making great progress. Even my physical therapist was impressed! I've started on the wobble board, which allows me to move my foot from side to side (eversion and inversion) and around in a circle (a very sloppy circle at the moment). I can hear the muscles in the sides of my foot saying, "Uh, we're not used to this and we're not sure we're happy about it." It's a strange feeling to use those muscles, but it doesn't hurt. My foot was a little tender this morning (two days of the wobble board so far this week) and we'll have to see how it is tomorrow after another session tonight. I'm walking more normally and at a faster pace, although I can only pass people with canes at this point.

Friday morning is my first follow-up CT scan and I'm a bit nervous. First, drinking the barium is gross (not the flavor but the texture) and second, getting stuck with a needle is not my idea of a good time. Third, I'll have to wait until next week to get the results, and I hope I'm able to sleep. I've been having a terrible time getting to sleep this week and as a result, I'm just plain exhausted. I'll be glad when the test is over and the results are in. At least the wondering will be over.

That's about it from here. Keep your fingers crossed for clear scans, and I'll post an update after my follow-up visit with Dr. Keohan on May 30.