Setback...Surgery Cancelled until further notice

Kathy saw Dr. O’Brien (Oncologist) yesterday to review the CT scan that she had on Monday. The first scan she had showed some small nodules on her lungs. They wanted to do a follow up CT scan to follow up on the nodules. Since Kathy has Rheumatoid Arthritis the nodules could have been side effects from that. There is no way to know exactly what the nodules are without doing a biopsy. A lung biopsy is very invasive and they will not do it unless it is absolutely necessary. One of the nodules in her lungs actually increased in size. Which means that they are assuming it is Cancer. This also means that the nodules did not respond to the Chemo treatment she has already had (or they would have shrunk). The CT scan also showed a spot on her liver that was not there previously. This is not the news we wanted to hear… So the path forward is to do another CT scan of her lower body (this is scheduled for Friday). This will give a more detailed picture of the liver so they can schedule a biopsy. They will also schedule to have her port-a-cath put in (which they use to draw blood and administer Chemo). They will start Chemotherapy right away (probably Monday). Dr. O’Brien consulted with Dr. Whiteford (Surgeon) and they decided to cancel her surgery. They want to take care of the lungs and liver first. As soon as we know more I will post the information. We are all in shock and saddened by this news. Thanks for all of the support and prayers.