We met with the oncologist today and he confirmed what we read in the scan report. No signs of cancer. Here are the before (taken March 16, 2015) and after (taken June 5, 2015) images so you can get an idea of what Aaron's lungs looked like and the miraculous response he has had.
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| March CT scan. Cross section of the lungs. The white masses and spots are cancer. Almost all the lung tissue is cancerous. |
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| June CT scan. Those white dots are scar tissue and not cancer. |
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| March PET scan. Cross section of the lungs. All those glowing areas are cancer |
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| June PET scan. Nothing glowing. The big white mass is his heart. |
The doctor said the brain scan is equally impressive, "You got nothin' goin' on in the brain." Normally, that is not a statement anyone would like hearing about themselves, but considering our circumstances, it was music to our ears. The scans of the rest of Aaron's body show the same response. No glowing green lights anywhere. In the March 16, 2015 PET scan of the body, almost the entire torso seemed to glow with cancer, along with most of the spine, hips, ribs, femur. Now the glowing is gone.
Again this is not a cure. Aaron still has plenty of cancer cells meandering around. They are just not in high enough concentrations to be detected at this point. If he stopped his medication there would certainly be a regrowth.
We are going to be grateful and happy and celebrate these miraculous scan results and not worry about what may appear in the next ones (end of August). Instead we are going to use this time and good health to build up Aaron's strength (he still experiences dizziness, fatigue, and rib pain). We feel confident we can have him in good enough shape to return to work after his next scans. We feel nutrition, exercise, and rest play a part in beating this cancer down even more, and we have to make sure he is in tip-top shape.
We meet with our oncologist at Huntsman on Monday to see if he has any other suggestions as to how to knock this into oblivion, and in July we will fly down to Houston to visit with an oncologist at MD Anderson. We are not going to lighten up in this fight.
Our three children with cf are well on their way with their two week "clean out" as we call them. Their picc line placements went well; so far so good. Kaitlin will have a g-tube placed on Tuesday and we hope and pray that goes smoothly and she recovers quickly. We have a summer vacation to start, and the sooner the better!
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| This is one cute, laid back boy. |
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| This is one cute, creative, loving girl (Kaitlin) |
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| This is one cute, tenacious girl and her equally cute and tenacious dad:). |
This looks like wonderful news. We are so happy for you. Your smiles are inspiring. Hang in there! All the best. Mary Kay Lewis. Formerly of the Canyon View Ward when Aaron was our High Council Rep.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me. I'm friends with paul and Jen. We have been in the same ward for quite a few years! Anyway, I've been following your story, waiting for these results and I just had to pop in and leave a comment this time. I'm so thrilled for you and your family. We pray for you often and hope the good news keeps coming. My husband and I are in awe for the strength and faith you show. It's truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story. And good luck in Houston. My nephew just came home from there after having surgery to remove his cancer. They LOVED their dr. I hope you feel the same way about yours. Good luck and we'll keep the prayers going up😊
ReplyDeleteThis is the greatest news I've heard in a long time!!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news! Thank you so much for sharing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteWonderful news! So glad to read this today.
ReplyDeleteAlmost two years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Aaron. During the long drive to a business conference, we had an opportunity to get to know each other. In hindsight, I recall doing most of the talking. Aaron was listening with sincere compassion and genuine interest, and I now understand this to be his nature. Later, I explained to Lee that this conversation had an intensely calming effect on me. Just being in his presence, I was able to share difficult memories with a virtual stranger as though we had known each other for years. This conversation with Aaron marked the first time in many years that I was able to re- visit history, and was due solely to Aaron’s sincere concern for others. The effect this had on me was almost spiritual and eventually I made arrangements for Aaron and my 22 year old son to spend some time together. I wanted Michael to feel what I did, and recognize true character. Later, after Aaron and Michael were able to interact on a few occasions, I was thrilled to learn that my son’s focus on his own character would now be further defined by such a fine role model. We both feel privileged to call Aaron our friend.
ReplyDeleteWhen I learned of Aaron’s disease, I was devastated and could not find the words. I have been reading the posts and comments on the blog, and remember one friend who commented that Aaron and his condition had become her “default thought” This is exactly what I have experienced since March. I, so often think of Aaron’s mother, as I cannot comprehend how I might feel if my only child were to experience such a challenge. How proud Kathy must be. to be Aaron's mother. And what unfailing strength is demonstrated by Lorraine, Aaron’s devoted wife, whom he often spoke of so lovingly.
I am encouraged by the latest medical report, and will continue to pray for a full recovery, as God must know how many people count on Aaron. While I know God has a plan for us all, certainly it should be clear how much this wonderful man is loved and needed by anyone whom he has touched in his 41 years.
Always,
Tess
😃 Great news!!! So happy to see and hear this today!!!
ReplyDeleteYay! I love good scan news. love those smiles!
ReplyDeleteLorraine, I only know you and your sweet Lily through our Sound Beginnings music class we shared. At each of our classes, your kind and generous nature touched my heart. I can tell through these posts that you have a tremendous family. Lori told me about your husband's diagnosis a few months ago. I'm so happy to hear that miracles are being manifest in your life and pray that they will continue and that blessings will be poured out upon your family.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI showed this post to my pathologist brother-in-law. He was amazed!!! We are all so happy for you guys! Great news!
ReplyDeleteMy sweet dear friend Lorraine,
ReplyDeleteAaron's cousin Ashley moved into our same area in Ohio and told me of the this trial you and your husband are facing! I was so devastated and worried for you, your husband and your sweet children. I am grateful Ashley guided me to this blog and was able to see how the Lord is watching over all of you. What amazing news this entry was. What great faith, hope and endless fight you and Aaron are giving to overcoming this awful thing called Cancer!
You have always been a great example to me and one who has always shown tremendous Faith and trust in the Lord even when you were facing hard things. I sure love you my friend! I hope you know we are praying for you and Aaron and want nothing more than to see continuous blessings poured out upon you both. Here for you always!
Heather and the Teeples Family
Awesome news! So happy to hear it (and see it)!
ReplyDeleteI've been catching up on your lives and am so glad to hear that things are looking better. We've been praying for you on this side of the country!
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