Test Results

I'm one of those people who likes to get bad news out of the way. When asked, "Want the good news or the bad news?" it is always the bad news first. With that in mind, here it is . . .

Bad news:

The bad news is that the celiac lymph node biopsies tested positive and confirmed "continued metastatic esophageal cancer." Because the cancer is still in the lymph nodes, E. is still considered Stage IV.

Good news:

* The initial endoscopic ultrasound found multiple (greater than 10) periesophageal lymph nodes and multiple (greater than 7) celiac axis lymph nodes. According to Dr. C.'s verbal report, only 4 lymph nodes were observed in his lastest endoscopic ultrasound.

* The initial chest CT scan showed a severe thickening of E.'s esophagus. It also showed paraesophageal, gastrohepatic ligament and periportal lymphadenopathy (which means swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in various regions). The lastest chest CT scan demonstrated that the thickening of the esophagus and the adenopathy of the upper abdomen are no longer apparent. That means they couldn't see the original tumor (initially sized at 3.07 X 1.28 cm) OR the many lymph nodes (some initially sized over 1 X 1 cm). The CT scan was "unremarkable." (We've learned that "unremarkable" is in fact REMARKABLE, at least to us. It essentially means "looks normal!")


And to make the news even better, there's more . . .

Great news:

* The PET scan was also "unremarkable." (Did you hear that??? Unremarkable!!!) So, while the biopsies of those lymph nodes was positive, the cancer was not a large enough amount to even be registered by the PET scan.


Although a little disappointed with the continued lymph node involvement and the continued Stage IV diagnosis, miracles are happening. E. clearly responded favorably to treatment and we are anxious to meet with the folks at MD Anderson to see where we can go from here. Your continued prayers and positive vibes are very much appreciated.

S.