Yesterday I saw my oncologist for my first evaluation, about 10 weeks after starting Super Catnip chemotherapy. His reactions to my CT & MRI scans were "These are absolutely great news. In fact, they're the best possible results". I was already aware of the scans and the terse dry language in the reports from Radiology, so it was very good to hear my oncologist's opinions in person.
I previously had a blood test that looked for circulating DNA from tumor cells that contained the specific mutation that made my lung cancer sensitive to my medication. It was first done early last November when I was first diagnosed, and it was repeated in December. The results of the more recent test were that tumor DNA had dropped precipitously compared to November's high level. My tumor DNA had dropped by nearly 100% – to almost undetectable levels!!
I directly asked him about my enlarged lymph node under my right arm. (Bullet point 6 in my
post #82 above.) What does it mean? Is it bad news, neutral news, or good news? What should we do about it? I was worried that it might mean my lung cancer cells had already mutated to become insensitive to my chemotherapy drug. If so, my remaining days would be numbered.
He didn't know a clear answer at this point. But he was less concerned than I was. Because the CT, MRI and tumor DNA tests were so highly positive, he was less worried than I was. If the tumor had already mutated making them insensitive to the drug, it would be more widespread than a single lymph node. Still, it should be followed closely. I will get another CT scan in about 8 weeks, sooner than the normal interval of 12 weeks. Depending on the results, it might require a biopsy of the lymph node. (That probably is a painful and difficult procedure, requiring surgery.)
All in all, really good news. News that I'm very happy to share here.
