........Now I remember.....I'm radioactive. I was not quite sure what I was forgetting as I left the PET scan "trailer" (a semi trailer with the PET scanner in it) but it sure was different than the first one I had back in July. Back then the 2 mg's of Ativan they gave me "softened" my memory of it. I was told the radioactive isotope they gave me only has a half life of 90 minutes which was very comforting.
 
These scans (CT-MRI-PET) are starting to get a little routine, as routine as getting stuffed headfirst into a barrel for 35 minutes can be. Deb got our meeting with Jules my oncologist pushed up to the same day. I was getting a little wound tight with all the waiting.
 
The good news: Things are looking greatly improved. When you compare past films to yesterday's it is like night and day. The areas of interest are either clear or very reduced and possibly gone. Jules cautions me that I still have not passed the test of time (I'm still working on my ACT's) and I am scheduled for another PET in April but for now,  I am going to enjoy the moment.
 
The bad news: The CT portion of the PET showed a broken rib possibly from coughing or three boys that like to jump on Dad. I remember some pain but not much worse than a 12 inch dagger in my back. Actually it was a surprise to me. The other bad news is that I have Muehrcke Lines. It is a tragic situation where small lines form on your fingernails as a by-product of the Chemo...........my hand modeling days are over!
 
I have no illusion that this may not be over. More Chemo or surgery is still a distinct possibility but there is now good hope. I have always questioned whether you survive cancer or just peacefully co-exist. I'll call it a draw for now and get on with life. I have had countless folks tell me that they are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. I am convinced that having so many people pulling for you made all the difference. There will always be doubts but having the positive wishes from all of you certainly made getting this far possible. I would just ask you keep on doing the same for me........and for those others that go through this..... and for the ones that don't make it.  
 
Thanks
 
Mark