CT Scan Results Could be Better, but Could be Worse

The raw results from Mom’s CT scan yesterday are posted, and we have a lot of opinions. Tomorrow, we meet with Dr. O’Dwyer to get his expert opinion.

When the results came in overnight, Alia got them immediately; she read that the tumor now “measures 3.2 x 3.8 cm, previously 2.7 x 3.6 cm on 3/24/2022.” So, all of our initial response was based on the understanding that the tumor was growing, and you’d have to conclude that the chemo is not working. We were all understandably upset, even though we had discussed and thought ourselves prepared for this outcome.

However, there are a couple of variables to consider.

First, the original scan on 3/24/2022 had the tumor size at 3.3 x 3.6, not 2.7 x 3.6. If you go by the original numbers, then Mom’s tumor is basically the same size as it was in March. which is a lot better than “growing”. So which numbers are correct? There was some discrepancy at the time between the initial CT scan and what the surgeon observed during the ERCP procedure, but if the numbers are actually about the same, then you have to conclude that the chemo is working, at least a little.

Second, when Mom went to the ER on 4/16/2022, they did a CT scan and measured the tumor at 4.2 x 4.0, which is larger than the initial scan and larger than the latest scan. Mom had only had one session of chemo at this point. If you include these numbers, then Mom’s tumor was growing between 3/24 and 4/16, but then has been shrinking, and you might infer the chemo is starting to work a lot.

However, the hospital that did this CT scan had some typos, or some mistakes, in resulting their scan, so some of us dismiss these numbers completely.

I part I feel like we know for sure was summarized in this text on this part of the report:

Pre-existing lesions: Slight increase in size of select tumor(s). No evidence of substantial tumor enlargement.

Even that, though, seems to contradict. There *is* a slight increase… but no evidence of substantial tumor enlargement.

OK, so, what does it all mean?

I don’t know! It is not the miracle we irresponsibly hoped for, but it is not crushing news either.

Either way, we should get more clarity tomorrow when we meet with Dr. O’Dwyer. We are very anxious to hear his thoughts, how he’d weigh these variables, and what changes, if any, he recommends making moving forward.

So, we have information, but we don’t have answers. We have an appointment for tomorrow morning with a world-renowned expert who will help us to make sense of it all.

I hope.