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The test results from Harvey’s PET scan on Monday arrived in our online health information site, and after reading around the “medical speak” we were very encouraged by the outcome.  Bottom line, there is no visible cancer in the area of the tumor, however, the writer cautions that because of “inflammation associated with recent radiotherapy, residual malignancy may also be present” and advises that follow up imaging might be appropriate.  A few other things were noted that had not been seen on previous scans, most notably a spinal stress fracture in the area of the radiation treatment.  This may have been caused when Harvey fainted with the A-fib episode.  He complained of back pain, but we attributed it to the Neupogen.  The summary also refers to shadowy areas in the lower right lung, but again, it is most likely inflammation from the radiation.  All of our conclusions were confirmed by Dr. Suhag when we saw him on Wednesday.  He was very pleased with the results of the treatment.  When Harvey asked if this means he still has to see the surgeon, Dr. Suhag looked somewhat startled and then answered in the affirmative.  Harvey followed up with “What if I don’t have the surgery?”  Dr. Suhag dissembled a bit, saying “You really need to talk to the surgeon about that.”  Then, he tipped his head to one side and apologetically said, “It may come back, and you cannot have any more radiation and, further, chemotherapy will eventually stop working.”  All will be revealed, I hope, on Monday when we visit Dr. Graves, the surgeon.  I will try to give a more comprehensive report after we meet with him.

Harvey has continued to gain strength and stamina over the past couple of weeks, and his appetite is returning apace.  His sister, Hilma, from Spokane and niece, Lynda, from Kennewick came to visit with us for a few days this past week.  It was lovely to see them and gave Harvey a reason to “perk up.”  We drove them around Lincoln and Lincoln Hills on Tuesday and then had lunch at Beermann’s Brewery where Harvey tucked into a large slice of meatloaf.  We all enjoyed our meals and the service was very good.  If you haven’t tried Beermann’s since it reopened, you really should treat yourself.  On Wednesday, Harvey had a hankering for prime rib, so we arranged to have dinner on the patio at Meridians with our favorite waiter, Wallid, in attendance.  Good friends dropped by to join us for a drink and to meet Lynda and Hilma, whom Harvey refers to as his “much older sister.”  It was a perfect evening to be outside, and we sat and talked well past dark.  Thursday we took a driving tour around Sacramento and showed them the usual sites including the Capitol and Old Town.  We were so glad that they took the time to come to CA to visit, and we thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent together.

Our prayers have been answered.  Thank you all for keeping Harvey in your thoughts and prayers.  We are sincerely grateful.