I had a CT scan and saw the surgeon yesterday. There is some good news and some not-so-good news. The good news is that one of the tumors appears to be gone; it doesn't show up on the scan, and the doctor did not even mention it. Also, there is no spread of cancer anywhere - very important finding. The bad news, though, is that the other tumor appears to be unchanged. It has not shrunk, and it is still wrapped around lymph vessels and an artery. What we are hoping is that the treatments have degraded it to the degree that it can be cut away from the artery and taken out; in other words, that it is dead tissue that can be excised without complications. However, the surgeon won't know this until he goes in. If this is not the case, he will not be able to remove (all of) it.

He is supposed to call soon, perhaps today, with a date for surgery. It could be as soon as 2-3 weeks from now.

From what I understand this was the most likely outcome from my treatments. Still, I had hoped for the best possibility, and I'm feeling discouraged today. Yet there is nothing to do but continue to hope and pray for the best, and rely on the skills of my doctor, who I believe is as good as anyone in the world. As always, I appreciate the love and support from so many of you, and I know you will continue to be there for me.