Every twelve weeks during Suzanne’s PATHway Trial, Neck and Chest CT scans are taken. Neck because that’s where the cancer was originally and chest because that’s the most common place it could show up again. One of the reasons she decided to take part in this trial was that scans are taken so often. That means that her doctors are more closely monitoring her health than if she had just followed the ‘Wait and See’ plan.

Today was the first ‘Scan Day’ of the Trial. Following our regular schedule of Hurry up and wait, we headed out the door this morning around 6:30 am. Add and subtract a couple of doctors, mix in some new faces, and our day of craziness moved along.

The one step that occurs on ‘Scan Day’ before her treatment can proceed is for her Onocologest to tell her if the scans were clean or not. For them, it’s just a matter of fact, you do or you don’t have cancer. As the doctor came into the room, I admired how Suzanne didn’t seem nervous at all. Ever since her last scans, Suzanne’s attitude has been “I’m cancer-free”. I’m not sure if she knew just how apprehensive I was for that moment. Knowing that the odds are against us, I couldn’t help but have a knot in my stomach when that time arrived.

The results, ( drum roll ) STILL CANCER-FREE!

The rest of the visit was with her nutritionist as we discussed future eating habits and making sure she is getting enough calories. Her speech therapist worked some more with her swallowing techniques and encouraged her to try some foods that have some texture. He mentioned cottage cheese a couple of times which made me laugh inside as I think Suzanne would rather dirt.

Then the drive home. Thankful for the scan results; Thankful knowing that I have another 12 weeks before I have to deal with my anxieties again; and Thankful to be married to such a positive, determined, focused wife who will help me get through all this.

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Ephesians 5:20