We are breathing easy. There have been few, maybe no, times that we’ve been able to walk away from a scan or biopsy and feel completely free. Thankfully, after a few hiccups, I can say we are exhaling like never before. And we are so thankful.

Last time I wrote, I explained that there was a suspicious lymph node. It had to be MRIed to get a better look. The better look simply agreed with the CT that there was a funky looking large nodule/lymph node that needs to be biopsied to rule out a malignancy.

My trusted doctor at MDAnderson recommended I get a PET scan before going for a biopsy. The biopsy would be complicated and needed CT guidance to find the nodule lying inbetween my esophagus and cervical vertebrae.

My doctor here agreed that a PET scan would be a good next step. PET scans show if there is any unusually high activity with the injection of radioactive glucose. Lots of uptake in a certain area can indicate a tumor growing. (This is my layman’s understanding). Anyway, the PET was performed and 5 days later I received the news that all was clear – the nodule was no longer there! Head to toe, CLEAR!!!

My surgical biopsy could be cancelled, AND we could look at 12-14 months post stem cell transplant with a CT, MRI and PET showing zero cancer. Wow! What a relief!

Once again, we are praising God for giving us strength, peace of mind, and the blessing of renewed health.

Summer is here, and the Scheeles will be celebrating for sure!