After my latest MRI and PET, all my lung mets have resolved. I have no FDG Uptake in my lungs at all. A half dozen doses of Keytruda after failing the Ipi/Nivo combo have paid off. Also, the favorite phrase for all of us here, no new mets. That phrase from the onc never gets old.
Now for the twist. The tumor in my back is growing. FDG uptake is up to 13.2. It seems the Keytruda may be slowing it, but it can't overcome it. The tumor is causing me considerable pain and is pushing against my spinal fluid. The tumor is in the bone of my 5th rib and kind of looks like a lollipop sticking into my spine. After consultation, conversation, and everything else I have decided surgery is the best route. My Mayo medical teams all say radiation is a bad idea right now. Even the radiologist doesn't recommend radiation because we already radiated that tumor back in December and it didn't kill it. This tumor was inoperable back in December. It is now in a spot where the surgeon feels surgery will help. The tumor is about 2.5 inches at its widest so there is a bit to remove.
The plan is tumor removal on the 27th or at least as much of the tumor as they can get. They want to get me back on Keytruda ASAP after surgery in the hopes that it will knock out all the scraps left behind. They have said radiation is a better option at that point, if needed. This is the only cancer I have left right now, so I am going for it. Any experience out there with this type of surgery? Curious about any thoughts you all might have?
As always, we fight on!
Brad
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