the PET scan.

Our first appointment with our oncologist, Dr. Bill Lydiatt, was on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. Dr. Lydiatt then scheduled a PET scan for Mike at the Med Center on Thursday, February 24. The purpose of the PET scan is to locate / confirm the primary source and to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. We were delighted to get a call on the following day to report that the cancer had not invaded Mike's bones or other organs. The scan did confirm the primary site as base of tongue, and did indicate that cancer cells were in more than the original lymph node. We were fascinated to learn how a PET scan works. Mike was instructed to limit his sugar intake and strenuous physical activity for 12 hours before the scan. On the day of the scan they inject a concentrated sugar serum into Mike's system with some radioactive stuff. The book Dr. Lydiatt wrote says "In PET scans, the agent shows cellular activity, especially areas of increased metabolism. Cancer cells, which thrive on sugar, show up as bright areas on the scan." In our own words, the cancer gets so happy when the sugar shows up that the increased metabolism shows up and reveals the spots where cancer lives! Oh my. If we had thoughts about reducing our sugar intake before, this was an eye-opening reminder that it is a good idea. Our next step in the journey: Mike goes under anesthesia on Friday, March 3rd for a biopsy of the mass with the possible removal of the affected lymph nodes. The medical description of the surgery is "direct laryngoscopy with biopsy / left neck lymph node biopsy with possible neck dissection". We covet your prayers. Specifically for wisdom and skill for Dr. Lydiatt, for complete healing without long term side effects, and for wisdom for the most progressive treatment plan. Also that we could keep the joy in our journey, and not get overwhelmed by the "giants in the land". God is bigger than any giant. Thank you for praying!