One more thing

I didn't know exactly where to place this information in my last posting: we were thrown a curve ball yesterday when Tom's neurologist told us that he had been in touch with Dr. deAngelis (the doctor in NYC) recently and that she had requested a PET scan to rule out the possibility of leukemia cells within his brain. The key word here is "possibility". Why would the neurologist tell us this? Dr. deAngelis didn't tell us why she ordered the PET scan and I believe it's because there is no need to upset someone if the scenario is just a "possibility".

What is a PET scan you ask?

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a special kind of imaging test which allows doctors to see how certain tissues and organs within the body are functioning. The most significant difference between a PET scan and other imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan is the ability to detect changes in the body at the cellular level rather than after a disease has progressed enough to actually effect the surrounding tissue or organs. A PET scan may be useful for helping to detect certain types of cancer, brain disorders, heart problems and other conditions of the central nervous system.

---

Tom had a PET scan done two weeks ago after which he overnighted the disc of images to her. Since she works only one day per week, Tuesdays, and since this is a holiday week, we haven't yet heard from her. She is very professional and keeps in touch with us. I feel certain that she will call next Tuesday.

--

Now, why he has never had a PET scan prior to the request of Dr. deAngelis is a mystery to me. It truly angers me. Why hasn't Tom's neurologist in Atlanta, or his oncologist, or his primary care doctor, or his transplant doctor requested PET scans over the last 2 1/2 years?!?