's PET scan & Decadron question

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

I would like to thank everyone for their response to my question about

Decadron. We saw oncologist today. I explained my concern about the

double vision. I also told him it seems to be triggered by increased activity,

stress, and/or being tired. He checked over, stated she looks wonderful.

He reviewed her PET scan then told me to reduce the Decadron to 2 mg every other

day. Today we decided to wait and see before giving the Decadron. I am

happy to say she did not have any double vision today.

Here is long awaited results of her most recent PET scan, Sept.

25th..............

FINDINGS: Comparison is made to the prior nuclear medicine PET/CT examinations

performed on 09/13 as well as 08/18/2006. The current examination demonstrates

continued marked hypometabolic activity within the pons. There is an area of

decreased density seen within the left pons on CT examination. On PET, this

shows very little metabolic activity consistent with what appears to be necrotic

elements as seen on MRI examination and MR spectroscopy. There is no

hypermetabolic rind. The metabolic activity within the pons remains

considerably low compared to the adjacent cerebellum and cerebrum. The

remaining cerebrum shows normal metabolic distribution.

IMPRESSION: Nuclear medicine PET/CT examination demonstrating diminished

metabolic activity within the brainstem particularly in the area of pontine

tumor. The area of apparent recent change in the left ventral pons does not

show increased metabolic activity. The appearance is suggestive of therapy

related hypometabolism.

's oncologist wants to see her back during " Neuro clinic day " . He

would like to present her to a group of doctors to see what they think.

Personally I think we are headed in the right direction. She is doing a little

better everyday. I know we still have a long road ahead of us.

With Hope & Prayers!

mother of