They Really Should "Talk American"

So -
I had the requested MUGA on Friday August 3 and my postponed 3 month check with my doctor yesterday, August 6th.

MUGA results being more accurate, my ejection fraction has increased wonderfully to 55%.  This is quite, quite good.  A normal ejection fraction is 50% or higher.  I had originally typed "rejection fraction" which kind of makes me laugh here.  What is that - how many times you can tolerate rejection in life?  One had best hope for a VERY HIGH number there!!

We went over my PET/CT results.  They were not bad.  So saying they had a couple of minor anomalies which are most likely nothing of any real significance.

The wonderful Dr. Rassam does want me to have another PET/CT scan because I have a -- and I quote --"small hypermetabolic focus superficial to the right lateral sixth rib.  This is new and of uncertain significance."

Reading the report is why I titled this post rather tongue in cheek.  I do speak English -American English- pretty well.  I know it is not "talk American' and thus the joke of the title... Do I have to explain the humor right out of a humorous situation?  Actually, I know that I do for some people!  I am amused so too bad for the rest of you....

Additionally on the report is Impression 2. "Peripherally calcified adnexal lesion likely representing a calcified hemorrhagic cyst." and 3."Cardiomegaly."

Oh dear - doesn't that sound just horrible?  However - it is medical speak for mostly negligible things. The item 2 is likely an ovarian cyst which has burst (bled) and calcified and is not likely anything. Item 3 which was in the more detailed section of the report listed as borderline means a borderline (and therefore SLIGHTLY) enlarged heart.

Well, it is not a good thing to have an enlarged heart as it likely indicated for one thing hypertension, aka high blood pressure.  I am quick to assure you my blood pressure is always, always good.  When I was so hugely pregnant (many, many years ago) that I looked and felt like I would pop at any moment like a balloon and fly off into the outer atmosphere - my blood pressure even then, was always good.

So of these 3 things mentioned, which are all pretty much negligible and likely unimportant, the "new and uncertain significance" deal on the right 6th rib is of minor potential concern.  My tumors were on the right, it really has appeared as though all cancer has been obliterated, and so saying - it's just a little weird. It appears to be muscular and therefore NOT skeletal (breast cancer loves to go to bones), and could have something to do with radiation.

Regardless, a PET scan will be done again to make sure all is well.

My dear husband asked me if I am worried about this.  I really must say I am not.  First of all, there is not a single thing I can do about it.  I am taking good care of myself, which includes taking good care of my attitude, and I really do feel so absolutely marvelous. Secondly, I trust my Oncology team and oh, go on down the hardest road -- should some horrible horrible cancer word decide to worm its way back into my life - I know I will be graced once again with blessings to surround me.

Life is so beautiful, and I am looking forward with great anticipation to the birth of my first little granddaughter Annachiara.  (What a great coming attraction!)