Today was a busy one at UT / SW. First a V/Q can then conventional x-rays finally a review of the original MRI and the latest tests.

The V / Q uses scintigraphy and nuclear isotopes to measure the airflow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) of her lungs. No surprise the “bad/ infected” lung is ONLY providing 30% of her airflow. The “GOOD” lung is giving 70%.

Dr. Chiu showed us using all of the various images how the LAST concern is IF the mesothelioma has “infected” any of the lymph nodes. From the MRI it appears not. However he will perform the NEXT test to verify one way or another.

Using the small camera and associated scalpel, we talked about before, he will via the trachea lift each node look at it and if required take a biopsy. He expects the procedure scheduled for next Wednesday at 10 am to last about an hour.

Analysis by the pathologists will take a couple of days.

So with Memorial Monday ,and Tuesday being an off day ,it will not be until the afternoon of May 28th that we will know the final verdict of weather they will operate.


-Michael Barron