11/28 Update
Family Update
We received the preliminary results from Becke’s PET-CT scan today. We want to share what we know right now, but also be very clear that several things are still unknown until the doctors finish their full review.
1. The good news first:
The PET-CT did NOT show any tumors or cancer.
This part is confirmed and not in question.
2. A possible stroke
We do NOT have a confirmed answer yet.
The scan showed an area of “hypoattenuation” in the brain.That simply means part of the brain looked slightly different than usual. This can happen after a stroke, but it can also be caused by other things. Right now, we do not have a confirmation. It remains only a possibility, not a diagnosis.
The doctors are being extremely cautious and will need more information before they can say yes or no.
3. Her central line is stable and NOT the source of infection.
The PET-CT showed her central line is not compromised, not infected, and does not need to be replaced.
This is very good news, because it rules out a major concern. Since the line is not the cause of her fevers, the medical team can now focus their attention to other issues.
4. Focus now shifts to her nutritional and blood imbalances
Since the line is not the cause of her fevers, the team is now concentrating on correcting all of her abnormal lab values, including:
•Potassium (low)
•Calcium (low)
•Sodium (low)
•C-reactive protein (high, meaning inflammation)
•Albumin (low)
•Hemoglobin (low and may need a blood transfusion)
•White blood cell count (low)
•Hematocrit (low)
•Platelets (low)
These blood count issues (hemoglobin, white cells, hematocrit, platelets) are likely related to what the PET scan showed in her bone marrow activity.
These abnormalities can cause:
•Fatigue
•Weakness
•Increased swelling
•Increased infection risk
•Difficulty healing
5. Albumin deficiency is likely causing her swelling and water weight
Her albumin level (a key blood protein made by the liver) is low.
Low albumin acts like a sponge that has lost its ability to hold fluid, meaning water leaks from the bloodstream into the tissues.
This can cause:
•Swelling
•Puffiness
•Water weight gain
•Slow healing
Given the findings, this is now the most likely explanation for her swelling and fluid retention.
6. “Bone Marrow Uptake” on the PET scan
The scan showed increased activity in her bone marrow.
This can happen for many reasons, and most are not cancer.
It can be caused by:
•Inflammation
•Infection
•Anemia
•Bone marrow working harder to make blood cells
•Certain medications (like growth-factor shots)
•Hematologic conditions
•Or, less commonly, blood cancers
Doctors tell the difference by looking at:
•Whether the uptake is diffuse (all over) or focal (one spot)
•Her blood work
•Her medical history
•And, if needed, a bone marrow biopsy
At this stage, we do not have enough information to determine the cause.
It is not automatically a sign of cancer, and the doctors are not assuming that.
Where things stand and what we know for sure:
•No tumors or cancer on the PET-CT
•Central line is stable and not infected
What we are still waiting on:
•A definite yes or no about whether the brain finding is from a stroke
•More clarity on what is causing the bone marrow uptake
•A plan to correct all the electrolyte and nutritional imbalances
The doctors are being extremely cautious and won’t make conclusions until the rest of the tests and evaluations come back.
We will update everyone again as soon as the next round of information is available.
-C
Previous Post
Next Post