Follow-up with the ENT

Today, I had my follow-up appointment with Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist Dr. Matthew Straka. Overall he was pleased with the findings of the PetScan and in concurrence with Dr. Baliban's findings. He was unable to justify grounds for a neck disection at this time, however, he does want to do a biopsy on the back tongue area just to prove the findings of the PetScan. Dr. Straka said the PetScan did indicate some activity near the trach and attributes that to both the trach itself and the effects of radiation but he just wants to be sure, and I want to be sure, so I gave him the green light to get it scheduled. Surgery is scheduled for sometime Tuesday, Jan 29th and it will be an outpatient procedure, performed at Sewickley Valley Hospital.
Immediately leaving Dr. Straka's office we proceeded to Heritage Valley Health Center for the necessary blood work, chest X-rays and EKG, so that I can have a dedicated CatScan on my neck area, now scheduled for 3:15 p.m. tomorrow the 24th of January. After that it will be the procedure on Tuesday and then we will have to wait, yet again, for the results from the pathologist on the biopsy. Stay tuned for further updates as warranted!
Thanks and God Bless!