Images

This is a chest x-ray of the lungs.



This is a 16 slice CAT Scan of the lungs.


Definitely better.

This is a 64 Slice CAT Scan of the lungs.



Again, a 64 Slice CAT Scan of the lungs.




In the category of "The More You Know" or "Filoli Cancer Tips and Insights" we should discuss the following:

Turns out that 25% of lung cancers do not exhibit any symptoms and are identified through routine or pre-op chest x-rays or CAT scans.

In the subcategory "WTF," lung cancer survival rates are dramatically lower than other cancers despite advances in survival research.

More specifically:

Since the enactment of the National Cancer Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-218; 85 Stat. 778), coordinated and comprehensive research has raised the 5-year survival rates for breast cancer to 88%, for prostate cancer to 99%, and for colon cancer to 64%.

However, the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is still only 15%

(as in 1971).

Without a doubt a similar coordinated and comprehensive research effort is required to achieve increases in lung cancer survivability rates.

60% of lung cancer cases are now diagnosed as nonsmokers or former smokers.

Lung cancer mortality reduction should be made a national public health priority.

Without a doubt early detection saves lives.

Presently, all post-5 year survivors are accidental survivors who were asymptomatic and CAT scanned or x-rayed for other reasons and a careful radiologist identified a possible issue.

5 out of 5 lung cancer survivors recommend CAT Scans.

As such, we currently started the authorization process today with our insurance company for Alpha's CAT Scan.

As though you had to ask - yes, the 64 Slice.

Are you kidding? Do you really think I would tolerate anything less?

So, tomorrow I have a gig to chat about health care.

What are the odds that I may be a bit more snippy if I am fighting with the insurance company regarding approval of the CT Scan?


In my inner soul birdhouse I continue to sing "this is nothing."

But - I am already forever changed.

These facts are unacceptable.

For my family, for your family, for all of us.

We can change this.