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I got the results from the PET scan (which looked for signs of cancer around whole body) and pathology (which examined biopsy samples from hilar lymph nodes).
PET: No signs of cancer outside the two lymph nodes. In other words, the pulmonary nodule did not show up as cancerous. (doesn't mean there is no cancer there, only that if it is there, it is not big enough to register).
Pathology: Samples from only one lymph node were examined so far. There was a "few groups of distorted malignant cells in a background of extensive necrosis and microcalcifications." [necrosis = daed cells] In other words, mostly dead with a few stubborn cells remaining.
Result: Dr. Eng and Hofstetter consulted and, based on these results, cancelled the surgery. It is not even an option for me. Don't get me wrong - I'm not disappointed. The basis for surgery was weak to begin with. It was to get the lymph node (which is mostly dead, we now know) and the pulmonary nodule (which is not showing signs of being cancer - maybe scar tissue). They decided the right course is to continue chemo because it is currently so effective. Maybe it can keep killing the bad stuff. Surgery does not make sense right now.
I'll be in contact with Dr. Eng next week to find out what the plan is now.
Clarification
Based on some emails and calls I've received from yesterday's entry, I believe I should clarify. Cancer is not gone until it is all gone - every little cell. The results yesterday did not suggest a 90% chance that cancer was gone from my body - just that it was gone from the lymph nodes. Stage IV cancer is a long grueling war. Currently, I've got some good momentum in the war. And that is great reason to celebrate. But no one has yet suggested cure with these recent events - even yesterday before there were a few cells discovered. I have found it useful to not overstate how good or how bad things are. As my good friend John told me about his experience with his wife's cancer: don't get too high in the highs or too low in the lows. Or as St Paul put it, let your yes be yes and your no, no.