We are here - again - at CTCA getting a chemo treatment but this time in unlike any of the other trips out here. This time we got a piece of news that we have been wanting to hear ever since we have been coming here -- the cancer is almost gone!
Getting scans is always an apprehensive time -- you want to know, but you don't want to know - but then you need to know how the treatments are working. You wonder whether enduring those side effects is worth it because if the drugs are working, then the side effects of the chemo drugs don't seem nearly as bad. Just every imaginable thought goes through your mind as you wait for those dreaded results!
But today was different... Dr. Neelam came into the examining room with a smile on her face and I felt as soon as I looked at her that she had good news... AND SHE DID!!
The first thing she told us was that the CEA was down to 5.7 -It had been as high as 36 a couple months ago! The normal reading is 3.
She then told us about the PET scan and CT scan results. The cancer which has appeared in the bones is measured by numbers which appear on the reports. It appears that the higher those numbers, the more cancer is present.
They compared the readings today with the readings from the July 29th scans. Those readings from July ranged from 5.1 to 10.4. The scan results today showed those numbers as ranging from 1.4 to 2.9. The remainder of the body demonstrates normal physiologic metabolic activity.
The interpretation of the scan is ..."Interval resolution of abnormal metabolic activity within the right rib metastatic foci consistent with positive response to therapy." I would say that means that the chemo therapy is working!!
Based on the scan results, Dr. Neelam recommended 12 more weeks of this chemo with which we agree. In 12 weeks, God willing, we will have another good scan result... hopefully a cancer-free one!!
Thanks to each of you for your prayers and concerns for us and we would ask that you continue to remember us. God is good!
That is amazing news!!!! I don't know why any of us should be surprised. That's what happens when you pray and trust in that prayer. That's exactly what we all have been doing! Praying!! Praise God and so much thanks to the wonderful doctors that God has blessed and worked with to come to these results. We will continue to pray of course!!! I love you both!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Arnie & Sharon,
ReplyDeleteGreat news!
God is always good all the time. Sometimes it's just very difficult to be patient. I understand completely your expression of anxiety and apprehension in waiting for the results of tests and blood work. Then when you get the results it's, WOW, why did I let myself worry so much? It's a step by step day by day journey as you well know. Be assured we are walking right along side of you both in prayer and friendship.
Sharon, you're doing a great job being Arnie's care giver and you know it is very much appreciated by him. Isn't it a great and secure feeling to know the Lord and experience him walking between the two of you with his arms around you both directing your path each day?
Take care,
Joe
Arnie and Sharon,
ReplyDeleteWhat great news! With your love for each other and faith in God's plan you will win this battle.
Keep up the great work!
Love,
Jim & Barb
Oh wow! This is so great to hear! Prayer and positive thought do work! Plus all the great medical treatment from the Dr.'s there. I am so happy for yall! Love you both!
ReplyDelete<3Ben