March 26,
2019
It’s been
awhile since my last post and Cherie recently had an appointment with the
Oncologist, so it’s time for an update!
Cherie had a
CT last week. We met with Dr. Brooks the next day to discuss the findings. He
asked her how she was feeling and it was a difference between night and day
since the last time we saw him! She is still feeling some of the lingering
effects of chemo, such as peeling on her fingertips. Currently, she is unable
to open her phone with her finger because her fingerprint lines have gone away
due to the peeling! Having to do things the old fashioned way by punching in a
code is annoying, but Cherie knows it’s temporary (yes, first world problems).
Looking at
the CT scan the radiologist and Dr. Brooks have reported about a one centimeter
shrinkage of 2 of the lymph nodes that were measured back in December of 2018.
This is good to hear!
The doctor also took a blood test for a tumor
marker. Tumor markers are chemicals made by tumor cells that can be detected in
your blood. But tumor markers are also produced by some normal cells in your
body, and levels may be significantly elevated in noncancerous conditions. This
limits the potential for tumor marker tests to help in diagnosing cancer. Tumor
markers can also help doctors decide whether to add chemotherapy after surgery.
Other tumor markers help the doctor choose which drug combination will work
best for chemo. They can also help the doctor figure out how well treatment is
working.
Now that
you’ve had your Biology lesson for today…
Cherie’s
tumor level went from 214 in January to 45.9 last week!
What does
this mean? Well, it means that the chemo probably did work some by shrinking cancerous lymph nodes and shrinking the numbers of the tumor marker test and it
means that none of this happens outside of God's will. Praise God! So you’re
thinking: “Apparently the chemo treatment was successful in some way! Maybe
Cherie should stick with it!” So now I’m here to follow up with some other news
that isn’t so great…
There are
now 7 definite spots (also called lesions) on Cherie’s liver that point to
cancer activity. The previous CT scan showed 2, maybe 3. So while the lymph
nodes have shrunk, the cancer on the liver is a concern. It is quite common for
colon cancer to spread to the liver, since it is the closest organ (other than
the spleen) to the origin of her colon cancer. If she feels any effects from
the cancer on her liver it would be extreme exhaustion, loss of appetite, and
weight loss. So far, she is experiencing none of that. Dr. Brooks didn’t dwell
on talking about what has happened with the liver. He tends to be very
positive, in general, no matter what the situation. He is a very encouraging
man, and we are thankful that he listens and dwells on the good things that are
happening. He is truthful, though, and shows us the results thoroughly and
addresses our concerns. He doesn’t hide the truth.
During the
appointment, Cherie did ask about some alternative treatments and possible
cancer trial studies that she might qualify for. Dr. Brooks did not close any
doors on these options, but he was careful to explain that these tests and
studies are meant to find the best form of treatment for her cancer…which, down
the road, is meant to lead to more chemo. He didn’t speak negatively about
these options, but rather truthfully about the road they present ahead.
So here’s
the scoop: The next time we see Dr. Brooks will be late June! Cherie is to go
on enjoying her chemo free life. She needs to be mindful of the importance of
eating healthy and exercising and continue on that path. When she sees the
doctor again she will get a CT scan beforehand so that we can see any activity
that has occurred within this next 3 month time frame.
Meanwhile,
please continue praying. Thank God for Dr. Brooks and his truthfulness, as well
as his encouraging spirit. Thank Him for the good results in the CT scan. Come
before Him regarding the new spots on the liver. Pray for wisdom for Cherie.
There will still be many decisions ahead of her. Pray for my parents as they
labor (joyfully, of course) to make sure Cherie is well taken care of.
Thank the
Lord that Cherie hasn’t been “sick”. Her life has gone on as normal and she
feels as if she doesn’t even have cancer! Because of this, my parents were able
to take a vacation to their second home and favorite place: Rocky Point, Mexico!
They met up with long time friends there and enjoyed the wonderful weather and
a blessed time of fellowship.
It may be
awhile before I post again. Thank you all for your faithfulness in support and
prayer for our family!
