Sorry its been a little while for an update, but we just had our appointment yesterday with the Oncologist. To give everyone a better idea of how well Vann's Cancer has responded to the Chemotherapy (FOL FOX) and Target Therapy (Avastin), we decided to share the current tumor marker numbers. The Cancer Antigen CA 19-9 was at 507.7 (U/mL) at the highest point and is currently at 99.7. The Carcinoembryonic Antigen CEA was at 1798.7 (ng/mL) at the highest point and is currently at 221.8. To give a reference, the normal limits for the tumor markers are: CA 19-9 (0.0-33.0) and CEA (0.0-3.0). So as you can see we still have a ways to go, but considering where we were at the news is great!
Vann was able to receive the seventh round of Chemo a week later than scheduled due to her blood platelets being too low. We are trying to do what we can to keep the blood platelets up and Vann was able to receive the eighth round on the two week schedule. Vann is on schedule for the ninth round of Chemo to start next Tuesday.
Long term wise our Oncologist is expecting Vann to tolerate somewhere around 12 cycles of Chemotherapy and Target Therapy. For now the tracking method will be the tumor marker numbers instead of exposing Vann to the radiation associated with scans. We should know in early November what options we have for surgery and will proceed from there.
Thank you to everyone for the help, love, support and prayers. We have been so fortunate for the meals being delivered, the guys at the fire station working for me, the support from our family/friends and all the help taking care of our girls. Its very difficult to express in words how much this has helped and meant to our family. At times I am left speechless, but please know we truly appreciate everything everyone has done to help us out. Thank you!!
