My CEA results have been increasing since the beginning of the year. Last check was 6 April and that was 6.8, up from 2.7 3 months before.
Our GP referred the CEA test results to the local hospital and shortly after I got a request for a CT scan and more blood tests. Last Tuesday we met with my oncologist who gave us news I was not expecting, the scan shows a 2.9cm lesion in my liver, close by the previous resection, plus a 1.6cm lesion in a lung. I had either expected no visible CT scan result with that CEA level, it had to get to 20 last time before a tumor was visible, or maybe a small tumor.
I certainly was not prepared for two organs to be affected. The lesions are 99.9% probably cancer mets. The big issue is that normal protocol is not to have immediate surgery when more than one organ is affected, but to use chemo to shrink the tumors, if possible, and see if any other tumors appear.
So last week I met with the oncologist, next day the colo-rectal clinic (I am primarily still in their care), then attended a chemo training session, to help Teresa and I understand the side effects, how they are dealt with, what to watch out for, and how the process works.
Next thursday I get a Pic Line installed, then the following day I start 12 two weekly cycles of chemotherapy, using FOLFOX.
Felt really down last Tuesday, when I got the news, but feeling somewhat better now, thanks to amazing support from Teresa, Christchurch Hospital and my employer.
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