AFP went up

[sldl1106]

Rob just got his first bloodwork after round 4 of EP minus the bleo. It went up from 26.6 to 28.3. HcG and LDH are negligible.

Does this mean it will keep going up? Or could it go back down?

The nurse just told me that Dr. Motzer said that it is only a negligible amount and we aren't to be concerned. He also said that he told Rob and me that at our visit; but he didn't. All he said was that the number was in a safe range for him to still have the surgery if it doesn't go down farther.

[Margaret]

First of all...I can feel your stress and bummer about that!!! Stress stinks!

Second...remember my lame berry story and how when they scoop the berries, everytime they will get a different number. They could have just as easily gotten 24 or 28...since it is so close to the 26.6 number it can vary slightly.

But it is still scary when ever you see that number climb, even if it is 1 point, even if it is in normal range. When Boyce went from 2.1 to 4.8...even though it was still 'normal' I can assure you I was calling the cancer center. So you are not alone.

I wish I could say something that was more comforting but hang in there and I believe he has a cure coming!!!

[dannysbrother]

Stacy,

I understand your concern, but it does not sound like anything you should be worried about. These small fluctuations do occur, it's not abnormal.

Does Rob have a surgery date yet for the RPLND?

Hope you guys are doing well,
-M

[Fed]

Sounds like it is within the margin of error. Will they re-take it in the next few days to see if there are any changes?

[sldl1106]

You guys already made me feel better.
Thank you, sincerely.

I think Rob had a heart attack when the nurse told him - he just handed me the phone and walked away. And then I came right here.

Margaret - I'm so glad you reminded me of the berry story! It made me feel better.

Thank you Michael and Fed for saying what you did, because this is the first time something like this happened, so I didn't know if it was common. They are taking blood again Thursday. His CT scan is a week from today. So we'll have answers soon. I also remember someone mentioning that the teratoma sometimes makes the numbers not drop as they should.

I was curious if the number could go up a bit, then down a bit.

[Karen]

There are little, nerve-racking fluctuations to get used to, unfortunately. Taking one sample and reading it three separate times may give three numbers...kinda like stepping on the bathrrom scale repeatedly after a long week of binging until you get the lowest number .

It never hurts to re-check, but I would think all is OK.

[Margaret]

I think Rob had a heart attack when the nurse told him - he just handed me the phone and walked away. And then I came right here.

.

This is why care givers are here...we take the phone when they have had enough. Good job stepping in for him.

[sldl1106]

Robert -

You know, she told Rob about the change in CT appointment today, before she gave him the results, and I was so thrown off I forgot.

Tomorrow I will call and make sure that is done. Motzer's away; I'm not sure who needs to say yes to that but I will make sure someone does.

Thanks for reminding me.

[MRMRSU]

Hi Stacy: I just love the way everyone looks out for each other here. It was comforting to see what the guys & gals had to say about the elevated AFP...still so new to all this and learning myself. Everything they're saying sounds like good news for Rob thus far. Just wanted to let you know we were thinking about you. Hugs from California!