Tumor Markers

[Margaret]

I am happy the markers are stable!

[mstlyn]

Thanks everyone ... Fed, yes I felt more relaxed when Dr. Einhorn said to go back to monthly tests.

Sharon, I sure do understand. I notice that I start feeling kind of sick to my stomach when it's time to get test results, and I'm moody. It's hard to just feel normal .. it's like a dark cloud hanging overhead all the time, never knowing what to expect next. I pray that Russell's scans and markers come back 100% clean. Let us know, please.

Also, I see questions about how often to do CT scans, and there seems to be different opinions not only depending on the type and extent of cancer, but just from one doctor to another in an individual case.

Anthonys RPLND surgeon said CT's every 2 or 3 months.

His oncologist said every 3, but then the date he was going to set him up for would have been 4 months post RPLND.

I asked Dr. Einhorn and he said .. every 4 months for the first 2 years .. and then years 3 - 5 every six months.

Im not sure if it's different because Anthony had a relapse, or partial response to chemo, compared to someone that has complete response.

[Russell's Mom]

What a relief for you!!! Already it is time for Russell to have chest film and tumor markers. I had someone at work come to me and let me know that I have been a bit grouchy. I can't say I was particularly nice back at that reply. It is horrible stress!!! Take care, Sharon

[Karen]

Wonderful news, Tammy!!!!

[Fed]

That's really good news, Tammy. Having the encouragement of Dr. Einhorn must help alleviate any concerns. Best to you and Anthony,

[sldl1106]

That's great news, Tammy!! I'm sure that stubborn little bugger will level off or drop further.

Glad to hear he's back to monthlies.

[mstlyn]

Just an update on Anthonys AFP situation -

After starting to increase in august, Dr. Einhorn recommended that he start having AFP checks weekly to watch for a rising trend.

The last 3 weeks it has been hovering in the 7 range .. 7.2, 7.3, 7.1 with the latest one still pending.

Dr. Einhorn says that he is glad to see that the AFP has declined, and says he should go back to monthly checks

[mstlyn]

Yeah Im glad to see that it isn't rising, but I don't understand why it won't go back down like it was, so it does bug me a little. Thanks.

Karen, there is no plan and I hope it stays that way. There are only two ways this can go.

AFP will either rise and he will have HDC at Indiana, or it won't and he will be fine.
I'm curious to see the next results from the blood draw he had yesterday.

He has an appointment with his oncologist on the 13th of this month, and I'm sure they will be scheduling another abdominal/pelvis scan soon. His last one was July 27. Not sure if they are going to do them every 2 mos, or 3.

[TCLEFT]

Good news is no news, or something like that.

[Karen]

Good news on the clear sacn and no rise! What's the plan going forward?

[dadmo]

Having nothing exciting to report is exciting in itself. Congratulations.

[mstlyn]

Just to keep you updated. Nothing significant is going on with Anthonys markers lately.

As you know, he is getting them checked weekly since it started to increase on Aug. 8th.

His new chest scan was clear-

AFP has been

July 16- 3.2

Aug 8- 9.2

Aug 15- 11.9

Aug 23- 7.2

Aug 30 7.3

HCG and LDH remain normal

[Karen]

Tammy,
I loved seeing the lowering number included in your signaturs and fully expect to see an all clear on the scans! Hang in there....waiting sucks!

[Fed]

Tammy,
I'm glad to hear that the markers seem to be normalizing. I am looking forward to hearing good news about the scans.

[DAWN82]

Michael,

God bless you, and thank you. I know that you, danny, and your family are fighting a fierce battle right now, and I would not expect you to be keeping up with posts on this site.
I'm watching for news about how dannys treatment is going, as I'm sure all members are.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers daily.

Praying for positive news-

much love,
Tammy

I 2nd that tammy!! Michael we all love Danny and you! and we are here for you!


Tammy i am so happy for you guys! waiting always sucks, but when you get some relief, it makes all the diffrence!

Dawn