First post-chemo CT and AFP results

[mrb1980]

Went to see the oncologist to discuss the radiologist's report for my first post-chemo CT scan and AFP results. I was a little nervous until he told me the following:

CT scan indicated that the problem "lymph node...had resolved. No evidence of cancer."

AFP = 2.1

Those were about the sweetest words I've ever heard! Four months of surgery and chemo have paid off. Cancer-free, according to the scan and blood work.

Not everything is a bed of roses, however. The bleomycin treatments have caused some minor scarring of my lungs. My oncologist told me that he believes I'll be okay, but that he's sending me to a pulmonologist just to make sure. He said that smokers and people with preexisting problems are most likely to have permanent damage, but he just wants to make sure.

Anyway, it was a very good conversation with the oncologist. Thanks for everyone's support!

[Scott]

Congratulations! Life is good!

[rlhawk]

Way to go, mrb!

[Chris'Mom]

Wonderful!!!!! I hope Chris hears those same words in December about his cat scan............Mary Ellen

[Jens]

Chemo is good, Chemo works!

I'm sure Chris will be fine too.

Best wishes
Jens

[Larry B.]

Great news MRB

Great MRB,

Like jens said, Chemo is good, Chemo works. Too bad about the side effects, but consider the alternative. I pray that your lung damage is temporary. My thoughts on Bleomycin is obvious. I have my C/T scan sheduled for the 29th and am hopefull for the same results. I am 1 week out from completion of my treatments. I still feel very tired, and get breathless doing very little task. I wish you the best of news in the future and keep us posted.

[mrb1980]

Thanks to All

Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts. I don't think I've ever had a better doctor's appointment! Surveillance starts with monthly blood draws and chest X-rays.

Larry, the oncologist told me that my lung irritation is probably not a huge deal, but he's very conservative and believes a visit to a pulmonologist will make us both feel better. Also, after my 4th round I was really tired for three weeks. This past week (4th week) was much better and my hemoglobin is finally on the rise. I think you should give yourself a few more weeks, then you should feel a lot better.

Good luck on your upcoming CT scan!