Mixed Response

Mixed response is medical-eze for "no clear indicators of treatment efficacy." Recent tests returned offsetting results. In sum:

*Cancer markers May 4th vs April 5th – Calcitonin (thyroid) down 27%. This is promising, indicating less cancer activity from the thyroid. CEA up 6%, a marginal movement, indicating increased overall cancer cell activity in my body. Something to watch.

*Liver function May 16th vs May 4th – all three improved to within normal range. This means my liver is doing its job separating the good stuff from the waste and sending the unwanted on to the next stop out.

*Red blood cell and hemoglobin are markedly down. This is a matter for concern and may indicate suppression of the bone marrow’s ability to generate new RBCs.

Treatment recommendations discussed with our oncologist today:
*Blood transfusion to boost my body’s ability to withstand a course of chemotherapy. We have scheduled this for Monday, May 21.
*Resume chemotherapy using different medications: Xeloda for 14 days supplemented with Temodar days 10 through 14 to begin Tuesday, May 22. Rest for 14 days; resume cycle on day 28.

My subjective perspective: I have been losing ground very gradually during the past four weeks, particularly as to strength, endurance, and stamina. This is disappointing. Nevertheless, I am focusing on retaining gains and moving on to the next step.

We will confer with the medical team at the Issels Treatment Center/Oasis of Hope Hospital to discuss the advisability of concurrent treatments: their vaccine therapy plus the Xeloda/Temodar course of chemotherapy both administered here at home.

Maybe now is the time to dig out those best-of-the-best Seinfeld episodes and generate some giggle time here to loosen things up a bit.

Copyright 2007