Latest Results

The lab results from blood tests are flying in. Summary of the latest flurry:

Cancer markers: June 6th vs May 4th –
Calcitonin down 13%. Lower numbers are desirable as they indicate less cancer activity in the thyroid. There is still a long way to go to "normal, " but the physical exam of the same date as the blood test corroborates the improvement: shrinkage of the thyroid mass continuing a favorable trend from a peak of activity on February 27. Nice to have the corroboration and to see steady improvement over time.

CEA up 23%. This is worrisome because it indicates an increase in production of cancer antigens throughout my body.

Liver function: June 14th vs May 16th –
Remains within normal range. I’ll be sprucing up my diet and nutrition to reinforce and maintain improved health of this vital organ.

Red Blood Cells and Hemoglobin: June 14th vs June 6th –
These numbers reflect the degree to which I feel weak and tired: low numbers=low energy; higher numbers=higher energy as the oxygen-carrying capacity of the RBCs improves. For me, both remain low of the normal range, but not as critically as the May 16th tests that triggered the transfusion. Something to watch.

My subjective perspective: I’m holding my own. Sometimes I feel as I imagine a tightrope walker must during a traverse over the abyss: intensely concentrated on remaining
balanced by making minute adjustments to keep progress on track.

When I reach for support I find Michael by my side, and your energy lightening the load and guiding my balance. I am grateful for your presence with me on this journey.

Copyright 2007