Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Sorry I have not gotten back to let you all know how Mike made out with his CT scan results and CEA test. We met with the doctor on Monday, October 27th. He told us and showed us that the tumors in the lungs have decreased in numbers. He told us and tried to show us the liver tumors on the scan, however, all we could see was some shadowing. He did say that the liver did show decrease in the liver as well. He did not tell us, but the report stated that there were tumors seen in the liver and lungs on his previous scan that were NO LONGER VISIBLE on this scan!. It did also mention that there was nothing detectable in the loop of the small bowel. Mike's CEA test did rise from 2.1 when he was in Germany to 3.3. He is a little bummed out about this. The normal range is .5 to 2.5. The doctor told Mike that he had some options:
1. Do another round of chemo.
2. Seek alternative treatment. We cannot afford that at this time.
We are hoping that we can save enough for Mike to return to Germany in 6 months recommended by Dr, Weber. He recommended this to try to keep his "state" where it is or reduce it even more.
3. Do nothing and keep an eye on any progression and return.
4. Maintenance chemo. He could have the choice of 2 different
chemo drugs. There was one I do not remember the name of
and one Avastin, which was part of his "cocktail mixture" that
he he has had each chemo round. The other was a chemo
pill Capecitabine which seems to be a pill form of the chemo
drug that Mike would get through a pump system that he wore
at home for 2 days following each of his chemo sessions. He
would take pills in the morning and evening every day for
2 weeks and then off for one week.
Mike told the doctor that he has changed his diet up by eliminating almost all carbs. He is only eating broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, brussel sprouts, and cabbage as well as salmon. He wants to see if that will help lower is CEA. The doctor was OK with this and has ordered another CEA for a month.
We also discovered a supplement through a Facebook page I follow that a man took who had Stage 4 colon cancer and was given 3-6 months to live. He has been taking Essaic now for 10 years. Mike is going to try that as well. Mike is so dedicated to doing whatever it is he has to do. He told the doctor he feels good and does not have any pain. I hope that continues to be the case as he fights this. He will return to see the doctor the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. So hoping that the results will be something to be thankful for that day. I will keep you posted on the outcome of that test and his doctor's appointment.
Sorry I have not gotten back to let you all know how Mike made out with his CT scan results and CEA test. We met with the doctor on Monday, October 27th. He told us and showed us that the tumors in the lungs have decreased in numbers. He told us and tried to show us the liver tumors on the scan, however, all we could see was some shadowing. He did say that the liver did show decrease in the liver as well. He did not tell us, but the report stated that there were tumors seen in the liver and lungs on his previous scan that were NO LONGER VISIBLE on this scan!. It did also mention that there was nothing detectable in the loop of the small bowel. Mike's CEA test did rise from 2.1 when he was in Germany to 3.3. He is a little bummed out about this. The normal range is .5 to 2.5. The doctor told Mike that he had some options:
1. Do another round of chemo.
2. Seek alternative treatment. We cannot afford that at this time.
We are hoping that we can save enough for Mike to return to Germany in 6 months recommended by Dr, Weber. He recommended this to try to keep his "state" where it is or reduce it even more.
3. Do nothing and keep an eye on any progression and return.
4. Maintenance chemo. He could have the choice of 2 different
chemo drugs. There was one I do not remember the name of
and one Avastin, which was part of his "cocktail mixture" that
he he has had each chemo round. The other was a chemo
pill Capecitabine which seems to be a pill form of the chemo
drug that Mike would get through a pump system that he wore
at home for 2 days following each of his chemo sessions. He
would take pills in the morning and evening every day for
2 weeks and then off for one week.
Mike told the doctor that he has changed his diet up by eliminating almost all carbs. He is only eating broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, brussel sprouts, and cabbage as well as salmon. He wants to see if that will help lower is CEA. The doctor was OK with this and has ordered another CEA for a month.
We also discovered a supplement through a Facebook page I follow that a man took who had Stage 4 colon cancer and was given 3-6 months to live. He has been taking Essaic now for 10 years. Mike is going to try that as well. Mike is so dedicated to doing whatever it is he has to do. He told the doctor he feels good and does not have any pain. I hope that continues to be the case as he fights this. He will return to see the doctor the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. So hoping that the results will be something to be thankful for that day. I will keep you posted on the outcome of that test and his doctor's appointment.
