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Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Test Results – Tumor Markers #9

My PCP‘s office called with my my lab results…

Last Friday (Jan 22 2010), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #9. I’ve been having pretty good results to-date, some ups some downs, some increases, some decreases – all within acceptable margins…

However, I’ve had a lot of unexplained aches and pains, especially breast and bone pain, and been battling stress and depression which I was – am – sure effected my health. So I’ve been Very scared of these results…

Very Scared.

This blood draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers).

* April 15, my baseline CEA tumor markers were 63.1 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter). This is High, as Norm is 0.0-3.0 ng/mL.
I honestly don’t know how high “really high” is, but – in my internet searching – I read one gal talk about the mid-200′s, so I guess my high is not That high, but It’s High To me.
* June 03, my 2nd draw CEA tumor markers were 35.9 ng/mL
* July 03, my 3rd draw CEA tumor markers were 12.8 ng/mL
* August 27, my 4th draw CEA tumor markers were 3.9 ng/mL
* September 18, my 5th draw CEA tumor markers were 3.3 ng/mL
* October 16, my 6th CEA tumor markers were 3.2 ng/mL
* November 20, my 7th CEA tumor markers were 2.7 ng/mL
* December 18, my 8th CEA tumor markers are 2.8 ng/mL

* January 22, my 9th CEA tumor markers are 3.1 ng/mL
This is a .3 INCREASE from last month, and puts me just above the normal range…

Dr. Khan has reassured me that this small increase is nothing to be concerned about, so I will TRY not to worry… Yah, right.

As always, I’m unsure, but this (CEA: The Test) continues to answer Some of my questions…

My Other Numbers as of January 22 2010 blood test results:

* CA-125: 12 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35)
a 2 point DECREASE – down from 14 U/mL from December’s draw… I am well within normal range.

* CA 15-3: 16 U/mL (Reference @ <32)
a 4 point DECREASE – down from from 20 U/mL from December’s draw; I’m well within the normal range.

* CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 27 U/mL (Reference @ <38)
a 4 point DECREASE – down from 31 U/mL from November’s draw. This decrease makes me very happy!

The CA 27.29 test is used to monitor your:

Response to treatment
Status of your cancer
Possibility of early recurrence

With all the aches and pains I’ve been having
With all the stress and depression I’ve been fighting
I’ve been Very Very worried…
But these results help ease my mind.

Taking a breath
Relaxing
Destressing
Its all good…
It Will Be Good.

Visualizing my Dragons
My Warrior Dragons
Burning

Never Stopping.

Tags: Tumor Markers

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Coping, Dr. A. Khan, Dr. L. Deleon, happiness, Results, Stress, Tests, tired | 3 Comments »

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Test Results – Tumor Markers #8

My PCP‘s office faxed my lab results…

Last Friday (Dec 18 2009), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #8. I’ve been having pretty good results to-date, some ups some downs, some increases that I am concerned about…

This blood draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers).

As always, I’m unsure, but this (CEA: The Test) continues to answer Some of my questions…

Still hoping that this all means Something Good… I can’t help but be cautious cuz the other shoe always falls for me. Always.

My Other Numbers as of December 18 2009 blood test results:

* CA-125: 14 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35)
a 3 point INCREASE – up from 11 U/mL from November’s draw… I’m not happy, but am still well within the normal range, in fact is very low normal range. But another increase Does worry me.

* CA 15-3: 20 U/mL (Reference @ <32)
a 1 point DECREASE – down from from 21 U/mL from November’s draw; I’m still within the normal range.

* CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 31 U/mL (Reference @ <38)
a 4 point INCREASE – up from 27 U/mL from November’s draw. These increases scare me, though I am still within (high) normal range.

The CA 27.29 test is used to monitor your:

Response to treatment
Status of your cancer
Possibility of early recurrence

Try and relax
Don’t stress the body
Don’t stress the mind
Don’t think about not having a job, Mr. Sack, the total and complete devastation of all my hopes and dreams.
Just don’t think about it all.
Yah, right.

I am so scared. Never stop being scared. Never stop reaching out… to find… no one

Visualizing my Dragons
my Warrior Dragons
Please don’t stop burning.

Please.Don’t.Stop.

Tags: Tumor Markers

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Coping, Dr. A. Khan, Dr. L. Deleon, Results, scared, Stress, Tests, tired | 1 Comment »

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Zometa Infusion #7

Got my 7th Zometa infusion earlier today, Mom was not with me as Dad had his 2nd rotator cuff surgery on Tuesday and she needs to be with him.

* Number 1 was at Burzynski Clinic. It hit me hard…
* Number 2 was at North Cypress Ambulatory Infusion Clinic. Thank goodness the 2nd infusion was not that bad…
* Number 3 was at North Cypress Ambulatory Infusion Clinic. Again, it was not that bad!
* Number 4 was at North Cypress Ambulatory Infusion Clinic. Again, it was not that bad!
* Number 5 was at North Cypress Ambulatory Infusion Clinic. Again, it was not that bad, just tiring
* Number 6 was at North Cypress Ambulatory Infusion Clinic. Again, it was not that bad, just tiring

And, today, Number 7 was at North Cypress Ambulatory Infusion Clinic. So far it has not been bad, just tiring.

Telia, one of the nurses, took a couple of photos. Not as many as Mom takes though, which will make it much easier to edit through.

I didn’t cry this time, but I am tired…

I saw Marvin, a gentleman I met last time. He is undergoing chemo for colon cancer. He’s a very nice man and we talked for a bit. He is going through some personal issues related to his cancer and treatment. This disease cancer touches – damages – so many parts of our lives. It sucks.

I also had the blood drawn for my monthly lab work, my tumor markers… Should get those results early next week. HOPING they continue to show improvement!

The TOTAL of my charges – receiving the Zometa, compounding the Zometa for infusion, infusion procedure utilizing my port AND the necessary bloodwork to access my levels and tumor markers was $320.00. Plus $15 each for the 5 blood tests. Again, out of the fund. My dwindling fund…

Thanks to North Cypress Medical Center, Ambulatory Infusion Therapy Center Nurses for their kindness!

I went to Christine & Rob’s and had dinner and hung out. We played games, then I came home and fixing to go crash.

To overview:

ZOMETA is (also) used to treat patients with other cancers—including breast‚ lung and prostate cancer—that have spread to the bones‚ a process called bone metastasis. When cancer has spread to the bone‚ treatment with ZOMETA helps to protect bones and may reduce or delay such complications as:
* Bone fracture
* Need for radiation and/or surgery to bone
* Spinal cord compression

Posted in Gene Therapy Drugs, Gene Therapy Regime, North Cypress Medical Center - Infusion Therapy Center, Nurses, Tests | 2 Comments »

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

PET Scan #4 Nov 2009 – Results

Got the results from Dr Deleon today and I have to say that I am Happy.
Very Happy.
Very.
Very.
Happy.

The Results…

Interpretation of scan via Burzynski Clinic (treatment clinic)
The follow-up study again shows a parenchymal density involving the left breast with minimal activity. This has significantly decreased since the previous study. The size also has decreased when compared with the previous study of 08/10/09. It is difficult to have an accurate measurement due to the difficulty in separating the normal tissues from the abnormally active parenchymal tissue. No axillary lymphadenopathy is present. No other abnormal hypermetabolic activity is identified in the chest. No enlarged lymph nodes are shown in the mediasternum… Again noted is a sclerotic lesion involving the ribs, spine and pelvic bones, suggesting osseous metastatic disease. These are not hypermetabolic.

CHEST: STW
Left breast mass: 20% decrease since previous (August 2009); 47% decrease since baseline (April 2009)

Report via Houston Medical Imaging (scanning facility)
IMPRESSION
PET CT scan is negative for definite active neoplastic disease. Left axillary lymph nodes have completely resolved and changes noted within the left breast are consistent with post therapy fibrosis. Osteoblastic bone lesions exhibit no measurable hypermetabolic activity.

No Current Abnormal Hypermetabolic Activity.
Dr. Deleon has been Very Clear in cautioning me – this is Not remission, this is Not cured.
Supposedly, the cancer is currently Dormant.
Dormant.
Treatment Must Continue.

I will continue to do so as long as I can afford it.

So… things appear to be going well.
For now.
For this I am Extremely Thankful.

Thank you for your support
Thank you for the strength of your prayers, kind words of encouragement and good wishes.

Please Don’t Stop.

Scans of the full reports:

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Tags: Houston Medical Imaging, PET Scan, PET/CT Scan, scan

Posted in hope, Results, scared, Tests | 3 Comments »

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Test Results – Tumor Markers #7

My PCP‘s office faxed my lab results…

Last Friday (Nov 20 2009), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #7. I’ve been having pretty good results to-date, some ups some downs…

This blood draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers) AND for the 3 month test, which include the EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) and the HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)… The standard monthly tests come back fairly quickly, but the additional HER2 and EGFR are sent off and they take longer to get results back.

* April 15, my baseline CEA tumor markers were 63.1 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter). This is High, as Norm is 0.0-3.0 ng/mL.
I honestly don’t know how high “really high” is, but – in my internet searching – I read one gal talk about the mid-200′s, so I guess my high is not That high, but It’s High To me.
* June 03, my 2nd draw CEA tumor markers were 35.9 ng/mL
* July 03, my 3rd draw CEA tumor markers were 12.8 ng/mL
* August 27, my 4th draw CEA tumor markers were 3.9 ng/mL
* September 18, my 5th draw CEA tumor markers were 3.3 ng/mL
* October 16, my 6th CEA tumor markers are 3.2 ng/mL
* November 20, my 7th CEA tumor markers are 2.7 ng/mL
2.7!! A .5 DECREASE from last month and That Puts Me Into NORMAL Range! Normal!!

As always, I’m unsure, but this (CEA: The Test) continues to answer Some of my questions…

Still hoping that this all means Something Good… Something that will be reflected on the PET scan results… Still waiting on them.

My Other Numbers as of November 20 2009 blood test results:

* CA-125: 11 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35)
a 1 point INCREASE – up from 10 U/mL from October’s draw, I’m not sure how to feel about this… I’m not happy, but don’t know whether to be worried or not as it is still well within the normal range, in fact is very low normal range. But another increase Does worry me.

* CA 15-3: 21 U/mL (Reference @ <32)
a 5 point INCREASE – up from from 16 U/mL from October’s draw; I’m still within the normal range, but am getting higher and its scary.

* CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 27 U/mL (Reference @ <38)
a 3 point DECREASE – down from 30 U/mL from October’s draw. Good to see it down a bit, especially since last month as an 11 point increase! I’m still within normal ranges, though I am in the high end of normal now.

The CA 27.29 test is used to monitor your:

Response to treatment
Status of your cancer
Possibility of early recurrence

I am still dealing with this cancer
Still fighting for my life
I can Not become complacent and forget this is
My Life.

Stress… coming at me from all around these days.

Again… chill out.
Again… easy to say.

I am so scared. Never stop being so scared.

Visualizing my Dragons
my Warrior Dragons
Breathing fire,
Burning each evil cell
Burning, burning, burning
Into ash.

Burning Burning Burning Each Evil Cell.

Tags: Blood Tests, Tumor Markers

Posted in frustration, Results, scared, Stress, Tests, tired | 1 Comment »

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

PET/CT Scan #4 – Done

Had PET/CT Scan #4 today, every three months and this was the time… the third one at Houston Medical Imaging. Again, the cost was $1,200.00, out of the fund… ouch. Yep, a financial hit.

It was another good experience; Juliette was the tech this time, though we did get to see Zaki while there – they are both such nice people. Congrats to Juliette & Diego on the birth of their new daughter – she is Beautiful! Mom and I talked with them both for a bit about their new addition, they are so proud!

Back to business – the stick was good and easy, I hardly felt anything! Juliette gave the infusion… again, I had to wait a period of time- around an hour, and then the test commenced. That took another 40 minutes or so. Overall, it was tiring…

PET Scan #3 (and the Baseline Bone Scan) were also done at Houston Medical Imaging, which gave results in a crisp, clear, and color, image.
PET Scan #2 was also done at Houston Medical Imaging, which gave results in a crisp, clear, and color, image.
PET Scan #1 was not such a good image, leaving the results with lots of questions, and recommendations.

Again
I’m hoping
praying
for some good results.

(Results will – of course – be posted when I get them)

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Tags: Houston Medical Imaging, PET Scan, PET/CT Scan, scan

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Cancer, frustration, hope, Tests | 1 Comment »

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Just in Case

Mom arrived today. With my upcoming PET scan, it’s good to have her here.
Just in case…
Just.In.Case.

Posted in breast cancer, Coping, Family, Mom, scared, Special People, Tests | No Comments »

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Chemo Port Update (from accident)

Got my chemo port (aka port-a cath) checked this afternoon – everything looks good, despite the mashing from the seatbelt.

No inflammation, no swelling, no major bruising, no serious pain – just tenderness.

And…

Nice Blood Draw.

(ugh)

but hey… at least this news is good

Tags: accident, Port-a-cath

Posted in frustration, Medical Devices, Results, tired | No Comments »

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Test Results – Tumor Markers #6

My PCP‘s office faxed my lab results…

Last Friday (Oct 16 2009), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #6. I’ve been having Very Good Results to-date, however this time we see some increases that make me a bit uneasy…

This blood draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers)…

* April 15, my baseline CEA tumor markers were 63.1 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter). This is High, as Norm is 0.0-3.0 ng/mL.
I honestly don’t know how high “really high” is, but – in my internet searching – I read one gal talk about the mid-200′s, so I guess my high is not That high, but It’s High To me.
* June 03, my 2nd draw CEA tumor markers were 35.9 ng/mL
* July 03, my 3rd draw CEA tumor markers were 12.8 ng/mL
* August 27, my 4th draw CEA tumor markers were 3.9 ng/mL
* September 18, my 5th draw CEA tumor markers were 3.3 ng/mL
* October 16, my 6th CEA tumor markers are 3.2 ng/mL
3.2 = a .1 DECREASE from last month – this is acceptable and getting closer to normal!

The CEA numbers are still dropping and I’m pleased with that, though they are dropping in smaller increments… I’ll feel better when I’m within the “normal” range. I Still I wish I was confident with just how much this meant, but this (CEA: The Test) continues to answer Some of my questions…

Still hoping that this all means Something Good… Something…

My Other Numbers as of October 16 2009 blood test results:

* CA-125: 10 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35)
a 3 point INCREASE – up from 7 U/mL from September’s draw, I’m not sure how to feel about this… I’m not happy, but don’t know whether to be worried or not as it is still well within the normal range, in fact is very low normal range.

* CA 15-3: 16 U/mL (Reference @ <32)
a 1 point DECREASE – down from from 17 U/mL from September’s draw; I’m not going to stress 1 point since one point variation is acceptable and I am well within the normal range, in fact in the low end of normal.

* CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 30 U/mL (Reference @ <38)
an 11 point INCREASE – up from 19 U/mL from September’s draw. To me, this is a Huge increase and concerns me a great deal. I’m still within normal ranges, though I am in the high end of normal now.

The CA 27.29 test is used to monitor your:

Response to treatment
Status of your cancer
Possibility of early recurrence

I’m not sure how I feel about these CA 27.29 numbers… while I’m Very Glad they are still within the normal range, the increase scares the crap out of me. What scares me so much is that “if your CA 27.29 levels rise, it may indicate that your cancer is progressing or spreading.” Is this increase enough to be concerned about? However, “some non life–threatening conditions may also cause CA 27.29 to show up in your blood (ovarian cysts and benign conditions of the breast, liver and kidneys)”, and I DO have Fibrocystic Breast Disease (a “benign condition of the breast”), so That is something in itself to consider… On The Other Hand, I DO have a malignant condition – cancer…

I guess I’ve been “so used” to the good results, to the numbers dropping so dramatically, that this change has really hit me, has reminded me of what I am dealing with, what I am fighting, what is on the line here… my life.

Cancer is what I am dealing with

My life is what I am fighting for

My Life is what is on the line

My Life.

Stress… yes, Lots of stress. The stress is beating me down.

Both Dr. Deleon and Dr. Khan have advised me to wait and see what happens next month before I become overly concerned. Dr. Deleon also mentioned that stress can cause tumor markers to rise slightly, and this whole situation IS FREAKING STRESSFUL. PLUS, I Have cheated on my diet and had some sugar in the past 2 weeks that I should NOT have had… which could be another factor.

So… chill out.

Easy to say.

I am so scared…

Bottom line – we are Hopeful that the PET / CT scan next month will show what is going on, and hopefully will show as much progress as the previous PET / CT scan!

Breathing…. and

Visualizing my Dragons
Still visualizing their Riders,
Still visualizing my Dragons breathing fire,
Still visualizing their Riders wielding their lasers
Burning the tumor,
Burning each evil cell
Into ash.

Burning Burning Burning Each Evil Cell.

Tags: Blood Tests, Tumor Markers

Posted in Dr. A. Khan, Dr. L. Deleon, frustration, Results, scared, Stress, Tests, visualization | 4 Comments »

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Test Results – Tumor Markers #5

My PCP‘s office just called with my lab results…

Last Friday (Sept 18 2009), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #5. I’ve been having Very Good Results to-date…

So these are the results of the September 18 draw… this draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers)…

On April 15, my baseline CEA tumor markers were 63.1 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter). This is High, as Norm is 0.0 – 3.0 ng/mL. I honestly don’t know how high “really high” is, but – in my internet searching – I read one gal talk about the mid-200′s, so I guess my high is not That high, but It’s High To me.

On June 03, my 2nd draw CEA tumor markers were 35.9 ng/mL

On July 03, my 3rd draw CEA tumor markers were 12.8 ng/mL

On August 27, my 4th draw CEA turmor markers were 3.9 ng/mL

My CEA numbers from the September 18 draw are 3.3 ng/mL

3.3!! Still going down and Almost Normal!!

Norm is 0.0 – 3.0 ng/mL; levels higher than 3 ng/mL are not considered normal, But I Am Getting Close!!

The numbers are still dropping and I can’t help but be excited! I Still I wish I was confident with just how much this meant, but this (CEA: The Test) continues to answer Some of my questions…

Still hoping that this all means Something Good…

Please Please mean Something Good…

My Other Numbers as of Sept 18 2009 blood test results:

CA-125: 7 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35) – a 1 point INCREASE – up from 6 U/mL from August’s draw; 1 point is not much to fluctuate or to be a margin of error, so I’m not going to stress 1 point, since the August number was an 11 point drop from July’s draw.

CA 15-3: 17 U/mL (Reference @ <32) – a 1 point INCREASE – up from from 16 U/mL from August’s draw; again, I’m not going to stress 1 point since the August number was a 17 point drop from July’s draw.

CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 19 U/mL (Reference @ <38) – a 9 point DECREASE – down from 28 U/mL from August’s draw!

I’m Really Pleased with the numbers!

This does NOT mean that the cancer is gone, but it DOES mean that I am responding to the treatment favorably! And we are Hopeful that the next PET / CT scan will show as much progress as the previous PET / CT scan!

Still visualizing my Dragons with their Riders,
Still visualizing my Dragons burning the cancer,
Burning the tumor,
Burning each evil cell
Into ash.

Burning Each Evil Cell.

Tags: Tumor Markers

Posted in Emotions, Gene Therapy Drugs, happiness, hope, Results, Tests | 9 Comments »

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