Some good news for a change!

Kathryn_in_MN

I didn't know they did CEA with my labs yesterday. I think it was a slip-up because my oncologist said we'd wait and check after my next round of chemo. The nurse called me today. My CEA was at 2 last December and stayed there through May. At my first 3-month check in August it was 8. CEA has been a good indicator for me - cancer was back. 3 weeks ago I had my first round of FOLFIRI w/AVASTIN. My CEA that day was up to 12. I tolerated this chemo cocktail lot better than FOLFOX, except that my white counts were even worse, so I couldn't have chemo yesterday, which was 3 weeks out from the first tx. I won't get my next tx till next Thursday now, and was warned that it is possible that I might not have rebounded enough by then either. As soon as my bone marrow has repaired itself enough I'll have chemo again, and from now on I'll have Neulasta every round. I have the option of Neupogen, but the onc says 4 days of them if I go that route. On FOLFOX I did 3, and was able to reduce to 2. NO WAY do I want to go in 4 days a week for shots! I need to have a life - to work and have some energy for my family.

I was freaking out - doing nothing to fight back had me so worried. But, my CEA yesterday was down to 5.7!!!!! WOW! I am so excited! Maybe FOLFIRI w/Avastin can finish the job that FOLFOX couldn't quite do! From 12 to 5.7 with one treatment!

And I've been contacted by another cancer family that has unused Neulasta and Emend that they have offered. WIth my awful prescription co-pays, this is amazing for me! Our insurance changed this year to remove prescriptions from major medical, so we have no maximum out of pocket on them now. We hadn't bargained for that - especially with so many expensive drugs. Thank you to the angels willing to share their extra drugs! (Oncologist office says, "We can't endorse you using someone else's drugs, but make sure the dosing is correct and expiration is ok." They understand the financial end of things too.)

maglets

hurrah
hurrah all good....as we say cea down in always good

it breaks my heart heart to see good usable drugs going down the drain....good for you K

mags

idlehunters

YAY!!
Kathryn,
Great News!!!! Thats a BIG drop in CEA. That Folfiri is doing a number on you! YAY YOU!!
You take care

Jennie

AnneCan

The Tide Has Changed!
WOW! Kathryn, that is awesome! Good news all around. The decrease in CEA is fantastic! I am so happy for you + it is terrific that you are getting the free drugs, too. Keep the good news coming.

Lovekitties

Wonderful News
So very glad that the tide seems to have turned and put you on the GOOD NEWS wave!

Hugs,

Marie who loves kitties

Unknown

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

lisa42

yay!
Kathryn,

I'm so glad you've got good news! What a rollercoaster all the time, huh?
Glad to hear your cea is coming down- you have a wonderful weekend!!

Lisa

pepebcn

lisa42 said:

yay!
Kathryn,

I'm so glad you've got good news! What a rollercoaster all the time, huh?
Glad to hear your cea is coming down- you have a wonderful weekend!!

Lisa

Congratulations mate!
This is the important ,aside any unforeseen !

tootsie1

Woohoo!
I was so happy when I read this on your caringbridge site!

*hugs*
Gail

traci43

great news
Kathryn - Great news! especially since I'm looking at the same regimen. I hope that it kicks cancer's butt for both of us! Take care of yourself and try to mend! Traci

Brenda3.16

traci43 said:

great news
Kathryn - Great news! especially since I'm looking at the same regimen. I hope that it kicks cancer's butt for both of us! Take care of yourself and try to mend! Traci

Great News ! I am hoping
Great News ! I am hoping for the same results too. My white blood count was down after the first treatment also. I have to go back this week to get it checked again. Brenda

Lori-S

Wow Kathi
It's great to hear your CEA coming down with the Folfiri. Thank goodness for other people's drugs. (??) Who would have thought to say such a thing? ☺