Good CEA News

CEA is a funny thing. For some people it's very indicative of what's going on with their cancer, for others not so much. My understanding is that normal is under about 6 but smokers can have it as high as 13 without having cancer. And things like inflammation or illness can factor it. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

When I was first diagnosed and had one big tumour in my colon my CEA was 1. It stayed that way for a couple of years. Then, when it showed up in my left lung it went up. And seems to be a good indicator ever since.

This time, before I started treatment again, it was 57. After the first treatment it went down to 44. After the second it went down to 27. I saw my onc today and after the third treatment it's at 11. I don't think it's been that low since it first went up. I have three more treatments to go and I'm hoping that maybe this time the big tumour that hasn't responded to treatment, while the others have, is finally responding. This is so exciting! And I'm feeling good! I'm scared to be too optimistic and hope that it will eliminate it but it's happened to other people before.

I'm just walking on air. If I can get through all 6 treatments maybe I'll have a chance at that brass ring, NED. I've never made it past 4 treatments in the past on this immunotherapy drug. The time I did 4 I ended up in the hospital with sepsis and was sick for a long time after. I'm having side effects, for sure, but I'm praying I get all 6 under my belt without incident.

I'm just so happy I had to share this. But I want this for everyone! For all of us. 

Love you guys!

Jan