ANNUAL CHECKUP AND BLOOD WORK QUESTION
Marygale
Comments
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BLOOD WORKpamness said:Don't know for sure - but for colon cancer
If they tested for CEA - that is a tumor marker, that would give some indication. But, in general, a generic blood test, probably not. You should ask more questions of your doctor(s).
Pam
Thank you, Pam. Since we only found out Tuesday (3 days ago), we haven't had a chance to ask any more questions than what I already have. I questioned the Dr. who did the colonoscopy what I could and have written down questions to ask the surgeon Monday during consult.
Marygale0 -
Mary,
As Pam had said, CEA
Mary,
As Pam had said, CEA levels is what is usually taken for colon cancer, however, CEA levels don't always tell you much. Just depends.
I had stage 3 cancer, but my CEA levels were real good (.06 to 1.3) so they could not tell by that. 3.0 - 4.0 and below are good levels. Actually, on my check-ups now, they don't even take the CEA levels. But, I would guess the doctors will take a CEA level check on HOP.
For me, this was the hardest part of the journey which is not knowing. It drives you crazy!
Tell him (and you) to keep your energy for moving forward. You need that for moving on.
My best to you
Claudia0 -
PAMclaud1951 said:Mary,
As Pam had said, CEA
Mary,
As Pam had said, CEA levels is what is usually taken for colon cancer, however, CEA levels don't always tell you much. Just depends.
I had stage 3 cancer, but my CEA levels were real good (.06 to 1.3) so they could not tell by that. 3.0 - 4.0 and below are good levels. Actually, on my check-ups now, they don't even take the CEA levels. But, I would guess the doctors will take a CEA level check on HOP.
For me, this was the hardest part of the journey which is not knowing. It drives you crazy!
Tell him (and you) to keep your energy for moving forward. You need that for moving on.
My best to you
Claudia
Thank you, Pam for your insight. Every little bit of info I cAn get right now helps. As you sAid, it's the unknowing that makes me crazy......
I'm doing all I cAn to learn all I can about this ugly thing that has come into our lives.0 -
Maybe an FOBT....
Fecal Occult Blood Test...but unless something was suspected, this would not have been thought about. There is a new test on the horizon that will find 'free' cancer cells in the blood, plan is to use this to determine whether chemo is working or not...but I don't think it is out of trials yet...
I, too, was caught by surprise...no symptoms other than a backache, and (in hindsight) a change in bowel habits (I gave it up to stress). I was a 49 year old, healthy female...WAYYYYYY under the radar for colon cancer...
CEA would not have done any good for me...right before any treatment, with stage III rectal cancer, my CEA was .07.
The thing to focus on is that was the past, and this is now, and it has been found, so steps can be taken to eliminate the beast! (My fav name for cancer)
Hugs, Kathi0 -
BLOOD WORK--Kathi
Thank you, Kathi for the words of encouragement and information. I'm learning with each new posting.
You're absolutely right, focus must be on the now and today with each New Day. The "Unknown" regarding what to expect is troublesome, but we'll cross each bridge as we get there.
I like your name, The Monster, because that's what it is. I resent the fact that it has reared it's ugly head in the Love of my Life ((Married 50 years this Sept.), and that it's invading our lives........bad time of year for this to happen yes, but any time would be bad.
This is a Season of Miracles, so we pray for some type of Miracle, but also praying that we will accept HIS WILL.....You would think diabetis and heart disease would be enough for one man to handle.........I dunno....
Just got up and feel this is going to be a tearing day........Tears are cleansing tho.
Again, thank you for your insights and wisdom. May you have a very Merry Christmas
Love,
Marygale0 -
I have a special place in my heart...captainhop said:BLOOD WORK--Kathi
Thank you, Kathi for the words of encouragement and information. I'm learning with each new posting.
You're absolutely right, focus must be on the now and today with each New Day. The "Unknown" regarding what to expect is troublesome, but we'll cross each bridge as we get there.
I like your name, The Monster, because that's what it is. I resent the fact that it has reared it's ugly head in the Love of my Life ((Married 50 years this Sept.), and that it's invading our lives........bad time of year for this to happen yes, but any time would be bad.
This is a Season of Miracles, so we pray for some type of Miracle, but also praying that we will accept HIS WILL.....You would think diabetis and heart disease would be enough for one man to handle.........I dunno....
Just got up and feel this is going to be a tearing day........Tears are cleansing tho.
Again, thank you for your insights and wisdom. May you have a very Merry Christmas
Love,
Marygale
For survivors that are diagnosed this time of year. I was told "Kathi, you have cancer, but we don't know how to treat it" the day after Thanksgiving. First chemo, December 20 thru 24. THAT was NOT a good year...So, I feel particularly close to the two of you. Miracles happen. I'm sitting here because of one...completely rid of both cancers. Cry? Yell? you bet! I became so weary at times, it seemed like everything that had a good and bad outcome, I got the bad one. I started joking about being the female equivalent of Job.
Then I read about Job, in the book of Job. Turns out, I needed to accept what was happening, and never curse the heavens for it. And then, after that, all things would 'be returned 3 fold'. I'm now working on the 3 fold!!!
The day I was told 'You have cancer', again (breast), was 6 months after surgery for the rectal cancer. I remember looking at my breast surgeon's nurse, and saying..."Yup, I guess I'm losing ALL my hair this time. But the thing that bothers me the most is (and she reached for the tissues, sure the next words would be "Why me?") why the cancer whose color is PINK? I look HORRIBLE in pink!!!!!" She fell off her stool, she laughed so hard..."Kathi, I've been doing this a long time, and yours has to be the wierdest response to being told you have cancer!"
My point? I REALLY stress attitude in this whole thing. Find something, however small, to laugh about every day...seek out normal, something you would do if the cancer wasn't involved. Take care of you. Not just hubby, you, too!!! Caregivers are the most unsung heros in the bunch.
50 YEARS together...how FABULOUS! Make plans on how to spend your 55th anniversary!!!! (That's time enough for him to put this behind him.)
Love each other. We survivors, during the fight, will sometimes speak harshly, even to the ones we love the most. Realize it is the fighting mode we are in. And we're just darn cranky. And mostly on the edge of being frightened.
Hubby needs to look at his body as part of his treatment team. Treat it like a beloved, comfortable old friend.
So much for the lecture...I wax philosophic today for some reason....
You both WILL get thru it, and WILL continue on this journey called life, you just need to believe (as Walt Disney in Polar Express stresses....).
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays, to you both, dearheart!
Hugs, Kathi0 -
SPECIAL PLACE...........KathiM said:I have a special place in my heart...
For survivors that are diagnosed this time of year. I was told "Kathi, you have cancer, but we don't know how to treat it" the day after Thanksgiving. First chemo, December 20 thru 24. THAT was NOT a good year...So, I feel particularly close to the two of you. Miracles happen. I'm sitting here because of one...completely rid of both cancers. Cry? Yell? you bet! I became so weary at times, it seemed like everything that had a good and bad outcome, I got the bad one. I started joking about being the female equivalent of Job.
Then I read about Job, in the book of Job. Turns out, I needed to accept what was happening, and never curse the heavens for it. And then, after that, all things would 'be returned 3 fold'. I'm now working on the 3 fold!!!
The day I was told 'You have cancer', again (breast), was 6 months after surgery for the rectal cancer. I remember looking at my breast surgeon's nurse, and saying..."Yup, I guess I'm losing ALL my hair this time. But the thing that bothers me the most is (and she reached for the tissues, sure the next words would be "Why me?") why the cancer whose color is PINK? I look HORRIBLE in pink!!!!!" She fell off her stool, she laughed so hard..."Kathi, I've been doing this a long time, and yours has to be the wierdest response to being told you have cancer!"
My point? I REALLY stress attitude in this whole thing. Find something, however small, to laugh about every day...seek out normal, something you would do if the cancer wasn't involved. Take care of you. Not just hubby, you, too!!! Caregivers are the most unsung heros in the bunch.
50 YEARS together...how FABULOUS! Make plans on how to spend your 55th anniversary!!!! (That's time enough for him to put this behind him.)
Love each other. We survivors, during the fight, will sometimes speak harshly, even to the ones we love the most. Realize it is the fighting mode we are in. And we're just darn cranky. And mostly on the edge of being frightened.
Hubby needs to look at his body as part of his treatment team. Treat it like a beloved, comfortable old friend.
So much for the lecture...I wax philosophic today for some reason....
You both WILL get thru it, and WILL continue on this journey called life, you just need to believe (as Walt Disney in Polar Express stresses....).
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays, to you both, dearheart!
Hugs, Kathi
Kathi: What a beautiful testimonial. You've made my day, girl ! ! ! I guess all of us aren't that much different, are we.
I'm so proud of you for the fight you've put up. I believe I'm ready for the beast -- with both boxing gloves on. And, you know, it's not just fighting the cancer thing and surgery, it's all the diffeent emotions that have come along with it. My heart is heavy and I know Hop's is too, so I must lighten up today.
One of our sons is coming over to help put the Christmas tree up and that'll help...g.son is coming with him, as he's home from the U S Airforce Academy in CO. for break. Ya know, it's strange how things around here have worked out. With the help of another son, we got the house painted (inside)....I've cleaned everything that got in my way....Carpets cleaned yesterday, new window treatments up..........The house is ready for anything, so I can fully and totally concentrate on Hop. And all along, I had the gut feeling that something was up and now we know what it was......THE BEAST....
I shall be staying in Champaign close to the hospital while Hop is there...probably most of the time with him....so, for you and anyone else reading this, if I'm not responding to emails, you'll know why.
Thanks again, Kathi. I do appreciate you and all the others who have commuicated with us.
Blessings and hugs,
Marygale0
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