Question about something doctor said

Answers
Tumor markers are a rough estimate of how a patient is responding to treatment. Decreasing markers is usually a good sign that the patient is responding well to treatment. The markers are usually something like a protein or another chemical in the blood that is produced by cancer cells. Less markers means there may be less cancer cells actively doing things in the body. So lower numbers are desirable. The markers are not exact though, because you aren't looking directly at the cancer(usually an impossible thing to do anyhow since cancer is small and often buried inside of organs and important body parts. . .). Doctors are constantly looking for better markers. It will be great when they find a definitive test that could prove you did or did not have cancer with a spit or finger prick test. But a trained doctor can interpret the marker tests we have and let you know what the rise or fall in the numbers may mean.

I did not have chemo, but many of my friends have had chemo. Most of them were on treatments three weeks apart. As they went through chemo, they usually said that the treatment started affecting their appetite and energy level starting the day after the treatment and they felt pretty out of it for a few days. By the time the next treatment came around, they often felt better. Different treatments affect people differently. Different people respond to the same treatment differently. The doctors can give you a complete and totally scary list of side effects, but not all the side effects hit each person who gets that treatment. Almost everyone notices a decrease in energy level, but some people are able to keep up with their normal routine and others need lots of naps and quiet indoor activities. I had one friend who continued working as an elementary school teacher throughout chemo and only missed 2 days of work the entire year. She also had a three week regime. But another teacher friend with a similar routine had to quit her job and take disability. She had the same kind of cancer and a similar chemo. Her body though needed lots more rest throughout treatment. So take things one day at a time. Encourage your Dad to take naps as needed, walk or exercise every day as he is able [sometimes that's only a walk around the inside of the house; sometimes that's a walk around the block]. Let him eat whatever he likes on days when he is hungry. Be aware that foods get a strange smell and taste when you are on chemo and previously favorite foods can become real problems. Bland foods usually work the best. He can eat anything that is food, but don't provide lots of vitamins or herbs without the doctor's blessings. Some things that protect our bodies from illness (like vitamin A for example) protect cancer cells during chemotherapy.This is bad because chemo is supposed to kill the cancer. Eating carrots aren't a problem but taking a ton of vitamin A is a problem. And drink lots and lots of water during chemotherapy. It helps to keep things working and keep you out of the hospital. Call the nurses if you have any problems or concerns. That's what they are there for. And come back here with questions anytime. Good luck!