For those who have been wondering how my blood test and CT scan went, here are the results.
Blood Test
First of all, the test done in the Dr.'s office is for red and white blood cells, plateletts and hemoglobins. They all tested fine. Second, the test sent out for tumor markers also came back good. They were both a little higher than last time, but still within the safe limits.
CEA - 2.5 (range is 0 - 2.5) Last test it was 2.3. Before my surgery in Feb it was 4.1.
CA 19-9 - 17 (range is 0 - 37) Last test it was 12. Before my surgery in Feb it was 31.6.
I asked my oncologist if we should be concerned that the CEA was at the top end of the safe zone. He said we'll take another test in 6 weeks (instead of the usual 3 months) to see which way they go. It is not unusual for the results to flucuate, and since I have only had two since my surgery, it is really not enough to see a pattern.
CT Scan
I had the CT scan Wed morning. First of all, they gave me another type of "contrast" to drink. I usually have to drink barium, but this time they gave me a different type, mixed in white cranberry juice. Much easier to get down. And once again, Sal, my riding buddy from NYC HOG did the scanning.
I spoke to my oncologist yesterday, after he received the report and he said it was a good one. He said that there are some "cystic lesions" but nothing to worry about for now. Everything else looked good.
Things look good and I'm off the hook for another 6 months.
On another note, I am starting to feel better throughout the day. My trips to the "loo" average about 5-6 a day, but most of the time I feel pretty good. I am also getting to the gym about 2 times a week, and am working on making it about 3 times a week.
Donations
Don't forget, Roni and I are seeking donations to help raise money for cancer research. We will be going to Tucson, AZ in March to take part of "Tucson Climb to Conquer Cancer". You can donate on my page here. Or on Roni's page here.
Please help us reach our goals.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Time To Donate
First of all, I had my blood tested yesterday. The blood levels (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobins) are all good. The Dr. felt my abdomen (where the tumors were) and said it felt fine. He said he is very happy with my progress. Now we just wait for the tumor markers, which I should get back today or tomorrow. As for the CT scan, that is scheduled for next Wednesday.
Now, for the donation pitch.
In March, Marisa Allen (Josh's sister), has organized "Tucson Climb to Conquer Cancer". This is a climb to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and will be doing so in memory of Josh.
Roni and I are planning on attending this climb and will be heading to AZ for the event and a few days of relaxing and sightseeing.
So how can you help? Roni and I have registered for the climb, and we both have web pages where you can make a donation.
To make a donation via Kevin's page, click here.
To make a donation via Roni's page, click here.
You can also make a general donation to the event at this page.
We both have set the same goals for donations, but hope to exceed those. So anything you can give would make this climb a success and would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance for your generosity.
Kevin
Now, for the donation pitch.
In March, Marisa Allen (Josh's sister), has organized "Tucson Climb to Conquer Cancer". This is a climb to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and will be doing so in memory of Josh.
Roni and I are planning on attending this climb and will be heading to AZ for the event and a few days of relaxing and sightseeing.
So how can you help? Roni and I have registered for the climb, and we both have web pages where you can make a donation.
To make a donation via Kevin's page, click here.
To make a donation via Roni's page, click here.
You can also make a general donation to the event at this page.
We both have set the same goals for donations, but hope to exceed those. So anything you can give would make this climb a success and would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance for your generosity.
Kevin
Monday, January 03, 2005
Update on Josh
As some of you may remember, one of our fellow cancer fighters passed away last year. His name was Josh Allen and he was diagnosed with the same cancer that I had. Needless to say, we were all shocked. If you had put the two of us side by side and asked which one would likely survive, you would have guessed Josh.
Well, as it turns out, he did NOT have the same type of cancer I did. His family had an autopsy done and discovered that his type of cancer was linitas plastica. From what I understand, the type of cancer cells are similar, but his originated in the stomach instead of the appendix (like mine did). This type of cancer is very fatal and it turns out that he lived much longer than he should have. Just another testament to the fight he gave.
You can read more about his updated diagnosis on his sister's blog.
Please continue to keep his family in your prayers.
Well, as it turns out, he did NOT have the same type of cancer I did. His family had an autopsy done and discovered that his type of cancer was linitas plastica. From what I understand, the type of cancer cells are similar, but his originated in the stomach instead of the appendix (like mine did). This type of cancer is very fatal and it turns out that he lived much longer than he should have. Just another testament to the fight he gave.
You can read more about his updated diagnosis on his sister's blog.
Please continue to keep his family in your prayers.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Catching Up
OK, it's been awhile since I've posted. I have no excuse. So here is a post to catch everyone up-to-date.
Vacation
In December, Roni and I travelled to Oregon to spend time with my family. Apart from the long flights in cramped seats, we had a great time. It was the first time in about 10 years that my entire family had been together. And it was the first time that some of my family had seen me since my medical problems started. It was good seeing everyone again and we look forward to the next time we can all get together.
Back to the Gym
Six months after my last surgery, I have finally made it back to the gym. You would think it would be easy as the gym is on the first floor of our apt building. But for one reason or another, I didn't go. Today I went. It was a short and easy workout (relatively speaking), but it wore me out. I am hoping to get back into a routine and hopefully get back into shape soon.
New Medicine
Since I have still been having problems with my digestive system, I was prescribed a new medicine to try. It is Tincture of Opium (opium the drug, not the perfume) and is supposd to help heal the lining of the intestines and "slow things down". I have been on it for about 2 and a half weeks and I am sorry to say I have not seen a vast improvement. Hopefully soon.
I was also told that things should be getting better about 6 months after my surgery, which is coming up soon. So maybe with that, and the medicine, and going back to the gym, I will start improving soon.
Happy New Year!
We hope that everyone has a great new year. May it be a year filled with good health and no hospitals.
New Test Soon
This week, I need to make an appointment for my next round of tests. I will be having another blood tumor test and a CT Scan. These are the types of tests that cause trepidation as we wait for the results. As you may remember, the last blood test were good so we are praying that this next one will be as well. As for the CT Scan, this will be the first one since my surgery.
I hate these tests because until you get the "all clear" you alway wonder and/or worry about something showing up that shouldn't. Plus, I hate barrium. :-(
Well, that's it for now. I'll try to post as soon as we get the test results back.
Vacation
In December, Roni and I travelled to Oregon to spend time with my family. Apart from the long flights in cramped seats, we had a great time. It was the first time in about 10 years that my entire family had been together. And it was the first time that some of my family had seen me since my medical problems started. It was good seeing everyone again and we look forward to the next time we can all get together.
Back to the Gym
Six months after my last surgery, I have finally made it back to the gym. You would think it would be easy as the gym is on the first floor of our apt building. But for one reason or another, I didn't go. Today I went. It was a short and easy workout (relatively speaking), but it wore me out. I am hoping to get back into a routine and hopefully get back into shape soon.
New Medicine
Since I have still been having problems with my digestive system, I was prescribed a new medicine to try. It is Tincture of Opium (opium the drug, not the perfume) and is supposd to help heal the lining of the intestines and "slow things down". I have been on it for about 2 and a half weeks and I am sorry to say I have not seen a vast improvement. Hopefully soon.
I was also told that things should be getting better about 6 months after my surgery, which is coming up soon. So maybe with that, and the medicine, and going back to the gym, I will start improving soon.
Happy New Year!
We hope that everyone has a great new year. May it be a year filled with good health and no hospitals.
New Test Soon
This week, I need to make an appointment for my next round of tests. I will be having another blood tumor test and a CT Scan. These are the types of tests that cause trepidation as we wait for the results. As you may remember, the last blood test were good so we are praying that this next one will be as well. As for the CT Scan, this will be the first one since my surgery.
I hate these tests because until you get the "all clear" you alway wonder and/or worry about something showing up that shouldn't. Plus, I hate barrium. :-(
Well, that's it for now. I'll try to post as soon as we get the test results back.
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