In The Home Stretch

I saw my oncologist’s physician’s assistant, Nicole, today. It’s a regularly scheduled appointment, part of the regimented protocol my treatment follows. This is also the first appointment since my last blood tests.

It’s good news all around. Though there’s no specific test for pancreatic cancer there are a few blood markers which can be helpful.

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the amount of this protein that may appear in the blood of some people who have certain kinds of cancers, especially cancer of the large intestine (colon and rectal cancer). It may also be present in people with cancer of the pancreas, breast, ovary, or lung.

Negative.

Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is used to help differentiate between cancer of the pancreas and other conditions, as well as to monitor treatment response and recurrence.

Negative again.

A physician looking at my blood numbers and not knowing my details would see I’m anemic. We’re on that. Chemo brings those numbers down and Neulasta helps bring them back up (a little). So anemic, but under control.

I am five weeks away from the end of my treatment. Four more chemo sessions to take. No one looks forward to chemo. Certainly not me.

Cancer has shown me I’m strong… or maybe it’s made me strong. Chemo sucks, but I can do five more weeks.

16 thoughts on “In The Home Stretch”

  1. That’s such good news Geoff !! Praying that all the rest of your tests come back in your favor. I beat bladder cancer this year and I know there is no comparison between pancreatic and bladder cancer but you’re doing a great job along with your medical team !! God bless. One other thing….. how is your dad doing ? Maureen

  2. Geoff, My mother and I loved watching your weather reports on WTNH for years. That ‘s great news that you’re clear of cancer markers at this time! We live in Milford, CT. I enjoy receiving your blog!!! Especially about the method you use for pruning your shrubs. My father had my nephews chop our Forsythia bushes way down the way you did , and now they’re sprouting leaves and filling out, but at first they looked over- pruned and we were horrified! Jane.

  3. Geoff, So happy to know the “numbers” are in your favor! Hang in there for your treatments and know that we are here for you with prayers, love and support. You will have challenges ahead but we are with you!

  4. Good for you, Geoff, chemo really sucks, I know I had to deal with it too! Got through it but said never again and so far I am right!

  5. You are a strong man Geoff, you will beat this, stay strong, you have so very many people in CT who Love You.

  6. Slow and steady gets it DONE Geoff and you are almost there. Fighting
    this all the way and the REWARD for all you have gone through couldn’t
    be more than worthwhile!!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *