Hi.
Finally heard from the doc yesterday about the new blood work. The liver enzymes have resolved themselves, but the tumor marker (CEA) actually went up.
Petscan tomorrow morning.
The CEA marker is apparently pretty notorious. Lots of false positives AND false negatives. What’s the point of even using it? Its success rate seems to be the highest in people like me, however. That is, people with stage three colorectal cancer. And clearly it’s a useful enough measure that it can’t be ignored.
I doubt very much that the petscan will show anything at all. Tumors have to be pretty sizable to show up in a pet. Obviously, it’s great news if a pet is clear, but it doesn’t mean that you can stop the vigilance. It particularly doesn’t offer too much comfort if tumor marker levels continue to climb, and you’ve got no explanation for it.
It’s another lesson in patience, I guess. In trying not to let the unknown, the unknowable, affect your day to day too much. (starting to cut up tubes this morning for Nose bikes 2 and 3.. I’m a little obsessed. These things are awesome! Everyone should have one.)
I could have pet results as soon as tomorrow afternoon. An update soon.
big love.