114. Chemo Keeping Track of CEA Level

I met with my oncologist yesterday.  We discussed the Nanoknife procedure and my blood test.  Despite Nanoknife having been around since 2009, I am only her third patient who has undergone this procedure, the 2 other patients were males.  When I asked how come there were only 2 other patients before me, she said that not many patients meet the eligibility requirements.  The outcome for both males was not that good (one patient was in his eighties and the cancer came back, the other one has pancreatic cancer). 

Also, since July, my CEA level has come down only 0.3 (0.1 per month) whereas before July it would come down 1.8 and 1.5 per month. (see posts nr 97 and 103)   The fact that it is coming down is positive.  But she does not have an explanation as to why there is such a minute change.  On Monday my CEA level was 7.5  It needs to be below 5 to be considered "normal".  She thinks that it may take a while longer to come down due to the recent Nanoknife surgery.  I told her that it drives me crazy to have to wait for a whole month for the blood test results, so she agreed to have blood work done every 2 weeks for the next 2 months instead of monthly.  Yes!!!  And I am to have another CT scan in a couple of months.  So more waiting time ahead.  But let's look on the bright side: at least I have time still, and I'm really grateful that I am taken care of!  

Back in a day or 2 with a more upbeat topic.  Take care!  SanTeh!