Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Results

I met with Dr. Lodi yesterday to review the results of my PET scan from last Friday. Almost all of my tumors and lesions have shrunk by about half. Their metabolic uptake has also decreased by about half. (That's the amount of sugar that these cancerous areas are appropriating). The smallest tumor decreased by only 1/3 in both measurements, but that's still an improvement. The previous PET scan in October had showed two areas of concern, but were not positively identified as metastisized cancer - my ovaries and thymus. Both of those areas are completely clear of whatever was causing them to show up on the PET scan. So that was all good news. Dr. Lodi said that if we could compare this to a baseball game, we are on third base. With two outs. So don't give up praying for me. This is still a battle for my life, and perhaps the analogy to a game was a little light for this situation.

I was discouraged when I found out that during the week's break from the IPT treatments my tumor markers climbed to 143. Dr. Lodi told me not to let that get me down, since tumor markers are only a very narrow indicator of how things are going and will almost certainly fall again once treatment resumes - which, by the way, was yesterday.

We discussed future treatments, and I was not surprised that Dr. Lodi recommended I complete a full 12 weeks of treatment. Although I long to go home, I would hate to stop in the middle and lose the progress we've made. The goal is to get my tumor markers down to normal, and then continue with maintanance treatments for approximately a year to a year-and-a-half. Dr. Lodi is reasonably certain that this is an achievable goal over the next month. If my markers continue to fall at the pace they'd been falling before last week, we would be within 10 points of normal at the end of the treatment routine. Tumor markers are not necessarily predictable, though. Please be in prayer about that.

My white blood cells are doing better, and I would appreciate prayers that those cells will keep up with me. I'm feeling a lot better now. The cold symptoms have been rapidly clearing up since last Saturday. And I've been enjoying my food a great deal more. So your prayers are being answered. Thanks very, very much.

12 comments:

Siberians said...

Oh Amy, I'm so glad for the good news. We will definitely keep praying. Thank you so much for updating us. I had almost run out of patience while waiting to hear a report. What a blessing!

Leah said...

That is very encouraging. I will continue praying- you are on my mind a lot these days!

Rebecca said...

Praise the Lord! Continuing to pray fervently on your behalf!

Cathy Kanz said...

Praying for you Amy.
Sincerely,

The Kanz Family

Doug Garland said...

Amy,
I was at Bible quiz tournament in Athens Georgia recently and heard your name. George Wood and David Douglass were talking about the good old days of quizzing. I told them about your situation and sent them the link to your blog so that they could pray. George sent out the following email this evening. May it encourage your heart!
++++++++++++
PQA Bible Quiz Leader,
You'll find attached the brackets for the upcoming PQA tournament. Team names will be filled in based on standings after the January 22 quiz at Community.

Prayer request - 20 years ago Amy Caldwell from Hampton Park tied for top individual quizzer in PQA. Today she has cancer and is being treated in Phoeniz, AZ. Amy is married to Jon Bixby. They have 7 children. They have lived in Colorado since 1997. Please pray for her and her family. Below is a link to her blog for those of you who would like more info.
For quiz,
George
++++++++++

Doug Garland

Donna said...

Praising the Lord and continuing to pray.
drb

Anonymous said...

I am praising the Lord with you for the work He is doing in and through you.

Praying!

Love ya,
Phebe

Anonymous said...

We love to hear that there is good news for you. You are in our prayers. We hope that you continue to make progress. We will put on our rally caps for you. :)


Psalm 27:1 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?



Wendy in Ohio

Pat Young said...

I re-read an article last month about an immune booster product called Epi-Cor which started from a livestock supplement. The workers handling it did not get sick! After the company had research done on it, they began production for human animals! Search on line for the full story. I can order some for you to help with the white cell count if you like. Love & prayers, PatYoung
pby4r@att.net

Seasons of a Helpmeet said...

Been praying for you... and happy to hear of the recent news.

Jessica (ABC Grad)

Maria said...

Hi Amy, my name is Maria (Martinez) Cain. Your dad was the best man in my parents wedding, Carlos and Elizabeth Martinez. I believe our families have been friends for many years. My dad called me and asked me to check out your link. He does not have internet access at home, but you and your family are in his prayers. I too am also praying for you Amy. You are a beautiful woman with a beautiful family. Always remember Ps 103:1-5. David sings of my Lord as the one "who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction;..." Please let me know in what way I can pray for you. Blessings, Maria

Anonymous said...

I am touched by your blog..How lovely that the Lord gave you a child even if you are weak..But truly the Lord is our strength.