6-month checkup

[TriciaK]

I've tried several times to write this post but it's a little harder this time. It is so much easier to report good results from our scheduled Pet scans and blood tests, but my news is a little less than good this time. I had my 6-months checkup a couple of weeks ago. It was my 5-year cancerversary and I really expected to be NED again. However, this time the PET showed a growing cancer nodule again in my left lung, and a CA marker of 68, not as good as I expected. My oncologist is a very upbeat oriental man whom I really like. He told me the news and then said matter-of-factly "We'll start doing cancer markers once a month and move the PET scan and blood tests to every three months, unless the CA marker rises. We'll watch it closely." Then he added:"We still have a lot of options and there is Tykerb". So being naturally an optomist, I expect the best but of course, naturally prepare (at least subconsciously) for the worst. I will have my monthly power port flush tomorrow and a cancer marker test also. I'll let you know the results and if the plan changes, and of course hope for your thoughts and prayers. As most of you know I have been fighting BC since 1985, my third round in 2004 being her2. I will be 80 December 9th so I almost feel quilty hoping for another miracle.
I remember that there was a site which listed info on what all the numbers mean on the blood test reports. Several of mine were different than usual, so I would appreciate knowing that site so I can check the numbers out.
I do know that I feel more confident this time around than I ever have, since being on this great website for these last 4 or 5 years. I appreciate it so much, not just the info we help each other with, but the love and friendship I feel here. We pray together, laugh together, hope together and many times weep together. As has been said many times, no one else really knows what we go through. Thank you, Joe and Christine, and thank all of you who are friends and sisters and fellow warriors. Hugs, Tricia