My Introduction
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Matt…maybe that’s why the doctors don’t check my CA 19-9 any longer….since it didn’t register as abnormal from the get-go. Thanks for the additional info about yours. That makes me feel a bit better that it isn’t something they’re forgetting about.
Julie
Iowagirl wrote:{snip} I must ask about the CA 19-9. That has never been drawn again since before diagnosis that one time. It was negative then…so maybe that’s why they don’t rerun it. But, I figure if the CC comes back…it’s possible that a new location might run up the CA 19-9??????? Dunno! As I said…I need to ask. In fact, all of my blood counts were in the normal range before diagnosis….so the blood labs really only have shown issues that the chemo caused. Are you getting the CA 19-9….and was it elevated when you were diagnosed? I{snip}Julie, my CA 19-9 was 453 upon diagnosis, about 2 weeks prior to surgery. They check it routinely now. It was 11 one time and 10 the next. Under 55 is “normal”.
Matt, Darn…wish that we were more coordinated with our checkup appointments. My next one will probably be late Feb or into early March, depending on when they make the appointment and how weather cooperates for travel. My one year anniversary of surgical resection with clear margins will be Feb 28th this year…a month behind you. I’m quite sure that in another several weeks, I’ll be having some anxiety creep in also. However, today, I had an MRI done here at home, due to a back problem….so I asked them if while they were reading the MRI….if they’d be sure to watch out for anything unusual that could be CC mets. They assured me that they look for anything out of order…..but….I figured that unless I mentioned iit, they might pass off something as not significant to my back problem. This wasn’t done with contrast, so I don’t know how much they’ll be able to see of the type of stuff associated with CC. My main concern at the moment is getting my back issue (which has been on-going since the diagnostic process for CC back in early Feb 2014) diagnosed and fixed if possible. How nice to have something besides CC be my main medical concern. Go figure!
I’ll have a meeting later this week, with blood labs with my local oncologist who oversaw the chemo. I must ask about the CA 19-9. That has never been drawn again since before diagnosis that one time. It was negative then…so maybe that’s why they don’t rerun it. But, I figure if the CC comes back…it’s possible that a new location might run up the CA 19-9??????? Dunno! As I said…I need to ask. In fact, all of my blood counts were in the normal range before diagnosis….so the blood labs really only have shown issues that the chemo caused. Are you getting the CA 19-9….and was it elevated when you were diagnosed? I can’t remember right now and haven’t looked back on your messages….easier to ask you again.
))Pretty much with you on the scan anxiety….fine for a month or two afterward…and then it builds until the next scan. Except, this last one was done the day after Thanksgiving, and I have to say I had a hard time with the lead up to Christmas…..very weepy for no apparent reason…and the smallest things would set it off. I still tried and did enjoy the holidays a lot…..so I can’t say it was bad…but there was definitely something amiss. Once Christmas and New Years was over, things seemed to lighten up some. I have many good and happy memories of Christmas 2014 to look back on…….how can I not…..I have a 3 and a half year old grandson and another on the way. Life is indeed good.
I’m so pleased for you…..and hope to hear back great news from your end of January scan. Will be watching for your post. Happy Anniversary!!!!!
Julie T.
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Dear Matt, as you already stated the scanxiety gets too much at times and is perfectly normal. I have found that before my scans (2 X a year for a Cancer I had) the more nervous I get the better my report turns out. Don’t ask, I am totally weird! I am not a psychic but I have a good feeling about yours and anyway I want to be able to write on here, YIPPEE! Keep yourself busy so you can’t over think and I will have everything crossed for that good report!
Hi Everybody.
This Saturday, 1/17/15, will be the one year anniversary of my surgical resection with clear margins.
I’ve made an appointment with my team at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for bloodwork and an MRI to look for recurrence and/or metastasis.
This will be my fourth follow-up visit/scan and the scanxiety is going up every day now… I could use some encouragement
Mentally/emotionally I feel great for about a month or two after a clean scan and then gradually start worrying about the next scan until it gets pretty consuming. I know it’s pretty normal but I can’t help thinking about if/when the CC comes back.
I tell people that this past year, including CC diagnosis, surgery, and recovery, has been both the worst and the best year of my life. I’ve gained a new perspective on life and made some related changes as a result.
I continue to visit this forum primarily to keep tabs on some of you, my friends, and your journeys. I also try to focus on the long term survivor stories and hope to be contributing to them myself over the years. It is SO SO very helpful to hear from the people who have survived CC for years.
If anyone’s going to be in Rochester, MN the week of 1/26/15 and would care to meet, I’d love it – let me know!
-Matt
Thats great news Matt, thanks so much for letting us all know! My fingers are crossed for you and further good news from you as well!
My best to you,
Gavin
Matt,
Congratulations and keep up the good work!! Always love good news and reasons for hope! Thank you and take care!!
MelindaMATT you get one huge YIPPEE for your post today. I am over the moon with this one and YES I can’t think of a better RX for all than to read of your success! I am so happy for you! All of the upcoming holidays will be doubly good this year!
Hello all,
It’s been about 10 months since my diagnosis and 9 months since my surgery. I had some blood work done last week and am relieved and happy to say that everything remains normal, including CA 19-9. My next check up with scans and blood work will be in January 2015.
I offer my good news as a source of hope for others with similar experiences.
xo
-Matt
Hi Dianne,
I’m just now reading your post – I’m so sorry to have missed it!
Yes, amazing doctors and amazing facility. I’m not going anywhere else for medical care from now on even tho it’s a long haul from VA to MN!
The only oncologists I saw were while in my hospital room recovering from surgery. I can’t remember their names but know it wasn’t Dr. Alberts.
I love hearing of others with similar experiences that are still around to share! Best of luck to you!!
-Matt
Dianne.N wrote:Hi Matt….I wanted to reply to your post because we sound like we’ve had very similar paths, with the same doctors!, and I’m 4 1/2 years post resection! My symptoms started right after Thanksgiving dinner in 2009 with severe indigestion. Then I got the itching and finally an MD friend of mine got me to my local doctor who did an ultrasound and MRI and recommended a major cancer center. I went to Mayo in Rochester in Dec. 2009 and saw Dr. Gores and then Dr. Nagorney…both amazing doctors who saved my life. My surgery was Jan. 5 and I chose not to do any adjuvant therapy. I had a few bumps in the road after the surgery but am pretty much fine now…except that the docs kept scratching their heads regarding some enlarging mesenteric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. I finally had a biopsy of a mesenteric lymph node that revealed I have follicular lymphoma which is much more treatable than CC. I see an oncologist this afternoon to figure out treatment for the F.L. Anyway, I’m wondering who your oncologist is at Mayo. I had Dr. Alberts initially but for some reason that I don’t understand he has not been assigned to me the last two times I was at Mayo. (Oh, I take Metamucil every day for diarrhea issues – it helps.) I know this must be very difficult for you with younger kids at home, but it sounds like you have a great attitude. We learn to enjoy and appreciate each and every day!Looking back at her medial records, my daughter’s white blood count continued to rise for more than 2 years and no physician took note of it. At time of diagnoses she had enlarged lymph
nodes all through her body, some as big as golf balls. Retrospectively all the signs where there, but no one caught it early. My daughter is 39 years old, completed treatments and is in remission/cured. Dianne, I expect things to work out just fine for you as well.
Lisa, thanks for your concern. We are in a positive mode, she is young and has recuperated exceptionally well.
Hugs,
Marion
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