Jane, Rae and I visited with Dr. Kaseb at MD Anderson today. This was a consult checkup with blood tests only. The qualitative assessment is that nothing has changed much since I was last tested in November. Other than direction to boost the magnesium supplement I am taking, Dr. Kaseb made no changes to my medications or treatment strategy and wished me/us a Merry Christmas. The next visit, scheduled for the third week in January, will repeat the bloodwork and the scans.
They took the bloodwork only an hour before the appointment and the AFP marker test takes about three hours. Thus, we did not get the results today. We will call tomorrow and I will post whether we are trending up or down.
My general perception is that all they are offering me is palliative care until my condition grows worse. We talked timelines and expectations again. Dr. Kaseb extended the timeline based on my response to the treatment so far and the current state of my liver. The expectation is that on this path at some point my liver will fail. We continue to get educated on the treatment options and are hopeful that one will show promise for my condition and case. We want something that is curative and not just palliative.
Ray, I'm sorry, I forgot to comment, what with the news about Iva (our mutual friend's sister).
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased that you're doing so well, and we continue to pray that a treatment that will cure you will be found.
It was good to see you yesterday.
Sue.
Ray, I've been pondering your rather sober assessment, all week. We're with you & love you. How did the AFP marker results turn out?
ReplyDeleteGayland & DeLaine