Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Appointment Update

Today we ventured to Marion, IL for two appointments.

Oncologist - This was much anticipated because we had a few questions. Mostly concerning the CgA (Chromogranin A) Blood test that she ran. Why did she run it? What were her concerns? What are her thoughts on the results being elevates.

She ran it because it is a new test she adds for all her patients. Something I guess she is doing just to dot I's and cross T's. Chad has had on-going stomach issues, so she wants to cover her basis.

Her thoughts on the results are inconclusive but she said she is not at all concerned about it because;

A) His CT Results were clear
B) His other Tumor Marker test are within normal range
C) All other blood work results look good

She is getting him to do a 24-Hour Urine test which will test his levels of protein. He's been instructed to do this previously by another doctor for his kidney so now we're armed and ready! She also said numerous other factors could contribute to elevated results on the CgA so by itself is not conclusive of cancer. (All this I already read on Google but it was reassuring to hear a live-human being say it out loud)

She is still waiting on approval for the PET Scan. Her intent to get this done is precautionary. Stated simply she said "Because he is young and a veteran" :)  So, she may be loopy and a bit weird but at least she is being pro-active which is refreshing.

Physical Therapy - This consult was just one of the many hoops to jump through to get some sort of better quality of life for Chad and his back pain. She was feeling around his back and was quite shocked at how tight his entire back seemed to be. She has put an order in for physical therapy (locally) and if the traction helps, they will get him a home traction device. So - there's some progress and hope in the distance!

Thanks for all your love and support and prayers. I can't speak for Chad but I am feeling more optimistic about at least the potential of less painful days ahead for him :)


Much Love!

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Staying Positive - Making Progress

I wanted to take a few minutes to give a quick update. Chad is still doing alright. The back pain is ever-present but he just pushes through :) His attitude about life in general has changed so much lately - he is always striving to make each day count and be the best it can be and I am so proud of him because I can't imagine what it is like to just NEVER feel 'comfortable'.

So there's good and bad news.

The bad news is just foggy at this time, so I've been hesitant to share it but since I document everything in this blog (and it's come in handy so many times) - here we go.

Chad's oncologist ran a new Tumor Marker test called Chromogranin A (CgA). It is to test for carcinoid tumors. It doesn't tell you where they are, just that they're present. The tumors, if present, are usually slow growing, benign tumors. Now there are several factors that can create a 'false-positive'. When patients are on PPI's (medications) and any number of other factors including diseases and even what you ate, can affect the results. I give you this disclaimer because Chad's results were considerably high. We didn't even know his quack-job of an oncologist ordered the test, let alone why. All of his other test, including his most recent CT Scan can back good and clear. Chad does take PPIs and has for about 6 years - so I am hoping and praying the reason his results are high is as a result of that.

With that said - we're not ignoring it. I sent the results to his specialist in Baltimore about a week ago. Still no response there. We touched base with the VA about a week ago, asking why no one was in touch about any of the results (Both for his back and bloods) and finally people followed up yesterday. "Everything Looks Good" is what both his RN from the local clinic said AND the oncologist. Chad had to specifically ask about the CgA test.

His oncologist seems a bit ... dumb. For a lack of a better word. Only after Chad asked about it did she think comment on it. Long story short, the test isn't conclusive of anything on its own. Especially considering all the possible side effects and medication. So since Chad is so young and it's better to sit on the side of caution, his oncologist is going to put in for a PET Scan. This is kind of scary to think 'something' could be happening inside him, cancer related. But I am going to use every ounce I have to pray it's not cancer and there are no tumors. I believe it already. The PET Scan is still a good idea though, so we're grateful to have the opportunity. It's an expensive test and if the VA is willing to foot the bill to really check things out, we're on board.

The good news is - All the blood work (including his normal tumor marker tests) and all the imaging tests (CT Scan, X Ray, etc.) All look good and clear.   I think it would be irresponsible to ignore all that and focus on the one negative thing. So right now, we're just making sure we've covering our bases.

So that's that stuff.

October 25 -  Oncology Appointment
October 25 - Physical Therapy Consult

We head up to Marion next week for those two meetings. Hopefully he can start physical therapy, sooner - rather than later and really get some of his back issues under control and feeling better. And after six years of him going to the chiropractor here in town, his doctor is putting in for a Chiro Consult as well! Would be amazing if they could cover that and he could go more frequently because he almost always leave there feeling better!

So that's where we're at right now. A little nervous but hopeful! If you pray, continue for cancer free days and hopefully improvement in the back pain situation!

Much love to all! xo