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