Good news!

Some of you have already heard this information from one of us--but Tom's visit earlier this week on 9/3 had a bit of good news for us.  His lab work is still looking really good!  His white blood cells, neutrophils, and platelets all are holding steady which means chemo proceeds as normal without delays. Lots of people run into issues the longer they receive chemo. His CA 19-9 has dropped again to 467.  For those of us without pancreatic cancer, normal numbers are under 35.  I believe I shared previously, but during our first visit in May, it was 3500ish.  It's possible that was still higher than it should have been from just the cancer with all the other abdominal inflammation and issues he was having in May...but the continued dropping is a good sign that the chemo should be helping the tumor die off.  

The other exciting news is Tom has gained some weight back 😋  He's back up above 150lbs!  We are continuing to take enzymes to absorb nutrients when eating (ZenPep for those of you that care) and alternating Imodium and Lomotil 30ish minutes before meals most days.  This routine usage and administration before meals seems to be helping--at least for now!  Tom's continuing to eat better and a wider variety most days.  Chemo days and the following day or 2 (usually 3-4 days total) are tough for him around eating and drinking, so he gets more of the high calorie/high protein drinks, calorie boosting liquids, etc.  He's not a huge fan, but it works 😂

Tom and I have been trying to walk around the block most days, minus days with his chemo pump. His endurance is terrible and walking 10-30 minutes/day has been highly recommended by everyone we've seen.  

The rest of our lives is proceeding as normal.  Dentist appointments, school, homework, work, sleepovers for the kids, etc. The girls are enjoying the change of seasons and getting ready for fall.  Viv is ready to watch some football games with friends and Scarlett is ready for her first volleyball game next week.    

Nothing Tom loves more than me taking pics during Chemo treatments 😁 and lest you get sad about not having any recent puppy pictures--they still spend their days lazing around and being spoiled.    

             




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