The Tumornator: Tom's updates

It's cold, windy, and currently awful outside.  Current temperature is -7 with wind chill of -34.  So glad the dogs came with us so we get to go outside extra for potty time 🐕 On a positive note, our hotel is connected to Mayo via their subway system so most outside time is limited to dog trips or if we need to go to the car.   It's been a busy visit and while I'm updating tonight--Tom still has one scan tomorrow morning that could affect treatment as well.  Here's what we know: 1.  Lab work has remained stable or improved overall. His CA 19-9 was 60, so good news for Dr. Truty.  One measurement (CEA) has actually increased--but all 3 physicians we spoke with today said all sorts of things can raise it and it's not near as accurate as a CA 19-9...so while it's concerned Tom and I a bit, they were not worried.   2. CT appears to be overall stable, tumor is the same size, stents are patent, arteries and veins still intertwined with the tumor....

  After a few slow weeks and stable-ish numbers, Tom was rocking at chemo today.  Blood work looked amazing--RBCs, platelets, WBCs, potassium, etc all hanging in there so no extra needs today.   He has been eating well over the holidays and is up to 148lbs this week! Besides being happy to see the increase in weight--his CA 19-9 has dropped more again this week.  We are officially under 100.  He was at 77.9.  This is great news as we continue to get closer to our next Mayo visit and hopefully next steps.  Under 35 is the goal...or as close as we can get to 35 *fingers crossed*  Tom's side effects have been a little better this past week, but it was also an "off" week from chemo, so we are expecting to see some increase again.   Otherwise things are pretty status quo at home.  All 3 of the girls (yes, me too) have had a bit of a rough time adjusting back to our "real world" schedule of full work and school days.  Viv contin...