There is a light at the end of the tunnel (not an oncoming train )

Day 154 (5+ months) since Chemotherapy began.

I must apologize for the nearly 3-month hiatus from my blog. It’s not that I didn’t want you to know how I’m doing…It’s just that nothing extraordinary, or remarkable, or newsworthy seems to have occurred…besides my apparent success (so far) with the chemotherapy.

This side of expensive Computer Tomography (CT) scans or other equally expensive diagnostics, there aren’t reliable methods for assessing presence of cancer. The typical post-chemo assessment is a blood test called, “carcino-embryonic antigen” or simply CEA. This test measures the presence of cancer-fighting antibodies in the blood stream (or if I'm pregnant .)

My oncologist does not do CEA tests during chemotherapy since she believes the test gives too many “false-high” readings that may inappropriately disturb patients. My surgeon, however, wants CEA tests, if for nothing else, to create a baseline comparison that we can use after chemotherapy to note increases or decreases in the cancer-fighting antibodies. So, per my surgeon’s request, I got a CEA during my most recent blood draw. It was roughly what a non-cancerous subject would have (and much lower than the norms for a non-cancerous smoker).

My notable SEUSes (Side-Effects / Unusual Sensations) are still:

* the peripheral neuropathy which is now constant in my fingers and toes, making them feel frostbitten. It also prevents me from enjoying any cold drinks, which go down my throat like razor blades. The Internet says that the neuropathy should dissipate within 3-5 months following the end of my chemo.

* “Metal-paste” taste. Unless I am eating, I have a constant taste in my mouth as though someone has squirted aluminum paste there. The true taste of foods has nearly disappeared, as well.

* Energy deficiency/tiredness. Where I could stay up past midnight before all of this, my target bedtime is now 8:30 p.m.

A week from today (on October 2) is Chemo Round 12 of 13. My last round will be on my mom’s 86th birthday, October 16. So, we’ll celebrate that evening with a combination Birthday/End-of-Chemo party at Mom’s home in St. George, Utah.

And for those that have wondered about how this has affected my work...Including Surgery Day on March 25, 2009, I've taken 3 sick days.

Woo-Hoo!

My love and gratitude go to all of you who have been so supportive with your kind words, prayers, thoughtful gifts of time and service, and so many other gestures of goodwill and friendship.

Love and best regards,

Dave and Nancy Hunt