Hello again. We went to the Cancer Center this morning as usual. Mark started vomiting this morning just thinking about going. We went ahead and had his CEA drawn. His magnesium came back low, so they started his magnesium infusion. His CEA level came back next and was much higher at 370. His previous reading was 240. It has really escalated on this regimen. Mark and I talked and decided that he shouldn't have this chemo today. I think it is just torture to put him through this when it doesn't appear to be working at all. He is miserable with the chemo-fatigue, nausea and vomiting and only the last 2 days of this cycle has been able to eat worth anything. Mark was in total agreement. We talked with Dr. Farmer. The problem is there is only one other approved chemo regimen that Mark hasn't tried and it is called Vectibix (?sp). It is almost identical to the Erbitux, but is fully humanized instead of using a mouse protein and he wouldn't have to take the Camptosar with it (which probably causes a lot of the nausea and vomiting and cramping). It is doubtful that it will be effective since the Erbitux wasn't. We both feel like we want to try the FOLFOX regimen one more time. This is the first regimen Mark was on when he was diangnosed. It worked for a long time and only stopped working when Mark developed the leukovorin allergy. He has been off of it for quite some time and his cancer may respond again. Dr. Farmer is doubtful, but said she would try it again if we really wanted to. She talked with us again about hospice.
Mark's weight was officially 162 which is down from his previous 168 at the infusion center. He did get it up a few pounds from what he lost at home from the last round of chemo. He is getting more pain and that is most likely from the cancer spreading in the abdomen. It makes it hard for him to eat as it covers most of the intestines and his pain now radiates into his back. The pain patches help a lot and he has pills for breakthrough pain. We haven't given up hope and Mark intends to try the rest of the chemo regimens as he is definitely a fighter. We will see what happens.
The kids will trick or treat tonight, so maybe Mark will feel like going out for a little bit now. If not, he may enjoy seeing some of the trick or treaters we get at the house.
Thanks to everyone for all of the support. Please continue to pray for Mark. God bless!!!
8 comments:
We are praying continously for Mark and will pray for direction on the treatment options. Hopefully he will be able to enjoy the weekend and Halloween with this break in the chemo regime. Please let us know if we can bring meals or help with anything else!
Just want you to know that we are all praying for you and your family and guidance for your doctors. Mark is lucky to have you for a wife.
The prayers continue for all of you and for the physicians and others who are providing care for Mark. If there is anything I can do, do not hesitate to let me know.
I am praying for you Dr. Bertus and your family.
I hate that Mark is in so much pain, and that this chemo wasn't the answer. You are both just so strong it is amazing.
Mark and family-
we prayed for you at Mass today, and will continue to do so at all Masses, and at the morning and evening offices. Have confidence. The Lord is with you. He is merciful and caring in ways we cannot understand. God Bless the Bertus Family.
rb
Hi Mark and Family, we are all
praying for you that your chemo
treatments work for you. Sorry
to hear that you become so sick
after your treatments, but you are
a fighter. I hope you were able to enjoy the Halloween with the
children. Your kids are getting big. I enjoy reading about there
activies. Love Aunt Barbara and
Uncle Bill.
Good luck Mark! Hang in there. Thought and prayers are with you.
Missed you at FMAs..next year you will have to make it up to NYC for them.
Good luck!
jim
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