Good news (from Andrew)
In support of
The Steinhaus Family
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The Steinhaus Family
Monday afternoon after Elyse’s last post, we got new blood test results for my CA 19-9, which is a key indicator of pancreatic cancer activity. It’s not a perfect measure, but the trend is insightful for how well I’m responding to treatment and the level of inflammation and disease in my body.
Back in September 2022, I went for a preventative pancreatic cancer screening. Then, my 19-9 was a low 14.9, well within the normal range of under 47. That’s why they told me to come back at 50 years old for another screening because the chance of pancreatic cancer was so low. The irony. Fast forward to June 2024, the level had jumped up to 3,553, reflecting aggressive growth. Then right before chemo started, it was up again to 4,709.
After just a month of chemo, labs showed the levels dropped dramatically to 989. A few weeks later, it was down to 384. Monday, it had dropped again to 104. That’s almost back to the normal range. This rapid and substantial drop in CA 19-9 is a very positive sign that the chemotherapy is doing its job.
Another piece of good news is that the neuropathy in my hands and feet already feels much better this week than it did during the last cycle, which is a huge relief. Neuropathy is the main side effect my doctors seem to be worried about and why they may push for me to take a break from chemo in October, even though it may still be working to shrink tumors.
Elyse Steinhaus
about 1 year ago
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