^{Support Registry Update}

The latest plan (from Andrew)

In support of
The Steinhaus Family

I’m glad to share that there’s more good news to report. My CA 19-9, which we’ve been tracking as one indication of disease burden and treatment effectiveness, continues to drop and is now down to 67.6. That’s a number I didn’t expect to see so soon and suggests that treatment is continuing to work in my favor. It’s also giving me the mental boost I need right now.

Oxaliplatin, which has been the most effective chemotherapy drug, is starting to affect my bone marrow. Because of that, my oncologist is recommended a 20% reduction in the medication to avoid having to delay future treatments, which is frustrating but necessary. We did not expect this because my neuropathy (also affected by this medication) had been much better last cycle. The balancing act of fighting cancer while keeping my body resilient enough to continue treatment is ongoing.

On the bright side, treatment on Monday came with the least side effects I’ve had yet. With the new dosage, I felt for the first time that I could continue with additional rounds of chemo if my doctor thought that was a good idea to shrink the tumors as much as possible before moving me into the maintenance phase with different drugs. Our tentative plan now is to stay on chemo until the benefits plateau or either too-low blood counts or increased neuropathy mean I have to stop. From there, the next steps would involve enrolling in an immunotherapy trial and potentially using high-frequency ultrasound to target the tumors in my liver. My oncologist says he sees a path to being able to do both at the same time, which is different than he said on our last conversation.

Next week, I’ll be meeting with my oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering to get her perspective on these options and make sure we’re moving in the right direction. For now, I’m focusing on the positive momentum—each step forward counts, even when it comes with its own hurdles.

Elyse Steinhaus
almost 2 years ago

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Comments

Bob Cagle almost 2 years ago

Such encouraging news!

Debbie Schlackman almost 2 years ago

This is so good to hear. Absolutely embrace all encouraging news !

Karell Roxas almost 2 years ago

I love it when you come here with good news! Keep it coming. So grateful to see that beautiful number dropping. This balancing act sounds so tough, but I'm glad to hear you're feeling well and that you've got what sounds like a solid-sounding plan.

Dionne Beasley almost 2 years ago

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! 🙌🙌🙌 Love, love, and more ♥️

David Beasley almost 2 years ago

Great news. Praying always for you.

Deb Long almost 2 years ago

Stay strong Andrew!! This is great news and I'm so happy that you are feeling better. Take care - sending huge hugs to you and your family.

Francesco Deluca almost 2 years ago

Keep up the positive momentum! Rooting for you and the family.

Liezl Walker almost 2 years ago

This is wonderful news Andrew!!!

Bonnie Ballard almost 2 years ago

Wonderful news!

Teri Garner almost 2 years ago

When hurdles arise, have no fear, God is still with you and working for your good. Love always

Teri Garner almost 2 years ago

So happy for positive encouraging news!!!

Chris Reynolds almost 2 years ago

Prayer works! I'm continuing to stand with you Andrew! All glory to our Lord and Savior. So glad to hear how well you are doing. I'm praying it just continues

Mwaka Yawawa almost 2 years ago

Thank you lord for all this progress. Keep trusting God

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