Scans all normal/ NED 9 yrs post dx, etc. Stage IVa
Posted: Fri Nov 24, 2017 5:25 pm
My CEA was 5.8 early November so my onc ordered CT of my chest, MRI of abdomen and MRI of pelvic area. Everything was as it has been for 9 years. Pelvic area was 'pristine'.
My TSH was double the high norm so I began thyroid meds six days ago. It can take 4 to 5 weeks to start working and 4 to 9 months AFTER normalizing the thyroid to see the CEA begin to drop. Of course, I'm praying it was my thyroid or the horrible, horrible sinus infection I'd had for almost 10 weeks when I had my CEA done. I'd had a steroid shot and two weeks worth of antibiotics but was still ill a week later when the test was done. Numerous medical papers show CEA is elevated in people with thyroid problems! Even my onc had no idea, yet the paper said EVERY CEA spike should include a TSH unless there is a good reason to suspect a recurrence.
Anyhow,
According to my onc, I remain NED/ likely cured 9 years after my original Stage IIIB dx and 5 years 7 months post my liver resection (w/o follow up chemo after HP). My Pastor said this was a scary test of faith but I was able to make it through the waiting time with almost zero anxiety. That, in itself, is a miracle.
Still praising the LORD!
Diane
My TSH was double the high norm so I began thyroid meds six days ago. It can take 4 to 5 weeks to start working and 4 to 9 months AFTER normalizing the thyroid to see the CEA begin to drop. Of course, I'm praying it was my thyroid or the horrible, horrible sinus infection I'd had for almost 10 weeks when I had my CEA done. I'd had a steroid shot and two weeks worth of antibiotics but was still ill a week later when the test was done. Numerous medical papers show CEA is elevated in people with thyroid problems! Even my onc had no idea, yet the paper said EVERY CEA spike should include a TSH unless there is a good reason to suspect a recurrence.
Anyhow,
According to my onc, I remain NED/ likely cured 9 years after my original Stage IIIB dx and 5 years 7 months post my liver resection (w/o follow up chemo after HP). My Pastor said this was a scary test of faith but I was able to make it through the waiting time with almost zero anxiety. That, in itself, is a miracle.
Still praising the LORD!
Diane