Today Lois received Chemo Infusion number eleven. The first thing that happens when we arrive at the UIHC (University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics) is lab work. An RN accesses the port in Lois’ upper right chest and draws blood. She is weighed, her blood pressure is taken and they update her general condition during the past two weeks. All this data is used to prepare and adjust the amounts of Chemo drugs and the length of time required to infuse them into Lois’ system.
The Lab work on the blood is especially important as it produces a report which covers thirty different items. One of the blood reports the oncology team is specifically interested in is the CEA number. CEA stands for Carcinoembryonic Antigen and is a type of protein molecule that can be found in many different cells of the body, but is typically associated with certain cancers. Lois’ CEA level was as high as 20 just a few months ago but in the past two weeks it fell to 4.8. That is within “normal” range!
Both the oncologists we saw were very pleased with that number – and so are we. This is a definitive answer to prayer. Not only have the tumors stopped growing, they are no longer throwing off carcinogens which show up in this CEA marker!
Lois continues to respond to Chemo without any major side effects – something that amazes the medical staff who attend to her every two weeks. We are scheduled for another Chemo infusion on Dec 10 and then on Dec 24 (that’s right, Christmas Eve!) we are scheduled for a major round of testing including a CT Scan and Oncology Team evaluation.
We are reminded that surgery to remove the tumors is still not an option and that we face Chemo infusions every two weeks for the foreseeable future. However, we are confident that God is using the wisdom of the medical community to accomplish His will in and through Lois and our whole family.
We ask you to rejoice with us regarding this good report even as you continue to pray.
So gratefull for the amazing updates!!!!!My prayers continue, as does my love.
Dear Jim and Lois,
God is good! I was thrilled just now as I read your e-mail and the report of what God is doing in your lives. I am so thankful for the good lab reports, that the tumors are responding treatment and that Lois can tolerate the chemo so well! What an incredible blessing! Your testimony and courage have been such a blessing and encouragement to me! We serve the God of miracles and I am rejoicing with you today! In Him, Michelle
Jim and Lois:
Greetings in the name of Jesus! We do rejoice with you and will continue praying. You are prayed for daily by our family and every Sunday at Farson Baptist Church. To God Be The Glory! Great things He is doing for Lois. God be with you and keep you.
In the service of Jesus,
Timothy Woodard – Pastor
Farson Baptist Church
Jim,
Thanks for the update. So glad the tumor marker is down! Mine count was 16 at the last check. My next chemo is the 12th of Dec. and the 6th chemo is 2 Jan. 09. We continue to pray.
David had foot surgery Mon. morning. Roger Helton came and sat with me for a while. He asked about Clarice. Oh yes, the surgery went well. He has a cast on his right foot. Now its my turn to cook!
Bettye Lou