CA 19-9 markers and what they mean???

valcas1 · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 11

I am hoping to get some input on my dads recent marker tests.

Dad Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 1/08. He is being treated at New York Presbyterian Hospital. We meet with head surgeon and they told dad he was not a candidate for surgery due to the fact that the tumor was invading a major blood vessel. Chemo was the option that they gave him and told him the typical 3-6 months before his death.

During the past 5 months dad has lost some considerable weight but has handled the Chemo like a champ (He is my hero) Feels good and is able to do everything he wants from a physical sense. He is out and about driving his own car taking trips to go fishing and enjoying his life. Although we discussed paying for a PET scan out of pocket to see what was happening (Insurance will not cover it, they see dad as a lost cause) My father decided against it because he is feeling well and his mental state is in a positive place. He is living his life as if he is beating this cancer. His thoughts on the PET scan are that if the cancer has spread his mental state will suffer and they can not do any more than they are doing already as far as treatment, So why take the chance of finding out bad news. We have also been using 2 alternative therapies that we have researched along with Chemo.

Last week the oncologist brought him a additional piece of paper with his blood work/ lab results. It showed that his CA19-9 markers went from 111 to 12 which is in the normal range 0-37 being normal.

Now my real question. What does this mean? Should the family be overjoyed or just optomistic. Are we beating this cancer? I just wanted some input from forum members. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely

Paul

Waiting Patiently for your replies.

corrdal · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 14

Hi Paul

Sorry to hear about your dad, my dad had surgery 3yrs ago (whipple) and his surgeon said his tumour was pressing against the portal vein and they would not know until they started surgery if the tumour was infiltrating this vein but if it was they would replace the infiltrated section with a jugular vein. Luck has it was not infiltrating the vein and that was not required. My dads surgery was successful. Do you not want to get a second opinion about surgery? Your dads tumour marker appears to suggest he is responding well to the treatment but i am not a pro on this. My dads tumour marker at the mo is 34 (considered normal) but his recent scan has shown a suspicious area on his liver and he is going to have a further PET CT scan to try and conclude whether this is a secondary spread.

How old is your dad?

What are the 2 alternative therapies you mention?

Keep Strong I am Trying Very Hard

Corrina

valcas1 · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 11

Corrina,

Thank you for your reply. My dad is 68 years old and has been a healthy vibrant man his whole life he has never had anything other than the common cold until this happened.

The two alternative treatments are Cesium Chloride and a 4 herb herbal tea. Since starting the tea I have seen major changes in his weekly blood tests that point in a positive direction. Lucky for us his oncologist will not confirm or deny the effectivness of these alternatives but has not told us not to do them. So we really don't know what is working of the three.

We remain positive that he has the ability to be out and about enjoying each day to the fullest.

Paul

corrdal · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 14

Hi again Paul

Yes i mentioned triphala to my dads oncologist and he said i was not the first to ask about it and it was ok to take. I will look into the other therapies you have mentioned, thank you.

It is good that your dad is coping well with the chemo but keep up with the alternatives as it seems to be complimenting rather than hindering and like you say what is making the difference, you dont know.

My dad had six months of chemo after his surgery and coped well with it too. Xeloda (capecitabine)

What type of chemo is your dad receiving and where are you from?

Please feel free to ask me any questions too.

Keep your chin up

Corrina

valcas1 · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 11

Hi Corinna,

My dad is currently on Gemzar, Taxatere, And Xeloda or GTX. His schedule is once a week for two weeks and then he has an off week. I am from New York and feel very comfortale with the team that is treating him at New York Presbyterian Hospital. It is supposed to be one of the best.

I believe very stongly that the alternative treatments are giving dad the quality of life he is experiencing right now.

Currently my big battle is to get dad to eat right and cut out processed foods and sugars out of his diet. i would like to see him put on some weight as well

It sounds that you and your dad are fighting a good fight. Please remain strong for him.

corrdal · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 14

Hi Paul

Its good you feel positive about the treatment your dad is getting and your also keeping an ear out for him. Positiveness is the key.

I also feel more positive and the mo, my dad is 58 and only just retired and really enjoying his life in his beach home so anything other than positive for us is unthinkable.

I appreciate you giving me your dads treatment info and i will keep this as a possible treatment angle for my dad once we get yet more results if he needs them.

I also feel alternative treatment is possibly what is making your dad feel better although i dont know for sure. I have booke up hyperbaric oxygen therapy for my dad as some say this may help.

My dad says if your not in it you cant win it. He is even considering a clinical trial if needs be.

Thank you for your help and support
and CHIN UP

Corrina

corrdal · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 14

Hi Again

Sorry to be a pest but can you advise where you get the Cesium Chloride and what dose your dad has? I have read a little about it but only seems available in US and advise should be given b4 taking.

Also 4 herb herbal tea seems good (similar to triphala) available in UK but need to make sure you get Authenticated recipe. Where do you get yours?

Many thanks again

CHIN UP

KEEPIN POSTED

valcas1 · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 11

Corrina,

I sent you a PM. I don't think the forum allows that kind of information to be displayed on the public forums.

Paul

corrdal · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 14

Sorry Paul

I should have sent a PM on that myself Embarassed

I will know next time.

Thanks Again

Corrina

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