HCG: 26.5!!! WOO-HOOO!!! Dr. Einhorn is very encouraged by Matt's progress! Einhorn said that Matt's HCG level may take a few months to normalize, but we shouldn't see anymore spikes.
We will have an appointment with Dr. Einhorn in early May and Matt will have a CT scan at that time. Matt will then be placed on an oral chemo, VP16, 2x daily for 3 months. The VP16 may lower Matt's WBC, so he'll have his blood drawn twice weekly to monitor his levels. This also means that Matt won't be having an alcoholic beverage anytime soon (I know so many of you want to have a celebratory drink with us - we'll just have to wait...)
Matt's one-year check-up will be February 17, 2010 and that will determine success (i.e. remission). The good news is that it looks like Matt will avoid surgery, UNLESS his HCG level begins to rise. In that case, a PET scan would be used to determine live tissue that would need to be removed.
It's been a long day, trying to manage pain and nausea. Matt is now on a fentanyl drip that he can manage on his own. He is resting comfortably now and is still enjoying his liquid diet. His counts should start coming up soon - hopefully by tomorrow.
W 0.4
H 10.3
P 15k
2 comments:
Great news guys, Matt, you are amazing, an inspiration. I have seen about 15,000 patients in the last 6 years as a doctor and I am just speechless in my admiration for you and Megan, your friends and family who support you. I am proud to know you and so thankful that you have shared this with all of us who care about you.
Way to go guys! Glad to hear you'll be back in MI soon enough. Take care.
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