Yesterday's Appointment with Dr. Gupta from Rob

We left the doctor's office with mixed emotions on Wednesday afternoon. The good news was that Dr. Gupta is optimistic in regards to how Teresa's body will respond to the "big guns". He told me not to get too wrapped up in the CA 27-29 tumor marker. The goal is to get it to go down and remain stable. He mentioned that he has a patient whose marker is in the 200 range and has remained stable. So, I felt better after hearing this news. I was thinking that it had to get in the normal range of 35 or less. The next blood test to check the marker will be in 6 weeks. This will be after two rounds of treatment. He also believes that the removal of the ovaries will be beneficial in the fight. The depressing news is that this chemo is the last defense in fighting the cancer. In other words, the chemo will not be as effective with future recurrence if we are able to get through the 1st battle. We can only hope and pray that the chemo does it's job and the cancer does not flare back up in the liver or other area of her body. The goal is to buy her time. Please continue to keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers. Especially, keep Teresa in your prayers as she begins the new chemo on Monday afternoon. I have heard the following words used to describe the way in which she is battling this ugly disease: grace, courage, and strength. Her attitude and disposition are amazing. Thank you to all of you! Your cards, gifts, prayers, etc. have been a big reason for her attitude. It is not fair and it is not right. However, we are not going to dwell on the negative! Rob