Once a month, a CEA blood test is done to determine how much disease is in the body. To give you an idea, before surgery the count was about 450. After surgery it dropped to 146. (They want the count to be below 2.) After 3 rounds of chemo, the CEA count came back at 10!!!
I knew it was going to be low, but after seeing the doctor's and nurses' reactions, it made us feel all the better. Our oncologist was amazed and practically speechless, the nurses had chills.
I think regardless of the blood and CT scan results, they want to continue the chemo treatments just to make sure there are no microscopic amounts of cancer left. It's a pain, but so worth it! I just finished round 4 today and am dealing with the nausea, muscle spasms, and neuropathy side effects, but it's soooo worth it when we know it's working so well.
Thanks to all of you for your support and help, and especially the prayers and fasts which I know have more power than anything else! I'm so blessed to have each of you in my life!!!
Love you all!
~Bri
Yeah!! We'll keep praying for you. What wonderful news! If anyone can beat this you can- you have such a great attitude.
ReplyDeleteI can't even tell you how happy I am right now:) That is a miracle! We knew you were going to be ok but that happened faster than I expected. Yeahhhhhhhhhh (I'm screaming) It's all that positive thinking you're doing:0)
ReplyDeleteBri!!! I am sooo happy to read this! I have thought and prayed so much for you and I am also speechless to see how great you are responding to treatment. You must be so thrilled. You are so tough and I know that you'll have no problem getting through the next rounds of chemo. CONGRATULATIONS and keep that positive attitude! I am in awe girl, I truely am.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad your a walking miracle! and not just because your drop dead gorgeous! I love you!
ReplyDeleteBri,
ReplyDeleteThe joy and love you have been able to project throughout this ordeal is a testament to me in having faith in our Heavenly Father. Your Blog is a joy to view, I am so gratful to God for the miracles taking place and Karen and I continue to pray daily for you and your family. with love the Timothy family
Bri,
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. Amanda and I know you will conquer this trial in your life. We will continue praying for you. That is so great.
Briana I tear up every time I hear how well you're doing!! Dad called me the other day after he talked to Eric and was so elated with the news. I can only imagine how much he wants to be there with you and tell you in person how much he loves you and how grateful he is for such an amazing daughter. I know how much I feel for you and it can only be so much more magnified as a parent!! I love you Briana. I'm so thankful you're doing so well!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Briana! Not sure if you remember me but I am one of Heather's friends, and we came out to Cali to stay with you. I really admire your attitude about everything. I'm so glad to hear you are doing well!
ReplyDeleteBriana! I found your blog through katie and I have been reading the latest. I have tears in my eyes reading what you've been going through and so impressed with your strength and optimism! I'm so glad that things are getting better!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you. It's truly is amazing how the power of the priesthold and prayers work.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing! I know that heavenly father has been answering my prayers. I have been praying that your body would repsond good to the chemo and kill the cancer cells. It seems like it has been a great sucess. I am so happy! I will keep up the prayers. Love ya!
ReplyDeleteBoston 2009 here you come! So proud of your ability to hang tough!
ReplyDeleteYeah!!! You are amazing!!!This is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS!! I am so happy for you! Good wishes and good health in 2009!
ReplyDeletePS Your faith and strength has always been such an example to me and it continues even more now. Thanks for being such a great example and such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGreat News and of course prayer and priesthood power are the real answer. Keep up the work even tho it's tough, it IS worth it. love you.
ReplyDeleteWe're so happy for you guys! We are praying for you! We know you can beat it!
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