On Wednesday afternoon, December 4th, Cathy went to the Parkview Emergency room with a dangerously low hemoglobin count of 5.3. They administered 2 units of blood. When she left on Thursday morning the count had risen to 7.9. The normal range is 12-15. Her stool sample tested positive for blood. Between the Block Center and Parkview it was determined that there must be some type of internal bleeding. While chemotherapy can cause a drop in hemoglobin, it doesn't account for such a low level.
Late this afternoon Cathy had an Upper GI endoscopy. The endoscope revealed 2 ulcers in the gastric antrum and 5 duodenal ulcers. While none of them were bleeding at the time, they can account for the low hemoglobin. She also has enlarged veins and swelling in her esophagus. We were so fortunate to be able to have Dr Wiersema perform the procedure. He will currently treat her with 40 mg of Prilosec per day unless the biopsies reveal a bacteria infection. Chemotherapy can cause "stress ulcers."
Cathy's last round of chemotherapy was on November 20th. Since that time she has suffered from these different side effects; swelling in the abdomen and legs, mouth and throat sores, fatigue, rapid heart beat, blood in her stool, anemia and nose bleeds.
While at home, she is extremely weak and is scheduled to receive more blood on Monday if needed.
Mike was given the most recent results of her tumor markers. On August 23rd the CA 27.29 marker was at 368, today it has risen to 3,138. The antigen 15-3 marker had been at 391 but it has risen to 3,320.
With all of these side effects and rising tumor markers please pray that they do not make the wrong turn in deciding future treatments. Pray that Cathy's body will quickly respond to the blood infusions and Prilosec and that she will regain her health and strength.
If you have any questions please call me at 260-459-0254.
Gratefully,
Lori
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