Time for Rest and Relaxation

Ed went to Bellingham this morning to see his medical oncologist. Ed has been recovering rapidly the past week and has taken to lawn mowing and bicycling and long walks, so driving to Bellingham was nothing. The purpose of the visit was to display the post-surgery CEA results (struck down to 1.6) and to discuss what next?

In the past couple of weeks, ed has polled a number of oncologists to find out what would be the next step at their hospitals in post-liver resection patients. Most reported they recommend about six rounds of chemo, and most reported that there isn't any compelling evidence for this practice. They don't, wisely, add that it can't hurt. One pointed out that, additionally, it was particularly difficult to know how to interpret such research as exists for patients over 70.

So, for the moment, the plan, strongly supported by the oncologist, is to take some time off and see what, in the face of recovery from the surgery, life has to offer. Then, in three months, another CT scan and CEA test. Decisions about chemo can wait until then. Also, for that three months, Medicare and Blue Cross are relieved of paying for Avastin and chemo. That alone will be a significant personal contribution to reducing the deficit.