CEA is a ‘tumor marker’ and rising numbers suggests potential cancer activity. Next Generation Sequencing testing, with new tissue biopsy or blood biopsy to determine any molecular mechanisms of resistance to Tagrisso, would let you know if your wife’s tumor mutations have evolved and what is currently driving her cancer. This would be great to know if deciding between clinical trial or chemo.
Clinical trials are a great option if she qualifies but don’t count out chemo’s effectiveness if she doesn’t.
Thank you I will ask the doc that question. I asked him about a change in her EFGR marker and if it mutates to determine a different path of treatment. He indicated that once EFGR is identified that is the marker they target. I’ll ask your question which sounds much different.
Her cough has increased dramatically and her stamina has declined significantly. Simple walking has been a challenge. As indicated in previous posts she underwent a pluerex catheters in both lungs. Since then her ability to successfully breathe normally. When asked if she would gain normal lung function again the doc indicated probably not. We were hoping that through some exercise or rehabilitation she would gain better lung function. He indicated that based on lung scarring and damage this would not be probable. This was an emotional blow to both of us. Could the oncologist have been wrong? Is this something we should be asking a lung specialist?
Pallative care was suggested in one of my prior posts and I have brought this up to my wife and she has agreed. Is this something I ask of the oncologist or pcp? I’m guessing pcp based on referral process with insurance.
Thanks everyone for this wonderful place to share, learn and grow.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Update on husband
