Sorry - another long post, with lots of info.  Dave and I met with his Oncologist today to get his scan results from Oct 24.  Although the doctor did say the scans look good from a tumor shrinkage perspective, there are a few new things of note. 

1.) There are a few nodules in the lungs that had shown in the PET Scan a year ago. We were never told about these nodules, so needless to say I was not pleased.  The doctor explained that because they did not show any active cancer in last years PET scan, they were not discussed as there was no need for treatment on them.  These nodules have not changed in size.

2.) There is a NEW, very small nodule showing up in the lungs since his scan in August.  They will continue to monitor this new nodule, as well as the original nodules, for any change in size and potential activity.  

3.) Dave’s CEA Test (cancer blood marker test) came back with a slight increase.  Normal is 0-3.  The highest Dave’s has been is 170, which was in September 2021.  Between Sept 2021 and early August 2022, this number had been steadily decreasing (got all the way down to 47.1).  It is now at 56.  The doctor indicated that this is not a major alarm right now, and they will continue to watch it.  If it continues to increase, it can indicate that the current chemo regimen may no longer be working, but advised us that there are some other treatments they can try once we reach that point. 

4.) As I mentioned in August’s update, Dave ended up in the ER with stomach pain and vomiting.  This was due to some of the abdomen tumors increasing slightly in size.  Those have shrunk back down a bit, which is of course good news.  However unfortunately Dave had another episode last week of feeling “full” followed by vomiting.  These are the same symptoms that brought him in to the hospital a year ago this past August, where we received his initial diagnosis, as well as this past August (minus the pain this time).  There is an area inside the small intestine that showed on last weeks scan to be either some inflammation or a possible small blockage.  The doctor believes this is what might have caused last weeks “full” feeling with vomiting.  This is something that we will need to continue to monitor. 

Tumors in the liver have decreased in size again, which is good news.  Tumors in the small intestine area have remained the same in size. 

So although we received some new information that obviously wasn’t so great to receive, it is good news that the liver tumors continue to shrink, and the doctor assured us he is happy with Dave’s scan results.  It was agreed upon by Dave and his doctor to continue on with the current treatment plan. 

Dave was able to enjoy a couple of pheasant hunts again this year with family and friends, which included an impromptu hunt in Ogilvie on his birthday with Sean Hagel and Dean Michurski, as well as the annual group hunt at Coyland Creek put together by Dave Herzog, and accommodations provided by Traci & Chris Nordang.  Thank you to Sean, Dean, Dave, Traci, and Chris for taking such good care of Dave 🥰!  

This weekend brings the Minnesota deer hunting opener, which he can’t wait to enjoy with Jared and Jake.  Fingers crossed that they have some luck 🤞.  

He will be going to a Minnesota Wild game with Jake, Amanda, and Amanda’s dad - Bob Anderson, the day after Thanksgiving.  This has become a tradition thanks to Jake and Amanda, which Dave looks forward to every year.

I will post the next update following Dave’s scan in January (date TBD).

As always we thank you all for the love and support, and please keep those prayers coming ❤️!

Much love, 

Dave & Teri