Wednesday, April 9, 2008

we are ... Fabulous, Grateful, Wonderful, Ecstatic!

Phil is now 7 weeks post-op and he received his CEA* results yesterday:

2.6!!!!
("normal" is anything below 3 for a non-smoker)

We are so grateful for this fabulous news. So many of our friends and family have been so prayerful for Phil. Our nieces and nephews have been especially diligent and fervent in their prayers. One nephew has prayed in each prayer that (1) Phil would not have cancer anymore, (2) Phil will get better, and (3) any future surgeries Phil may have to have will go well (he is 4).

We will meet with Phil's oncologist a week from tomorrow and will make some decisions about possible follow-up chemotherapy.

The Keslers are HAPPY, happy people!

*The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test measures the amount of a protein that may appear in the blood of some people who have certain kinds of cancers, especially large intestine (colon and rectal) cancer. It is one of the indicators used to follow up with cancer patients. This and the fact that Phil's PET and CT scans look good, combine for very good news.

Phil's CEA has been as high as around 200 and was at 77 the last time it was taken (Feb.)

9 response(s):

Layne said...

Yay! We are grateful, too. Keep on keepin' on.

Ryan + Angie said...

That is wonderful news. We are so happy for you.

Charlotte said...

(imagine violin and harpsichord intro music here)

Hal---lelujah! Hal----lelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Ha--le-ey-loo-jah!!!

Jill said...

THis is SUCH great news! I am so happy for your family and all of us who love you guys!

Jodi said...

What wonderful news! I am a firm believer in the faith and power of children's prayers. I know Heavenly Father listens to everyone's prayers, but there must be something special about the sincerity of the little guys. They really get to the point and ask the inspired questions.

Porters said...

I am glad to hear the good news! We will keep you in our prayers too.

Alisha said...

We are THRILLED for you all!

Anonymous said...

Wow! That is fantastic news! Thanks for letting us know.

Amanda said...

YES!!!!! I am doing jumping jacks and whatever else my uncoordinated body can do to express my happiness. That is a big deal!!!! Seriously!