The unknown - August 29, 2014

I guess we aren't done with these posts.  We got a follow up call from the oncology fellow today with Asa's alpha-fetoprotein counts.  This is that marker that escalates hand and hand as liver cancer cells grow.  Six months ago it was over 51K, a month ago, it was 13 (one point above normal), and after this last chemo, it has risen again to 20.  What this means, we really don't have any idea, but the number should not rise, but we don't know how much fluctuation is allowed. If you missed the odd results of the MRI and CT scan, see yesterday's post.  We have simply been told that Asa's entire team, oncology, surgery, etc, will sit down next week in their beginning of the month meeting and talk about this.  It does mean Asa's port stays for a while, even if those numbers mean just wait and watch.  We really can't speculate well at this point.  It could just be fluctuation.  It could be call for testing or another round of chemo.  We just don't know.  In the meantime, Asa is running around like a wild and obnoxious toddler, reeking havoc, unrolling toilet paper, giving kisses, eating at least some with a preference for Popsicles, chocolate, and goldfish.

So what to pray for in all this?  I think we would all like to see a clear medical direction and obviously complete healing. Frankly, we are very tired and all the lingering unknown is further exhausting.  We thought we were getting off the merry-go-round only to find out we're strapped to the seat.  We are clearly disappointed, not as worried about Asa as to our knowledge, he is still not in the land of poor prognosis.  The frustration, apart from the sheer thought of spending more time in the med center nut house, is the thought of a sick kid with chemo, more lockdown time, things like real threat of further hearing loss.  We would appreciate prayer for peace in the lingering storm as we process reality and emotions.

Thanks today for my helpers.  Glad for happy, funny toddler who entertains us all.  I don't know if bald is just cute or if Asa's just learned how to be a ham and more of a normal little boy.   Grateful for cooler day, time to get more organized, at least a little bit. Thankful for a supportive hubby in all this crazy.