CCLXXXIX = ?

17^{2 = ?}
(8 + 9)^2 = ?


Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
Hint: The answer is the same for all three math problems above. Keep trying.......don't give up! You can do it!

Ok, ok.....well, if Roman numerals aren't your strength, or figuring Friedman numbers, hopefully 17 squared (17 x 17) helped? Yep, the answer is 289. Why, may you ask, is a math lesson part of today's blog? It's not the lesson that is important, but rather the answer to each one: 289. That, my friends, is what Dad's CA 19-9 count was on March 15th BEFORE the 2nd round of Folfirinox. CA 19-9 is the tumor marker that shows up in blood work that is used to measure the effectiveness of the current and prior treatments. When we first started this whole venture back in October 2012, the CA 19-9 was almost 1400. The normal range is 0-37. The chemo radiation combo of treatments in the fall helped drop that number quite a bit. On 11/30/2012,  the count was 315. The fact that after only one treatment the number dropped to 289 is a good sign that folfirinox is not giving that tumor a chance to grow. We'll take that!

Today Dad and I are sitting in Room 23 of the infusion center here in UMMC Baltimore. The oxaliplatin was just started about 30 minutes ago. Dad's napping. Typically, he starts to feel really icky about 60 minutes into this drug and requires a shot of Zofran. Once he gets that, he's good to go the rest of the day. We have about 4.5 hours more ahead of us just in infusion time, and then we'll head home to WV. Easter Sunday night, Laura will come back and disconnect the chemo, flush the port, and Dad will be able to roam free without being hooked up to anything. Free!

On Tuesday night, Dad plans to head south with a buddy to what he hopes are warmer temperatures. It is time for the annual golf outing, or what I refer to as the "testosterone fest." Sixteen guys with beer coolers and golf clubs. By the end of the trip I think they're all pretty pickled. What happens in MB, stays in MB!

When Dad returns, it will be time to rest up and re-coup for the 4th round of chemo, which begins on April 12th. After that last round, a CT scan will be done to take a look at the tumor and see how it is responding to Folfirinox. Lots of prayers that the tumor is losing not only the battle, but also the war. Lots of prayers that Dad can then get a break from chemo for a bit. Lots of prayers that my parents can enjoy all of the trips they have planned over the next several months. Many thanks to everyone who reads this blog. We truly appreciate your support! Have a wonderful Easter and much love to all......Jen