Tumor Count Blood Test

We are still in St. George. Justin came down a few days ago, and is staying with us for a while. We have really enjoyed having him around. If you haven't heard he had a little mishap, and was clocked on the side of the chin. So a week ago he had emergency surgery at Utah Valley Hospital to have a metal plate put in his jaw. The girls had been taking care of him, but I was happy to have him come here. And I know that Kent has really enjoyed it. Justin and him have pal'd around at bit.

It is funny how modern medicine can do so much, and so little. So many tests can be run on a body. With just a few drops of blood they can tell whether you have diabetes, cancer or any number of major or not so major sicknesses or diseases. A simple blood test can also say if you are a little low on iron or if you are needing a drink of water.
They did just such a test on Kent yesterday. It is called a Tumor Count blood test. Kent's tumor count was 1 just a month or so ago. Our blood test results showed today that the number has tripled. He now has a #3 tumor count. What does that mean? I am not completely sure. The nurse told me not to totally loose control, and wait for the body scan. It is next week at Huntsman in Salt Lake. But it cant be great. Feels like we are constantly slammed with bad news, and we really would like some good for a change. This will probably put Kent and I into a major slump for a few days or a week, again. And then you try to pull yourself up, and be optimistic again. I am just sure I will be bawling my head off soon, when the words sink in.

Kent is having chemo today, it is the same chemo that he had 21 days ago. We pray that it will do him some good. He has been having some really bad coughing spells that drop his oxygen levels very low. Whether that is due to the tumors I don't know. But I believe that this weather has been a little bit better for him either way. Our plans are very up in the air right now. Kent wants to leave for Arizona today. But I am afraid to be to far away from the girls and Huntsman & good friends who can support us. After the body scan next week, we will probably be coming back to St. George. That is unless something changes in the way that Dr. Ackerly would like to approach Kent Cancer. He mentioned that he would like to put Kent back on the drug that originally caused the stroke. That scares me. Only time will tell what our next move will be. Since we will be in Salt Lake next week, I found a pharmacy in Denver that will fill the prescription for MSM. And I will start Kent on that as soon as we get there. I pray that will do some good.

We continue to ask for prayers on Kent's behalf. We know that they help Kent, and we receive comfort. We appreciate all the phone calls, and patience with Kent's communication. I really appreciate those that take the time to visit with him, and I know he does as well.