She called to tell me that some routine GYN tests came back negative, and also to make sure I've scheduled the ultrasound she ordered.
I jumped on the chance to ask her some questions. Since my appointment, my estradiol number did come back, and it's 31. There is some overlap in the normal range for post-menopause and pre-menopause, depending on where you are in the menstrual cycle, and 31 is in that overlap. It's low, but not very low. She said my medical oncologist will have to weigh in on whether or not that number is "low enough" for cancer treatment purposes. I pointed out that my estradiol had increased from a value of "less than 5" in July, and she said that the value can fluctuate, but agreed it's noteworthy that it went up.
I also asked if the ultrasound will help shed any light on whether or not the Lupron is working. She said the ultrasound will measure the uterine lining. In post-menopause, the lining should be on the thin side; a thick lining could indicate that my body is producing more estrogen, which causes the lining to grow.
I think she sensed that I was trying to think a few steps ahead in this process, i.e., what does it mean if the Lupron isn't working? She emphasized that we are at a "to be continued" point in the discussion, and the pelvic ultrasound will give us more information. She'll touch base again after she gets those results, and then I'll circle back with my medical oncologist.
No comments:
Post a Comment