How is this possible, you ask?? I can tell you…
For approximately a year and a half my scans have remained clear. In September 2023 my routine blood work showed an excellent CEA of 1.1 (a routine tumor marker, 3.0 or less is normal), BUT my Signatera came back positive (0.04)! UGH! YUCK!
(Remember, Signatera is a new blood test that can identify molecular residual disease (MRD), or recurrent cancer, sooner than existing methods by detecting the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Signatera is a custom-designed test that is generated based on each patient’s unique set of tumor mutations. They made an Angela’s cancer DNA test from a sample taken after my liver surgery.)
Based on this result, we moved up my liver surgeon follow up which includes CT scans. The scans were clear! My liver surgeon says “Angela everything looks great! We are done!” We both clearly expected that I was DONE! But we can’t be done, I tell him. My Signatera is positive. 
Many appointments and conversations later I meet my new medical oncologist at Moffitt, Dr Lima Pierera. My previous doc is no longer there and I really need a doctor in this roll to communicate and coordinate with my medical oncologist here, Dr Brandt. He orders a PET scan. The scan reveals three areas of focal metabolic activity. These obscure findings alone wouldn’t mean much, but combined with my positive Signatera result, it is cause for worry. We decide to repeat my Signatera in December and my PET scan in January.
Typical for me. Well, if you know me, you know nothing is typical. 
When I have appointments, scans or blood work at Moffitt, I bring copies home and review with my team in Jupiter and vice versa. I relish having two opinions. I brought the PET results/disc back, along with some pains I have in my abdomen. In turn, Dr Brandt orders an MRI of the abdomen at Jupiter Medical Center as a bonus scan prior to my repeat tests. The MRI is clear!
I know I promised transparency in my results. Despite clear CT scans and a clear MRI, my new Signatera was 0.81, a twenty times increase. My CEA while still in normal range has elevated to 3.0. My PET scan on 01/23/24 showed the same three areas of activity all with a slight increase in size. They are in my peritoneum. (the serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs) My liver and colon are clear.
I didn’t want you to wait any longer for an update. My hesitation and delay in posting my results has been due to the fact that I don’t yet have a plan. Dr. Pierera brought my case to Tumor Board at Moffitt (A tumor board is a group of doctors and other health care providers who are experts in cancer care and meet regularly to discuss complex cancer patient cases and share knowledge. The board may include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists.) The tumor board concluded I should resume Chemotherapy. Lucky me! I get to choose between hair loss or neuropathy. Both cocktails offer similar results.
There was one member of the board not present, the special surgeon who would operate in this area, the peritoneum, should I be a candidate for surgery at any point. I have an appointment in Tampa at Moffitt with this surgeon on 02/06/24. I hope to have all my questions answered and leave with a plan. I’m always better with a plan.
Am I a candidate for surgery now, before chemo? If not, is it possible to ever be? If chemo shrinks the areas, will I still need surgery? Are these even operable areas? What changes can I expect after this type of surgery? What are the statistics on outcomes and on reoccurrence?
I will share my plan once it’s fully in place. Please continue to pray for me and my family and for full recovery!! Please get your colonoscopy!!! I know there are many of you who still haven’t! Get over yourself and your fears and take care of your body! All of us only get ONE life.
On that note, you will see me continue to be as normal as possible. I plan to work and play as hard as I am able. I hope to limit stress (not sure if that’s possible). Please reach out if you want to or need to. Remember if ever you are afraid of saying the wrong thing to me, saying nothing is worse. Keep sending the prayers, positive vibes, and amazing hugs.
I appreciate all of the love and support more than you know. This is just a hiccup!
Angela.. Just saw this latest post. Want you to know that I’m still praying for you and will continue to…Sending you big hugs my friend 😘
Prayers and love Angela! 😘
Hi Angela. I am praying very hard for your continued recovery!! You are one amazing person!!
Best Wishes,
Joel
I will continue sending prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes your way, Angela! You are amazing and unbelievably strong.
My dear friend Angela,
I am sad. I cannot help it. I know you do not care for negativity. I just did not want you to go through this new round.
I pray for expert treatment and a consistent great diagnosis. Good health and happiness is something I always pray about for you.
Love from Harriet
I’m so sorry to hear this , but as usual you’re going to kick cancers ass once again ! You rock !
Hey beautiful! I will be praying for full recovery for you! And my morning prayer group will continue to pray for you. There are several of us cancer survivors we’ve got you!
MB’s prayers are extra potent: she has a heavenly superpower!💖
A rocky road is an understatement, You have traversed this with grace, dignity and courage. We, out here receiving your updates and seeing you out and about, all hold you in our hearts and seeing you 100% healthy. Hoping your plan includes daily mind-body, spiritual practices if not let’s connect. Love you, lady Angela💕🙏🏻🦋
I think you are one of the bravest people I know sharing your personal journey and motivating others to take control of the own health You can beat this !🙏🏻❤️
Thank you for the update. We will continue to pray for a full recovery! Prays for peace and patience, as you wait for answers and for a new plan to be put in place. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon. Much love, Tina
Prayers and love your way!
Love you soo very much! Stay strong, positive and know you are prayed for , thought of and loved many. We are here for you through life’s atypical journeys such as this. 🥰🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏
Prayers are coming your way girl!!
Praying this is a hiccup in a healthy and cancer free future!!!!
Love you Angela… stay strong.. we need to catch up have a drink and share some love <3
Continuing to pray big healing prayers for you Angela!
Hugs
You are a strong person
You are so strong! This is just another hurdle to overcome, which you will! Sending prayers and hugs
Hi Angela, I am really proud of you!! This post was precise. My heart, love, and prayers are with you all the way. You rock ! I Love you, Mom
Sparkle on sista! I’m here to play and make your world a happy place. You got this and I’ll be right by your side! 😘
Of course, still praying. I really think the details you share are helpful to others. I hope all this is shareable.. Also your persistence gives others courage!👏👏❤️
I miss you and wish I was there to play with you my friend💕 Sending you hugs and kisses and prayers for full recovery!
xoxo
Dam cancer!!😡😡
Sounds like you have a good group of doctors and you have a lot of good questions!! You are a smart lady and proud of you and your ability to keep on beating up cancer!! I must add you lol pretty awesome heading into the pet scan machine. Take care of yourself and we are all praying for you
Praying for you always. Much love. Gina
God bless you. You are truly one of my heroes ❤️
Sending you lots of ❤️🙏🏻your way
I love you and I love this post. Straight shooter but glass half full as always, that’s my Ang. Look forward to you being “as normal as possible” in Chicago in a few weeks which I hope means drunk and disorderly. Cheers to kicking some more cancer ass, my friend.
Not the update anyone including you wanted to hear, I’m glad you persisted!!! Kick its ass again!! Looking forward to seeing you out and around and cancer free!!!!
Love You <3
Angela you will be in my prayers and thoughts during this trying journey. You are strong in determination and fight so I know you can endure this and come out cancer free once again.
It is a true testament to your strength and character that you are able to share this journey with others and to convey the message to always be diligent in preventative care to stay healthy. You live your life to the fullest regardless of the challenges that are thrown your way and I am happy to call myself your friend. Hang in there and keep fighting girl! You got this!!!
Angela, my prayers have been nonstop for you since your beginning of this arduous journey. You are an inspiration to many by sharing with us!
Prayers and butterfly hugs, Julie❤
Praying for you and your family. God bless you.
You are a warrior…. Strong and brave with an army of friends and family to help support you as you yet again kick this cancer’s ass! You know I’m here for anything you need. Sending all the love and positive energy ❤️
We left a long message. Maybe too long? Hope you received it 🙏 You are a brave & strong & tenacious advocate for your health. You have an incredible team of medical specialists. You will prevail! ❤️ Dee & Bernie
You taught me “Mind Over Body”
and changed my outlook!
Here for you baby – Prayers everyday 🌻
You are so loved and an inspiration to all who know you! You continue to touch all of our lives and your inner-beauty and spirit make this world a much better place! Sending healing hugs and lots of love…
Thank you for sharing so openly. You have many people praying for your full recovery ❤️