CancerCompass message board discussion started by Need2Know on 2/4/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20635,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My Dad as two days left of chemo and radiation treatments for Stage 3 esophageal cancer (T3 N1 M0)  He is so tired, he can hardly keep his eyes open.  I was wondering if anyone could tell me what type of test is done to see if the cancer has been taken care of by the treatments.  And, when is that test preformed?  He has been going for blood work every week since he started treatment and it has been good according to the doctors - but I am not sure if that test tells them anything about the actual cancer.  If anyone could give me some info, I would appreciate it.  Thanks  Need2Know Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT The regular bloodwork generally tells them things like liver function, kidney function, white blood counts, etc. I think they are more about whether you can take more chemo or need a break, or may need something to build your blood counts back up, etc.  Chemo is cumulative and gets harder as it goes along, so once the treatments are done, he should start to perk back up again.  After chemo rounds, we generally did a CT, and frequently a PET also to see if there was measurable response in cancer growth.    tongrenhealer Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT