GGT (and CEA) query

[brilliantbobbie]

Hi all - my first post here! I was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer in November 2021 and have had surgery and chemo since. Whenever I have liver function tests my GGT (previously normal) has been above range. It's currently 54 but was 154. I don't really drink (maybe a couple of glasses of wine per month!) so I'm confused as to what is causing the rise.

This may be unrelated but my last CEA blood test showed a rise and I've read that this can be caused by inflammation. Does the high GGT level indicate inflammation? If so I'm hoping they could be connected rather than a recurrence of cancer. I'm also hypothyorid (treated with levothyroxine) if this is helpful info.

Thank you!

[AyrshireK]

Welcome to the forum, sadly as we are only lay people I don't think it would be wise for any of us to comment on what may or may not be behind your elevated GGT. I would hope that your medical team are looking into this further for you especially in light of your significant medical history.

GGT is an inflammation marker and can rise for any number of issues - fatty liver (which can be a side effect of long term medications as well as dietary factor), gall bladder and bile duct issues plus a whole lot of other possible causes.

I do hope your own doctors are going to investigate your issues further and you get some answers from them soon.

Katie

[brilliantbobbie in reply to AyrshireK]

Understood, thanks AyreshireK - it was only in case people had personal experience of this and might feel comfortable sharing. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. x

[Alibaba80]

I have a liver problem and also bowel cancer. Do you have cirrhosis and can I ask how you managed the chemo and surgery without liver situation?

[brilliantbobbie]

hi Alibaba80 - I don't know about cirrhosis - no one has ever mentioned that to me! How would I know what the symptoms are? What stage are you? I had surgery back in November and chemo from NYE up to the end of March. It was brutal but manageable. Just had my port removed today and the pain is a lot!

[Aztec632 in reply to brilliantbobbie]

Hi brilliantbobbie I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer back in 2011. Surgery and chemo. I was monitored closely for 5 years and during that time my CEA fluctuated. Your body will still be adjusting from all that toxic chemo. What is your current CEA level? I can't comment on GGT levels as I don't recall being tested for that.

Moving on I started having chronic fatigue and general feeling of being unwell in 2018 and with raised liver enzymes my GP referred me back to my oncogist who arranged for a CEA test which was raised followed by a CT scan which thankfully came back clear. My oncologist concluded that I just have a higher than the norm CEA. We are all different.

I was eventually referred to Hepatology and after a liver biopsy I was diagnosed with AIH last year and now take medication for that.

I am sure that your oncologist will keep a close eye on you and sort out any issues..

Best wishes

[brilliantbobbie in reply to Aztec632]

Thanks so much for responding Aztec632 - that's actually really encouraging to read as i woke up today in a real panic! My levels don't seem to have fluctuated - just risen - from 0.9 to 1 to 1.9 to 3 hence my concern. My blood tests a couple of weeks ago were a 3. They didn't measure it before my surgery so I have no point of reference unfortunately but I have been scared by comments about an 'upward trend' being ominous you see. What were your levels? Do you think the chemo would still be affecting me over three months on? Honestly very grateful to you! x

[Aztec632 in reply to brilliantbobbie]

I wish that I had those CEA readings. Mine went from 4.6 to 6 and scan was clear. I also didn't have a point of reference prior to surgery. Its just an inflammation marker and your body has been under a lot of stress and 3 months is very early days. Trust your oncologist and try not to panic (easier said than done I know) anxiety and stress raises inflammation. Give your body more time. Send me a PM anytime.

[brilliantbobbie in reply to Aztec632]

I will do - thank you! I've managed fairly well anxiety-wise up until this last week and it's just taken over. Need to find ways of increasing my resilience, as obviously it's early days in terms of the 'long haul' and the thought of feeling like this every time is not a pleasant one! I will PM when I'm finished work later - thanks again so much. x