CEA's normal

[TerenaWright]

My CEA's are well within normal ranges; however, during a routine check up, a 2 cm place was found on my right upper lobe. Last year I underwent a total colectomy due to colon cancer. My oncologist has scheduled a PET scan, my question is.... is he being overly cautious? I have no symptoms. I really don't want to do another scan.

[Spainy]

Hello, I don't think you can ever be too cautious. How was the place on your lung discovered? CT scans are how my lung cancer is monitored. CEAs may not be a reliable predictor for lung cancer as it is for other cancers. If you have doubts get a second opinion and good luck.

[JRuthI1946 in reply to Spainy]

Terena, you have been through a lot. Are the scans uncomfortable? Does the amt of radiation frighten you? Are you fearful of what the scan may show?

I do understand your reservation, however i am wondering why that is?

How old are you? How have you been dealing with your iliostomy? How long ago was your surgery?

I don't mean to be intrusive..my mind just needs more to go on.

If you do have doubts and want a second opinion. By all means do so.

Just this week i took a friend to an oncologist who told him a bone marrow biopsy was necessary to confirm his diagnosis.

He asked me if he should have it. My response was

..you have 2 options . It is your body and your choice. If you want to know what the answer is, you will have it done. On the other hand if you choose not to know you will proceed without treatment. . Your choice

[PegD]

Hi TerenaWright - I wouldn't say your onc was being overly cautious either. Lung cancer often has no symptoms until it has metastasized so getting this checked now seems prudent due to your history of colon cancer. As already suggested, tumor markers are not always reliable when it comes to diagnosis. Have they checked any other markers? My CEA has always been in the normal range, we watch my CA19-9 and CA27-29 for fluctuations. I agree that if you are still unsure about a PET you should get a second opinion. Wishing you all the best.

[JeanE41]

For many of us our lung cancer was discovered by accident because there may be no symptoms or very vague symptoms that we dismiss. After having surgery for colon cancer last year your oncologist is being prudent to order the pet scan. The final decision is of course up to you. If it was me, I would have it. It would either put my mind at rest or alert me that there needs to be further testing or treatment done. I would want to know so that I could make an informed decision.

I wish you the best whatever decision you make.

Jean

[ThePurplePlace]

Terena,

I think your doctor is being wise and cautious. I was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer in March of 2015 and never had any symtoms, and still don't even now 2 1/2 years later. For me, we only found it after it spread to my brain and I had a sudden onset of what I thought was "vertigo", then two days later an urgent CT Scan found I had a brain tumor and the tests that followed showed that my primary was actually Lung Cancer. I have never had any cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort -- absolutely no symptoms, which sadly can be typical for lung cancer.

As others have already mentioned CEA is also not a very good marker for Lung Cancer and many Oncologists do not even use it. My CEA levels have always been fine (always in the normal range) - even why I was first diagnosed and then later had progression, two years ago. It's simply a marker that does not work for all. At this point my Onc has stopped running CEA's for me.

I do hope you will have the scan and feel it's very important. I pray it will not be cancer but also know how much better it is when Lung Cancer is found early, in a curable stage. My heart goes out to you and I understand how scary this can be -- I wish you the very best.

~ Lisa

[FtB_Peggy]

Welcome Terena, I agree with all the wisdom this great community has offered. You are facing so much and trying to make a careful decision, I am so glad you came here and opened it up for discussion. That way you hear what the experts have to say! Good luck, please let us know what you decide.