Tumor maker

[Lehdedi]

Has anyone ever had their tumor marker drop drastically and stay low or does it fluculate back and forth....

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Most lung cancer oncologists don't track tumor markers because they do fluctuate-at least that's what my dr said. Theyre more useful in ovarian, breast and prostate cancers.

If your dr is tracking them, I think that's very cool. We need to collect more information of that type from large numbers of people so that we can find patterns.

[gibdonnalee Community Superhero]

Hello Lehdedi, it's been my experience that my tumor marker goes up and down, not too drastically . In fact waiting for results today. Hoping and praying for a good outcome. You can never predict what the numbers will be, just try to stay positive, believe me, I know how tough that can be!

Donna

[Mamacita5]

My tumor marker happens to be a good indicator on what’s going on with my cancer. I’m at 1.3 now but when it rose to 7.8 my doctor found a new spot. We treated with radiation and I’m back down again. The tumor marker is NOT a good indicator for everyone though.

[ThePurplePlace]

Dear Lehdedi,

I'm curious as to what "test" is being done that "tracks" tumor markers? My understanding is that this is not a good (reliable) marker for Lung Cancer, so my Oncolgist is not doing one. Are you possibly talking about CEA Levels. which I know for some "can" be a marker, however my Onc found it was not a good "marker" for me. I did have my CEA levels checked for several months when I was initially diagnosed, but it always remained in the "normal" range, (even when I had progression), and that's when she told me that she was not longer going to run that test, as it's not often reliable, especially in Lung Cancer, although I realize it does seem to work for some? Just wondering if maybe there is another test they are using in your case? If so, maybe it's something that I can ask about having done. Thank you,

Lisa

[Lehdedi in reply to ThePurplePlace]

No, it's the CEA levels that the onc did. He told us the normal is 6.2...I just have a hard time with our oncol....but my husband thinks he is great...so I won't say anything. He is newly diagnosed and we are having a hard time understanding everything..So thankful I found this group.

[ThePurplePlace in reply to Lehdedi]

Thank you~For some patient's CEA levels do work, they just dont' work for me. Sorry you are not happy with the Oncolgist...it's so vital to have one you really like and trust very much and one that is very easy to communicate with! I hope it works out! Best wishes!!

[PegD]

coloradocancerblogs.org/blo....

This from UCHealth.

My onc who studied w Dr. Camidge draws my CA 19.9 and CA 27.29 every 3 weeks. These are the only markers that have ever shown fluctuation.