CA125 increased during Chemo

Hi ladies - I was diagnosed with OC serous high grade stage 3C in 2016 aged 46 - I’ve just recently started 3rd line chemo (Gem/Carbo) and only had one cycle so far. I was due chemo yesterday but neuts are too low so it’s been delayed a week which is frustrating- I also found out my CA125 has risen over 170 points since I started treatment which is worrying - anyone else had experience of it rising during chemo - I have heard it can sometimes rise before it comes down but I’m worried chemo isn’t working and I’m maybe getting resistant to it? My next question is if it continues to rise would they maybe switch me onto a different chemo drug? I’ll be seeing my Onc next week so I’ll ask him then but it would be nice for any advice in the meantime- thanks all x

[Petrolhead]

Hi Debbie

Have been thinking of you since our ladies get together. I have read of others whose numbers have increased before dropping. Cannot give any insight but wanted to wish you well. Hope others have more knowledge on this front.

Fay

[Hidden]

Hi Fay thanks for that I’m feeling well in myself x

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Debbie, I echo what Fay has said. I’ve heard of it rising before falling.

Also sending love & wishing you all the best.

Linda xoxo 🌷🌸🌺

[Hidden in reply to Seasun36-uk]

Thanks Linda I’m hoping so xxx

[Hopefulgal1]

Hello I also had the same with my 3rd round if Cicero but I was on Carbo / Caelyx ... I was told to carry on despite it rising each month and sadly end results were really disappointing for me : but I have definitely heard from women who have experienced a rise of ca125 then gradually it started falling again. So we are all individual in our responses! I just wish I had stopped my treatment hlf way through but that was my story - not yours! I wish you huge success and keep us posted ! You could always ask for a half way scan if you continue to feel anxious? X

[Hidden in reply to Hopefulgal1]

Hi Hopefulgal thanks for your response - how are you doing now? I hope you are keeping well - did you go onto any other treatment plan? I had carbo/caelyx as 2nd line last year and it worked for a few months but I’m not convinced this regime I’m on is working - I hope I’m proved wrong! All the best xxx

[Hopefulgal1 in reply to Hidden]

Me too Girt! I think if you are concerned do chat to your Onc - hope you have a good one? I am now in the position of having to choose between more chemo or a phase one trial - which sounds rather terrifying as just past lab rat stage really - but am going for a 2nd opinion on weds 🙏 praying things turn around as am not sure on next steps...

As for you I so so hope that this works for you and if not deep breaths and sure things will be on offer for you... good luck and good health! 💕

[Hidden in reply to Hopefulgal1]

Oh all the very best of luck on Wednesday- I do hope you find a successful treatment - sending positive vibes your way - keep smiling 😀 x

[Hopefulgal1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and to you too xxxx

[harpist_UK]

When I did GemCarbo my onc said it wouldn't come down straight away and sometimes the tumours responded to the first chemo with a surge (lysis she called it) before going down. Worth asking your onc about this.

[Hidden in reply to harpist_UK]

Oh that’s really useful thanks for sharing - I’ll speak to him on Thurs and hope that’s the case 😊

[harpist_UK in reply to Hidden]

Yes, she explained the lysis was a bit like the tumours yelping because they've been hit. Fingers crossed for you. I hope it's that.