Huge rise in CA-125

[ssjmichael]

Hi all, it's been a little while since I posted. My mom (Norma) finished her 2nd line back in June, and had been given a PARP inhibitor called Rucaparib (Rubraca) as maintenance. She has been doing good, and five weeks ago her CA-125 had dropped down to 6. Yesterday she went in to do labs, and the NP called this morning to tell me her CA-125 jumped up to 2,512. I am in shock. It's such a huge jump over a fairly short period of time. She tried to calm down fears by saying it could be an error, but of coure i fear the worst.

My mom also recently had a mammogram, and got her first letter asking her to come back for a 2nd look, which she had done last week. We're awaiting the results of that too.

I'm finding it hard to think straight right now, as I was trying to start lookin forward to the holidays, etc..but now all I can think about is her getting sick, going back on chemo, and possibly the end.

I know from past expereicne that her numbers can jump up high even with very little actual cancer on the scan, most likely due to ascites or pleural fluid. Still, the fact that it's likely back and her chemo options possibly being more limited this time has me very worried.

Anyway, sorry about the long post. I just had to get that out.

-Michael

[Lyndy]

Hi Michael

That is a big jump! Perhaps she has an infection or bug? Can you ask them to check again ASAP so that you are not left worrying?

I don’t know about the mammogram..but they are looking after her by checking and rechecking. Hope you and she get some answers soon. x

[JanePW1965]

Hi Michael. I'm on this site because my mum has OC. She's stable at the moment after three lots of chemo since diagnosis at end 2013. So I can understand how you are feeling. I'd be in total shock too. Just wanted to send virtual hugs to you and your mom, and please send an update when you have one. Keeping everything crossed for your mom. Jane XX

[Solange]

I'm so sorry to read about your worries with your Mum. I do hope you know more about what's going on soon. Coping with this disease is like living on a rollercoaster with all the ups and downs and I feel for you both.

Sending love and best wishes to you both, Solange 😊🤞💐

[Neona]

Don't forget to adk about clinical trials and get a second opinion if necessary.

[ssjmichael]

Thank you all for your support, and advice. My mom has a CT scan scheduled for Monday so we'll know more soon enough. It's just really hard to wrap my head around how it could go from a '6' on October 15th, to '2,512' on November 19th. It doesn't add up really. She's been doing great, and she's had no symptoms of any kind.

In between that time, she's had a mammogram on 10/22, and a 2nd one to take a closer look at her right breast. So I was already worried about the possibility of her having breast cancer now, but I'm wondering if the two things are related somehow.

Thanks again, and I will keep everyone updated.

Michael

[lorraine71-Australia]

HI Michael, Just sending my best wishes to your mum and you look arfter yourself also..Take care Lorraine xxx

[January-2016-UK]

The breast and ovarian might be related and it might be why she's had such a huge jump and you said that when her CA-125 does increase it increases rapidly. I've read that the actual number of the CA-125 is irrelevant it's the trend that is most import and that very high readings do not mean there is more disease. As you say, the CT-scan will show what is happening and it's good that she is displaying no symptoms.

I'm sure there will be chemo options available and it might be time to consider a trial.

Good luck to both of you and of course we can understand how shocked you feel.

All the best!

Helen