CA125 tests.

[Lizzie1234]

I’m having 3 monthly tests and luckily they are only around 10. My question is if they have removed everything eg womb, cervix, ovaries, tubes, appendix does this test really apply as there is nothing left related to my reproduction abilities. Anyone got any ideas? X

[ShropshireJo]

Your CA125 level is great. Sometimes ovarian cancer cells can recur on the lining of the abdomen (the omentum) or on the outside of other organs like the bowel. I guess this is what they are testing for. All the best. Jo. xx

[Lizzie1234 in reply to ShropshireJo]

Hiya thanks for reply. I had omentum removed as well but couldn’t remember the name. Fingers crossed then x

[Hidden]

Hello - I assume you are referring to your CA125 blood test is around 10? if yes this test is a Tumour Marker and Normal levels are below 35 so you are well within the normal range. If your CA125 starts to rise then you will be given a CT scan to find out what is happening to raise your CA125.

[Lizzie1234 in reply to Hidden]

But isn’t ca125 a tumour market for ovaries etc? And if you have got any would it come back low anyway. What I’m getting at is didn’t they ought to do a different test?

[Lyndy in reply to Lizzie1234]

No unfortunately you can still have ovarian cancer with no reproductive organs....but yours is testing nice and low xx

[Lizzie1234 in reply to Lyndy]

Oh dear didn’t know that!

[Grace-53 in reply to Lizzie1234]

Wouldn’t it be nice if this awful cancer could be treated by just removing our reproductive organs ......

[Hidden in reply to Lizzie1234]

If your unlucky enough to have cancer appear somewhere else it will still be called Ovarian Cancer because that is where it originated from, but at a level of 10 you really dont have anything to worry about. xx

[Lindaura]

Dear Lizzie,

Scientists now think that nearly all Ovarian Cancer originates in the Fallopian tubes. The ends of which cup over the ovaries, but they are not sealed together, so cancer cells drop from there and dust our insides.

Since cancer cells are microscopic, until they multiply and form tumours or nodules, we can’t see them.

But they produce an antigen which is tested in the CA-125 test.

So, you seem pretty safe with a nice low score, but your team is keeping a close eye on you, which is a good thing.

Long may you stay well!

Best wishes,

Laur

[Lizzie1234 in reply to Lindaura]

Thanks Laur

It did start in Fallopian tube and progressed to one lymph node where it was found. It never got anywhere else though so hopefully it’s gone. My biggest problem now is my spine. The chemo has totally wreaked havoc with it. I can hardly walk I have a badly slipped disc which will never go back and compression of the lower vertebrae it’s liked they were sucked dry. My white blood cells were virtually non existent and they still pressed on. I’m annoyed as I didn’t realise about ca125 levels and after first chemo they were 23 so really I didn’t need it at all.

[bamboo89 in reply to Lizzie1234]

When you say you really didn't need (chemo) at all, that's not necessarily true - your cancer was present in the lymph node, and once any cancer is in the lymphatic system, chemo is always offered. I'd just add that CA125 is a relatively non specific test - yes, a raised level can mean you have cancer, but it might also be raised for other, benign reasons. CA125 test is also often used for women as a guide to possible recurrence after they've had treatment for breast cancer.

[Lindaura in reply to Lizzie1234]

Chemo is brutal, but truly necessary, especially when you have had an invasion into your lymphatic system.

Now you have to work to regain your bone density with a good diet, vitamin D supplements and specialised exercise. Stairs are good.

I just hope your spine will recover.

Is it operable?

Best wishes,

Laura

[Lizzie1234 in reply to Lindaura]

They want to laser the nerves to stop the pain. So I’m waiting for an appointment. I’m trying to boost my bones with diet and supplements so hopefully things will improve. But apparently the nerves can regrow quite fast so it’s just a window to help you build some muscle xx

[ZenaJ]

Jo has got it in one. x

[Di16]

If there are any ovarian cancer cells left behind after they have removed tumours & reproductive organs & omentum, it is possible for more tumours to grow unfortunately, & lead to a recurrence. I hope of course this doesn't happen to you, but glad they are keeping an eye on things. Ca125 of 10 is very good. Di

[Superkim]

Hi Lizzie,

10 is great! Congrats to you.

Ovarian cancer is one of those thing that may or may not completely go away. It depends of the stage, the location, the type of cancer, and if all the cells were eraticated.

Hopefully, you're done, but you will have to get tested throughout your life. Less often if the numbers continue to be low.

Since cancer can spread from the original location, even if you don't have anymore girlie bits, cancer cells that survived the original treatment can show up in the area.

Best advice, take care of and pay attention to your body, get regular ca125 screenings every 1 to 3 months for the first couple of years. 3 to 6 months after that. And enjoy your life!

Hopefully, your only inconvenience with be blood work.

All the best to you!

Superkim

[Lizzie1234 in reply to Superkim]

Yes that is my plan thanks for your help. Blood work isn’t a problem when you’ve had chemo it’s just a small scratch! Haha x