Ca125

[Ruebacelle]

Before chemo or surgery it was 178 after surgery and lst round of chemo 19 then never higher than 10 over 4 years but i've had 2 recurrences. Forget ca125. Stick to ct and tep scans

[Lindaura]

Everyone is different.

The CA-125 is a good market for me. As soon as it starts to climb, even in small increments, we know it’s a recurrence.

You can’t get as many CT-Scans as you might wish, but a climbing CA-125 will get you a scan pretty quick.

And how often do you hear that the scan reader saw nothing new in the scan, but when the surgeon opened a patient up, the cancer was much more advanced than expected.?

Answer: Often

Even if you only show very low numbers, rising markets are a sign of active cancer.

Kind regards,

Laura

[Maltida61 in reply to Lindaura]

I hear what you are saying.

[JustKBO in reply to Lindaura]

Definitely. It happened to me. When I had my recurrence they looked at the scan and said it was all very small and another quick debulking would sort it out. When they operated it was a different story- all stuff that hadn’t shown up on the scan!!!! 😩

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to Lindaura]

Totally agree Laura. Spot on. Expecting a CT scan in The next few weeks. I wouldn’t take no for an answer even though the Onc said it doesn’t always show all cancer. It’s said there’s a certain amount of risk with each scan and they don’t want us exposed to often. Why?

Love and good wishes as always.

Angela xx

[Lolotango in reply to Lindaura]

I am with you. my CA 125 is definitely an indicator of recurrence for me. It was moving 1 or 2 points while on Last doses of Avastin. Only allowed treatments. CT scan revealed new growth. After that PET scan which showed only what CT scan showed. During surgery 2 days later found other area that didn’t show on PET only with laparoscopic surgery.

[Everhope in reply to Lindaura]

I was admitted to hospital for emergency surgery for bowel obstruction about 6 weeks ago. My last scan in January 2020 showed NED.

The reason for the obstruction was an adhesion on the bowel and my CA125 had gone to 19 from 11, so I assumed the worst. However, during the operation they removed the adhesion and took several biopsies all of which were clear🤗. I am still NED!,

I have since had an ultrasound done by my original oncology surgeon & everything is as it ought to be. I was told the rise in the CA125 was due to infection caused by the blockage. My medical oncologist also told me the CA125 is only one part of the jigsaw puzzle!!

The reason I have posted this is because everyone is different, so be aware, trust your medical and/or ask for a second opinion.

Keep safe

C

[SUE7777]

Hi Ruebacelle My cancer doesn't show up on CT, MRI or any other scans, the only reason they diagnosed cancer was analysis of Ascites which had cancer cells. My diagnosis was after the operation, I was diagnosed with 'unknown cancer' prior to that. Just wanted to let you know it's not that simple. Take care Sue xx

[Ruebacelle in reply to SUE7777]

Well that is scary.

[SUE7777 in reply to Ruebacelle]

It's all scary!

[Gemimablackvelvet in reply to SUE7777]

That’s interesting (hope that’s the right word) Sue.

Xx

[Mumsie13]

Hello I tend to agree with Laura. With my type of cancer if ca125 is rising then there is a recurrence. The problem is convincing my doctor's that this is the case. They said the numbers were still low but they had been steadily rising for six months. It wasn't until I started getting symptoms that I got a scan which, surprise, surprise showed evidence of extensive disease. My point is it's not the numbers as such but what they are doing. Having the scan confirmed my worst fears. It may not show the full extent of disease (cancer hides) but it got me some action albeit a bit late in the day. Also everyone is different. Our cancer markers behave differently and our types of cancer behave differently. Knowing what I now know, if the numbers are on rise be it 10 or 110 there is usually something suspicious going on. Jackie

[Ruebacelle in reply to Mumsie13]

You are right here in france they look for a spike even if it is still low as in from 5 to 10...

[win_56]

I'm on recurrence and my CA125 was 3.4 yes so very low. My onc said your bloods aren't telling us anything!!

[Di16]

My ca125 doesn't go up with recurrence so they rely on scans. Di

[Cropcrop]

The numbers on the CA125 test, whilst a useful indication tool, are not the only reason the bloods are analysed, they are taken to check on our general health too, numerical movements of our full screening, if any, are important to give an easily recorded indication of any changes and we would be monitored accordingly.

An infection or inflammation can affect the CA125 reading so this has to be factored into any changes.

Each scan we have delivers a dose of radiation to us so our medical teams do not want to expose us to any unnecessary risks to our health plus there has to be both timescales and cost factors to be considered too, scans take much longer to arrange with results taking up to 2 weeks (in my experience) whereas bloods can be done speedily with same day results which may indicate the need for a scan.

My CA125 was never above 69, even at diagnosis, so is not a good indicator for me but I was really very symptomatic these symptoms gave the medics the route to my diagnosis.

I hope you are as well at the moment as you can possibly be, take care ❤️Xx Jane

[Ruebacelle]

ah yes the full screen is important. here in france the scan results are usually within 48 hours max. I think in the midst of covid19 that might not have been the case. stay strong

[Hidden]

Hi Ruebacelle. My Ca125 is usually a good indicator of where I'm at. However, for my 1st recurrence, despite the absolute certainty that the OC was back, my Ca125 never rose above 19.

I think CT scans don't always show new growths until the next time around. However PET scans are much more accurate. These days, my onc orders both to be done at the same session. But if you have a choice in the matter, request a PET scan.

Best wishes. Pauline.

[Ruebacelle]

hi. i agree w your onc. the tep says cancer the ct says where...i had a tep saying i had a wee nodule on the diapragm but the ct showed it in the liver. best,