ca125 result variations

[Goodgirl98]

I have been taking ca125 test every 2 months since starting olaparib few months back. From an initial reading of 700 during diagnosis, it went down to 10 mid chemo and 4.4 after surgery and 6th chemo. In the last 3 tests, the readings were 4.5, 5.1 and 6.4 (reference 0 to 35). Are such minor upticks ok? My doc obviously said not to worry during last visit and Infact wanted me to not take ca125 unnecessarily to not worry myself. I am visiting him Day after but I was so hoping for a small number like 4 🥲

[Trickysite]

Blessedly the Marsden does not bother to tell me my CA125 readings and so I cannot stew over them! If they were concerned they would be telling me! What bliss ignorance is. If your doc is not worried, Iwould follow his lead. Relax. Good luck, Emma x

[Goodgirl98 in reply to Trickysite]

wow, I didn't know that was even an option in some countries. Here, since I take the blood test at an independent lab, the report comes to me direct and I have to then take it to the doctor during the appointment. Would love an option to not know until necessary!

[Kouyate]

Hi Goodgirl, I know how you feel as I like to keep an eye on my ca125, but that's because in the past it's always been a good indicator for me that something is changing. However, those increases are tiny and as you say anything under 35 is normal and you don't say how far apart those blood results are so I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry over those tiny increases as your body could be finding it's new normal level after going thru all that surgery and chemo, and maybe just have a ca125 blood test every 3 months just to keep an eye on it. All the best xx

[Goodgirl98 in reply to Kouyate]

thank you! All the results I have shared were taken every 2 months. The latest was taken yesterday morning and the result was 6.4 and meeting with the doc is tomorrow. From here on, he is likely to recommend to meet him only 3 months since my Haemoglobin has also stabilised at around 9.6.

[delia2]

Hi. I think those numbers are minute variations. They usually look for doubling of the numbers a couple of times in a row, like 6, 12, 24, 48. I wouldn’t worry at this point.

[Goodgirl98 in reply to delia2]

oh, that's really good to know. Thanks for your note!

[Leniko]

those are great readings!