Tumor markers

[library2019]

My ca 27 29 went from 1600 in September to 2300 on 9/10 Calling onc to see what that means doesn’t sound good to me my wbc was still good has anyone had a similar situation?

[Francesca10]

No sorry. May have to change treatment or have scan.♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻

[library2019 in reply to Francesca10]

dr called today scheduled a ct on 10/21 said may change treatment

[Red71]

I’m sure they will wait until your next scan to make any decisions since tumor markers are not always good indicators of what is going on. Are you having symptoms of any progression?

[library2019 in reply to Red71]

No symptoms feel great called onc doing ct on 10-21

[MJ_Michigan38]

I’m always confused about this, but my oncologist told me that tumor markers are the least reliable indicator of progression of metastatic disease. My CA 27-29 has never been above 30 (currently at 24.5), yet I was diagnosed with numerous bone lesions. They can be very elevated when no metastatic disease is present or vice versa. I think it’s good that they’re ordering new scans, but probably best not to get stressed out beforehand (easier said than done, I know!). There are other factors, other than cancer, that can affect those numbers. The fact that you’re feeling well is a good sign, even if there is progression. Will be thinking about you!

[library2019 in reply to MJ_Michigan38]

Thanks for the kind thoughts. It's hard not to worry but I can't believe anything is wrong when I feel so good!

[Arisgram]

We sound like we are on much the same course. After being diagnosed in February with spine, sacrum and lymph nodes, I was given Ibrance 125 and Aromasin. CA 27-29 dropped 20% each month and had a completely clear PET in July.....then my markers started climbing. I just received this month's report. They jumped 40 points this month. I'm devastated. My new onc has ordered scans for next week. He's hoping I'm a candidate for Piqray.

How are you doing library2019? Hopefully your scans were good and the marker increase an anomaly.

[library2019]

Off Ibrance for now ct is stable markers down from 2700 to 2000 was going to go on trial but couldn’t since had blood clots in July now may change to fazodex or lower Ibrance even talking Chemo which I hope not I see dr Tuesday hope for good news may try for a different trial

[SoCalLady]

Hi Library, what is your current status with your markers?

[needabreakfromcancer]

I have had better luck with just Metformin than chemo drugs. On Flurvestrant, I got liver mets. I also went on Ibrance. On both drugs, my bone mets increased. On Metformin, a skin cancer on my stomach went away after a week, and after a month my oncologist was shocked as it appeared that one of my liver mets was dying. My bone mets also did not progress on the Metformin. Yet, my oncologist insists that Metformin doesn't work. My numbers doubled, which is scary, but I also have Rosea and gluten sensitivity. I also have post-polio syndrome, vasomotor rhinitis, which makes me very sick with upper respiratory infections and asthma. They want me to go on Xeloda, which at this point, I am unwilling to do. I have a loss of appetite on chemo drugs because they kill our taste buds and I am tiny and cannot afford to lose any more weight. Also the Exemestane caused substantial brain damage so they can pretty much keep their cancer drugs that have hurt me and not helped me. I'm not impressed and I want to have a good quality of life, which has already been taken away because doctors are so poorly trained about drugs and their side-effects.