My tumor markers had been rising for the last three months so my doctor sent me for a PET/CT on Weds during all this madness! (It was surprisingly easy and I only saw 2 people during the entire process and touched no one nor did I open any doors!) I was the only patient in the building that I could see. I live near Orlando and go a Breast Cancer Center.
The doctor's nurse called me with the results on Thursday (so happy for the quick turnaround) and said I continue to be NED. I am so relieved and thankful!!! I have been NED for my last three scans.
I knew my markers had been rising. The Cancer Antigen 27-29 reading had gone from 54 to 96. When I started treatment in Jan 2019 the reading was 88.
The Carcinoembryonic Antigen reading went from 15 to 20. It was originally 129.
Of course we don't know the reason for the upswing. I am feeling really well except for this corona virus stress. So maybe a lesson on not freaking when markers rise??
I pray for the very best for all of us and a quick return to a somewhat more normal abnormal life on this journey.
Written by
Thrifty51
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Yes thanks , this is my fourth ct scan since my diagnosis of bone Mets (de novo ) in Nov 2017 , which have shown I have no evidence of active disease /stable .
My tumour markers have never really changed (18-22) in all that time , so for me , are not a reliable indicator .
My onc goes on my ct scans (which have become less frequent ) and how I feel . I asked to bring my last ct scan in March forward a couple of weeks ( I hadn’t had one for 8 months and was concerned about the virus situation ) , and my onc called me to tell me the good news ! I know I am ‘lucky ‘ to have no pain and I am able to enjoy my newfound hobby - my e-bike hybrid , whom I call ‘ Princess Leia ‘ , in the hilly countryside near to my home .
Hope you continue to have stable scans too ! Take care and keep safe ! x
Wow. This is great to hear! It gives me hope. I was dx in Oct 2017. I feel good. My markers were at 37 in February. I wont have them checked again for a few months due to the virus. My doc said I have been stable so I can sit tight. That is great you like your bike so much. This is very good for you. I have been walking alot. I use a fun app called walk app. Well, for.me it is fun. It logs my miles and show where I walked. Exercise is so important. I am trying to improve in this area. I read how it strengthens your immune system and bones. I was also de novo as well. Thanks for your encouraging response. Faith
I am an accountant so I'm pretty much a numbers person. I get my blood work report online from the health care system that employs my doctor, usually within an hour of having the blood drawn. I follow my blood work very closely but maybe that's a curse of working with numbers all my life.
I have learned a lot from the ladies on this forum which I use to help analyze the numbers. I am so grateful for all of you.
That’s wonderful news! It gives me some hope too as my markers have been rising slowly too. We did my last scan a little early and although it was not NED, it was no appreciable change. My next scan will be in May.
Awesome being NED. I appreciate you sharing about the rise in markers and the scan being great. Just goes to show us that there is so much we still don't understand about this disease, but anything is possible.
Did you oncologist indicate why your markers are up?
My markers have been rising since last August when they were 28 and have risen each month since. They were 74 in March. My last two scans look great also and I feel really good.
I try to walk on the sunny side of the street but the increase in marker numbers makes me wonder if something is being missed.
I had a virtual visit with my doctor this morning and I ask her about the rise in markers. She said there were various inflammations that could make them rise but that I should not worry about it as my scans were clear. So I am going with that!
I know it will stay in the back of my mind a little but I'm going to focus on the positive!!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Switching from Letrozole to Fulvestrant, markers going up fast, any advice?
Tumor Markers (how reliable)
