my last exams in July shows no progression but my markers went up from 30 to 46.8
Do I should be concerned about cancer came back?
I did have a colon infection when I have my exams and the doctor gave antibiotics and I feel much better about the pain.
Take things easy and so pleased your pain is under control. Happy days x
Hi there. I’m sure lots of others will tell you not to worry and sit tight. Tumour markers can fluctuate for all sorts of reasons, and your recent infection is a prime example of that. I know it’s easier said than done the not worrying, but hang on in there and you will be getting your next bloods before you know it.
Clare
I hope he does the test again bc since I was doing okay... he only do every 3 months
That’s a difficult one. I am in a similar situation in that my Onc won’t do anymore scans on me since I am considered stable! If you are worried I would phone them and ask for bloods monthly because you are becoming stressed about the numbers. They might listen to you.
Clare x
I get blood work every month but it doesn't do the ca26 tumor marker test every month. But i will ask in my next appointment
My oncologist doesn't even use them because he say they give a lot of false noise.
I had a bladder infection before and mine went up. I wouldn’t be surprised if yours went up because of the infection. I also watch each month. Mine fluctuate but not more than a month or two, and then they come down. I don’t get concerned unless it’s more than twice. Hasn’t happened yet. Tumor markers are one of the only ways for me to watch, as my mets only show through biopsy and not in scans.
it doesn't show in the ct scan.... why? I am curious.
I have invasive lobular, and it’s never shown in CT or PET. It’s considered a very sneaky cancer and shows up in strands instead of lumps is what I’ve been told. They’ve never found the primary in my breast either.
Oh wow! I hope the best for you and stay strong.
Thank you very much. I went six years with a missed diagnosis and no meds and a year and four months on medication. Thankfully, it’s been a slow grower.
Me, too. How does your MD judge progression or stability?
Hi, Anna. We watch tumor markers and how I’m feeling, basically. I have found out that MRI does work on my spine and pelvis. They just thought it was multiple myeloma when it was really breast cancer. That’s how it was missed for six years. I’m asking for an MRI of my chest and abdomen soon to see if it can see it in my organs. I have it in my stomach, and CT does not see it there or in my spine, and I have it from the top of my spine all the way to the bottom.
Thanks for your reply. Mine is in small intestines and didn't show even when I had a partial obstruction. After about 4 mo I had surgery. Still didn't suspect until they got the path report.
Stay well! 💕
A rise that small can be meaningless! It's really rises over time that can be concerning. I have been doing extremely well in constant treatment for MBC for over 16 years and my CA27-29 was only in the normal range for a very few months, right after standard treatment with Faslodex was increased from one shot to two shots. Taking care of yourself and learning what really matters in life are things that can help with the stress of this crazy path we are on. Finding humor in it, too.
I freak out bc when my cancer came back on 2019 it was only 42 my tumour markers. I never been too high. After I got treatment it went down to 26 to 32 and it was like that until now. I hope it was the colon infection.
My oncologist told me that a change that small can be meaningless! And an infection can really knock them around, so if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't pay much attention to the markers while this infection was going on. Do keep us posted, and I'd bet money that it will be closer to what you hope for once that infection clears up. Did you know that alot of oncs don't use Tumor Markers at all because they are not precise and they can give us needless anxiety?
My markers began creeping up last fall (almost a year ago) and went up a total of 200 points. I had a CT scan, a bone scan, and a PET - no sign of cancer. I do record all my blood test numbers and monitor what changes I make to my medications and supplements. I realized I'd increased my Vitamin B by a huge amount after reading it could help with hair and fingernails. (It didn't make a bit of difference for me, by the way, but a lot of people have great results.) Anyway, I started taking it two months before my numbers began to go up. After five months, I stopped, and my markers are dropping. I'm not saying it's your Vitamin B - I'm just saying it could be something you'd never think of. Try to recall if you made any changes to your supplements or diet. Something to think about.
Take care
Susan
Got it! Thanks for the info. 😊
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