markers

[Granny333]

Hello all, echocardiogram I had done turned out good 👍. Now, I have a question about markers . I started out at 25 then went down to 16 on anastrozole and I brance. I didn’t do well on Ibrance and now only on anastrozole. Just had markers taken after off Ibrance 3 months. It is 18. Gone up 2. Had anyone else just been on Anastrozole? Was wondering if I ought to be on another drug with Anastrozole? Long message lol!

[awesome4ever]

Hi Granny. Markers are a source of stress for many people. However your markers having risen only 2 points are not a cause of any concern what so ever. You are still well below what is considered a normal reading and each lab has a variable+ or - several numbers depending on which lab tech does the test or what machine they use etc.

As to your other question....many people do very well for long periods of time being only on the hormone blockers such as you are without taking the targeted therapy drugs. It is well known that the hormone blockers are the real workers in estrogen positive cancers.

I would move forward and always remember that scans and how you feel in general are a much better gauge than ever your markers will be. Take care.

[Granny333 in reply to awesome4ever]

Thank you so much.

[Beryl71 in reply to awesome4ever]

Yes my markers were much higher than that and now I have moved to Scotland they don't even measure them. I am well and scans stable, that's all anyone seems interested in. Suits me!

[Gerbo]

Hello Granny. I have been on Anastrozole since 2020 and feeling well on it. Dr started me on Tamoxifen, which made me feel so sick and deep depression. I complained until he switched me to Anastrozole + Verzenio. My markers usually land between 35 - 45 and I have been stable for almost 2 years now. Dr says the markers don't really tell a full story although he is keeping his eyes on wither it jumps up in numbers drastically. Wouldn't worry too much about 2 points. I agree with @awesome4ever. Focus more on how you are truly feeling. Sending you love.

[love2golfwell]

I agree with awesome-4ever about markers. That is a very small increase and within normal ranges. Things other than cancer can cause markers to fluctuate. Doctors look for large fluctuations over a period of time and might be concerned if they continued an upward trend. My doctor has said that bloodwork was drawn every day, the numbers could be different each day. If you are feeling well and have good scans, those are better indications of what is going on. Hope the anastrozole continues to work alone for you. That would be great. Sending you hugs and prayers.

[Granny333 in reply to love2golfwell]

Thankyou🙏

[Timtam56]

I'm on anastrozole and have been for around 4 years. Was on Letrazole before that and had terrible hand issues from that. I am now being told that the treatment is not working and after I've had scans in a few weeks my onc will talk to me about what treatment will be next. But the reason she knows it's probably not working anymore is that my markers have recently gone from 233 up to 422. So I really wouldn't be worrying about your markers right now.

[Granny333 in reply to Timtam56]

Thank you

[24siofra]

HI Granny 333, I was on Ibrance and Anastrozole for 16 months after my first diagnosis, There was progression in the bones so I was switched onto Fulvestrant which I have been on for 8 months and my last scan was stable. I did see a trial of a drug called CAPIVASERTIB in a UK newspaper. I asked my onc but they aren't trialling it where I live. Maybe you could ask about it.

My onc says not to worry about the markers if the scans are stable!

Take care

[24siofra]

Hi Granny333: I was also on Ibrance and Anastrozole for about 16 months from my first diagnosis but unfortunately my scan showed progression in the bones. So I am now on just Fulvestrant, a hormone blocker. I have been on it 8 months and last scan was stable. I did read about a trial on using CAPIVASERTIB with Fulvestrant. I asked my onc and they are not trialling it here in Ireland, but the article I read was in a UK newspaper. So maybe where you are it might be available.

My onc also says forget about markers if scans are stable

Take care

[Granny333]

😊 thanks

[Tealkia]

Please don’t worry about your markers. I’m in Toronto and here they don’t even test for markers for exactly the reason that “they are not very useful and cause a lot of stress for people”.