My moms marker went up from 163 to 332 . She started her second line treatment about 7 weeks ago after being on Ibrance and Femara for around 2 and half years. She is now on faslodex and anfintor. Does this mean its not working ? And if it’s not will they change both meds or just one of them?
Thank so much
They did the same treatment for me . I was in ibrance and letrozole for three years and the marker crept up. I wish I waited a bit. Then affinitor and Gemara were given . Made me sick didn’t work and then I needed. Pacemaker. Then I tried just hormone shot for a few months and now I M on xeloda with hardly any side effects my tumor marker down to 338 from 1750 and dr says cancer decreased. New liver spot gone!!! Hang in there everybody has different results,, 🙏✝️
Thank you!! That makes me feel better. Since I posted her oncologist messaged and thinks she should go ahead and scan instead of waiting untill next month . I think she is just trying to be extra precautious I pray! Thank you again so much❤️🙏
We are all here to fight and support each other. I am here and glad to help you 💕
What caused you to need a pacemaker? So sorry to hear this. A drug se?
Well the onc thought. Maybe affinitoe I didn’t do well on it whole time felt bad. I had no energy and my heart rate was low 40-45 for 5 days I tracked it then went to hospital to the cardiac area to get checked up. They said one more day I would have had. Heart attack. I’m on Xeloda now with no problems.
So Scarry what we go thru and the side effects. So glad you are doing well.
Thank you-hang in there!🙏✝️
I think markers can go up because of dead cancer cells that are a result of the treatment, so wait for the scan. If it’s not working, there are plenty of other drugs so try not to be anxious. Sounds like you have a proactive and careful oncologist.
Best wishes.
Thank you so much!! She “my mom” also just had radiation . I wonder if that could have caused the markers to also go up. You all are a sweet community and I’m thankful!
Absolutely tumor markers can increase from " dead cancer cells" left from radiation. That coupled with a recent new treatment change which typically shows that tumor marker levels may initially rise after you start a new treatment that is effective when cancer cells die rapidly and release the marker into the bloodstream; hence the temporary increase may not necessarily mean treatment failure.
I see that her oncologist has ordered a more recent scan so that should tell the real story. I'm surprised her oncologist didn't mention the radiation component and it's effect on tumor markers. Hope she gets good results. Take care.
Thank you so much ! That makes me feel better. I know the scan will show if it’s truly working or not. She’s done so well on this combo so our prayer it’s working . But ultimately want her on the meds that’s going to do it’s job!
Markers can go up for various reasons. A significant increase should always be followed by a scan to see if the cause is progression. Could be the new Rx isn't working and she needs to try something that does work. There are plenty of alternatives.
Will they change one or both? My oncologist always changes both when I have progression. I guess there is a logic to that -- neither is working or it wouldn't have happened.
Thank you!! Yes, that make sense to go off both.
My advice get off affinities if it creeps up more but everyone is different…
Thank you!!
CA 15-3
CA 15-3 rising
State 3 Breast Cancer
Cea marker gone up
Doxil/Caelyx 15-3 Doubled
