I said recently in my post that I'm pleased not to dwell on the numbers and keep everything in perspective. But I still appreciate good news when it comes. This week I had a call from oncologist largely because she's liaising with my dentist about dental work. Basically she was telling me it was worth the risk and that my health was good enough to withstand it. She mentioned the results of my latest blood tests so I got further info from my GP.
Noone has mentioned my tumour markers recently but they were on an upward trend and I guess it was that and a dubious area in my scan that triggered a change of meds.
I've now been on Fulvestrant ( with ibrance, after three and a half years on ibrance and letrozole ) for three months and in the last month my tumour markers have reduced, one from 179 to 142 and 4.5 to 2.4. I thought that was good news so now await next week's scan.
My partner has now sold his house on the Western isles so we can truly move on with our new life in the Highlands! The picture is of the everchanging view from our window, now with some snow on the distant hills.
Love to all,
Carolyn x
Written by
Beryl71
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
A little bit of good news is better sure makes a difference in our outlook and daily energy. I am so happy that it puts a smile on your face. May it continue.
CEA. Noone has mentioned any of these lately but I phone my GP who went into the system and gave me the info over the phone. According to my notes my CEA was 7 when I first started treatment. I have no idea what the significance is! My current oncologist focuses on scans and how I'm feeling. X
In Canada, and, I imagine, in Sweden, you can ask for cancer markers to be assessed whenever you do bloodwork. I always keep track of mine since they seem to accurately reflect CT scans which are only done here every four or so months. I'm on heavy meds (600 mg of ribociclib + letrozole) which I take on a 5 days on, 2 days off schedule so I want to be sure the meds are working since the normal schedule here is 21 days on + 7 days off. The oncologists will tell you that cancer markers (CA on bloodwork, not CEA) are not always accurate but, in some cases, they are very accurate so no harm in having the information!
As Google will tell you, there are many body conditions (besides cancer) which will increase your CEA so other tests are needed. The CA test is much more specific but less sensitive.
So happy to hear your good news about your markers. Glad you are doing well on this protocol. Hoping your scans will be good, too. Also happy for you and your partner and your new life. Love the beautiful view from your home! Sending hugs and prayers.
I lived in London for 6.5 years. Scotland was wonderful, we did get to Inverness, beautiful part of the country. Oh how I miss London, and it has changed so much over the years! Hugs!
such a blessing to $njoy this respite from the disease and to be able to move on to exciting changes in your life. Such a lovely lovely part of the country! Looks like a part of the American or Canadian west….enjoy!
Hi Carolyn, what a wonderful view! And so happy to hear that the addition of faslodex is helping… is that snow up on the hills already? I’m sure the sale of your partners house makes everything less stressful with the move. Good for you!
Thanks for the lovely picture a d the good news on your blood work! Stay positive!! I went with a girlfriend to a farmers market in Little Italy, San Diego, California, USA. It was a fun day full of laughs!
With a friend, I'm the one with gray hair on the right!
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.
Good news!
Good news on tumor markers
Good News! 
Good news
