CA-125 numbers rising

[gta03]

Hello all, I have a question. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in 2021. I went through 6 rounds of Chemo & had a total hysterectomy in September 2021. Since December of 2021 I have been in remission, & since January of 2022 I've been on Avastin treatment. But since about January of 2023 my Cancer Antigen have been rising in 2 number increments.

My last CA-125 was 28 on 4/28/23, & my current CA-125 as of 5/19/23 is 30...I'm kinda worried to say the least. My 6 month Ct-Scan in April 2023 was totally positive, with no signs of metastatic disease. So, I don't know what to make of my current health situation. I welcome all comments, & thanks in advance!

[Tvam]

Hi, it's great to hear that you're last scan was all good that's very positive, the ca-125 while it's creeped up a little doesn't seem to have taken a huge jump, but I'd have a word with the oncology team and see what their take on it is, sometimes bloods can be raised for other reasons. It's difficult not to worry I know, hopefully all will be ok

[Catcher910]

I think you shouldn’t be overly concerned. CA-125 values fluctuate in anyone, and you remain in the “ normal” range.

[ktrmos]

Hi There,So great to hear about your remission! Ovarian cancer as all cancers is a bear that you should be celebrating and commending yourself for being able to make it through all that. It's tough.

A couple of points of the ca-125 is not of concern. When you see a trend that your value doubles and it continues to double that's when you should really get concerned. As long as you are in the normal range that's one less thing for you to stress about. Hopefully you're oncology team is all over it. Let them worry about it and you worry about staying healthy

[PinkEvoo]

The CA 125 levels are higher in some people than in others. You are within the acceptable range. Of course naturally you are worried when the marker goes up. You seem to get checked monthly...see what the next results are. if the trend is going up after the next couple of checkups I'd ring the alarm. You have to be an advocate for yourself. Good luck !

[Marigold-Jane]

I was told that any CA125 under 35 is fine, so as others have said, you’re well within that range. Try not to worry, although I know that’s not that easy. Sending best wishes.

[Wicomico]

Your numbers are low, which is good, but I would definitely talk too your team and be sure that they track it monthly... Not to scare you, but my CA125 was below 40 when they discovered my cancer. I am only saying this so that you don't just sit back and wait, since it is relatively low. Be pro-active in your treatment😃. My sincere congrats for being in remission, and sincere wishes that you stay that way forever!!!

[Catcher910 in reply to Wicomico]

interesting point, recently confirmed by my oncologist. Apparently CA-125 is “not a good indicator” for some people. Mine was elevated when I was first diagnosed but now I have a recurrence and it’s in the normal range. Apparently in some people it’s never elevated despite the diagnosis and in others it used to be elevated but no longer is even though the cancer has recurred. So it’s just one tool and can’t really be interpreted in and of itself when it’s in the normal range.

[Catcher910]

My CA125 is also slowly going up but still in normal range. I’m on carboplatin infusions every 3 weeks in attempt to shrink a persistent tumor in pelvis that they tell me is small but inoperable. One more chemo cycle then another CT in September.

Just to clarify: if your CT shows NED, it is described as “negative”, not positive. 😉

[Imagine24]

I just had my 4th infusion of Avastin for maitenance and my CA125 has risen from 10 to 17. I am waiting to talk with my oncologist It is very unnerving