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Alpha-Protein Levels?



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fadein

				          
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        			    December 7, 2004 - 9:52pm			  			

			
			
Just a quick question.  I'm just starting my third set of BEP.  I'm a littel concerned because my Alpha-fetaprotein which was 2.7 3 weeks ago has only dropped to 2.5.  My nurse said not to worry. But shouldn't it have dropped lower than this.  And also isn't the target number 0?  I'm really concerned because I really don't want the Lymph Node surgery (where my tumor is).  My tumor is small and only one exist, but I just want to know more about the numbers.  It's sometimes difficult to get a quick response from my Dr. so any of you survivors out there, I would really like some feedback.  Thanks


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jnigra's picture
						
jnigra

				      
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December 16, 2004 - 8:32pm

			
Re: Alpha-Protein Levels?
			
Fadein, 


Everyone has some AFP in their blood according to my doctor anyway.  A number of 2 is fine.  During my chemo treatment in the beginning my AFP was 547, now it is 2.5 which is normal.  Be cool with, finish the treatment.......your there bud.  It is a horrible chemo treatment and I know it sucks, but your just about through with.  Your nurse should have informed you that only women are supposed to have AFP higher levels and I beleive men only have high levels at birth.  Drop me a line.


Laters.



			
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terato

				      
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January 1, 2005 - 12:42pm

			
Re: Alpha-Protein Levels?
			
Alph-feto Protein levels fluctuate and elevations and false positives can be the result of "floating AFP", a not-too-uncommon phenomenon which drives those of us who have a history of testicular cancer crazy with worry.  You may be one of these.  I know I am and have been for over 22 years since I completed chemothearpy in 1982!


Rick



			
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todd02_20_2000

				      
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March 2, 2010 - 4:00am

			
high levels of alpha-protein
			
   I was diagnosed with testicular cancer year 2000 at age 24. I took 5 days of chemo every 3rd week for 12 weeks after about 6 months I was ok and went back to work. I had yearly check ups and every thing was ok;until Jan 09 my alpha-protein was high (6). I started going to the Dr.

every three months;each time it would be higher. In the last year I have had 3 MRIS' 3 CAT Scan 3 PET SCAN and 1 echo and nothing is there.

Today my Alpha-Protein is 3462. I feel great and work every day.

My DR. is sending me to the Indiana research center this month. Maby

they will find out what is going on. All I know for sure; Its driving my

family crazy. Is there anyone else that has had this experience.


Thanks Todd  



			
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Bigmikedc

				      
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April 16, 2010 - 12:18am

			
hell
			
I'm starting BEPx3 on 4/19/10 and you've just described my nightmares. Hope you're active and will keep me informed.



			
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Joeny926

				      
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September 2, 2010 - 5:43pm

			
Looking for information
			
Hello, I see that you know about "floating AFP".  I'm under surveillance now and my AFP tumor marker went from 6.3 tp 19.1.  Is the likely hood of cancer most likely the reason for the elevation? Is it common for AFP markers to fluctuate? Please let me know of any information that you may have.



			
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InvestIndy

				      
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June 6, 2009 - 8:41am

			
AFP Reults
			
I went  from a 330,00 AFP level down to 200 over 4 months of chemo.  Took another 4 months to get down below the magic 20 per my doc.  We were watching it frequently because they wanted to wait until I wa below 25 to do a mass removal (it was removed).  He said all males have a very low AFP, usually down where u are now.  Mine is still 2.7 one year later. 


I was told they (docs) look for significant trends up.  There were times going down from 200 where I had a point or two up during checks and started to freak but next time a drop down.  It is not a nice smooth line with time and the readings as they go down.  Single digit AFP's I am told are normal.  



			
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Davepet

				      
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March 3, 2010 - 3:59am

			
TCRC dictionary
			
Has a good explanation here:


http://tcrc.acor.org/dictionary.html#afp


[quote]Please note that AFP is normally less than about 5 ng/ml, but cancer cannot be assumed until it is over 25 ng/ml. Also note that a very small number of people have a naturally high level of this protein in their blood (though less than 25) even though they do not have cancer.[/quote]


Hope that helps answer your questions,


Dave



			
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terato

				      
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March 3, 2010 - 5:22pm

			
And, I am one of those "naturally high level" AFP guys!
			
As I have posted before, my AFP ranges between 8.0 and 13.0, but never as high as 25.0.  I remain cancer-free after nearly 28 years.  It is extremely important to consult an oncologist specializing in male cancers if and when tumor markers are above "normal", because he has observed this before and can discern between anomalies, such as mine, and true biochemical warnings of tumor growth.


Courage and Peace of Mind!


Rick  



			
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Eric65

				      
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May 7, 2010 - 7:57pm

			
AP Levels
			
I just wanted to thank you all for your individual comments. I just found this site and I'm still new at all of this, you have answered questions I myself had. May God bless you all!



			
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terato's picture
						
terato

				      
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September 24, 2010 - 4:57pm

			
New test results!
			
My latest AFP is 8.9, down from 10.4 in March, which was down from 10.6 in December.  It has been as high as 13.0, with no physical presence of tumor for nearly 30 years!


"Live long and prosper!"


Rick



			
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