CA-125

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LyndsieRae
LyndsieRae Member Posts: 18
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I couldn't wait until my appointment on Wednesday to see what my CA-125 was. So I called today and they said it was 342. From a cancer stand point how bad is that?

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  • LyndsieRae
    LyndsieRae Member Posts: 18
    #2
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    I should have put in my message that 342 was my CA-125 was 3 days before my surgery.
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #3
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    Well, mine was 2988 so I don't think that 342 is so high. The think to remember is that each of us are different in producing antibodies and therefore each of us have different volumes of Cancer Antibodies. We use is a a marker as to how well our bodies are responding to the treatment. For instance, my very first two chemos, before surgery, reduced my CA125 from 2988 to 288 a 10 time decrease which indicated that the chemo was really doing a good job. When I went for surgery it was 35 and after surgery it was 30. Now for the last 5 monthe it has been between 4 and 7. I ask for copies of everything (all tests) to watch if my red and white blood counts bounce back. My field is biology so I am interested. You may not want so much information. For me, information is power. ((((HUGS)))
  • kris43
    kris43 Member Posts: 275
    #4
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    Lyndsie - I don't think there is a good or bad number when you are just starting out. It is what it is.Mine was 1660 and I am at 9 now. It is just a marker, something to go by to see how well you are responding to chemo. You'll have a lot of CA 125's taken in the next few months.

    I agree with Saundra - knowledge is power. The more you know about your disease and your options the better. It kind of puts you at the same level as your doctor - if you have no idea what they are talking about, then what? I think a lot of people don't care to know - they just want to have some one take care of the cancer. I've never been that way.

    Not long to your appointment now. Hang in there and let us know how it goes. Thinking of you often and sending a hug.

    Take care.
    Kris
  • LyndsieRae
    LyndsieRae Member Posts: 18
    #5
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    kris43 said:

    Lyndsie - I don't think there is a good or bad number when you are just starting out. It is what it is.Mine was 1660 and I am at 9 now. It is just a marker, something to go by to see how well you are responding to chemo. You'll have a lot of CA 125's taken in the next few months.

    I agree with Saundra - knowledge is power. The more you know about your disease and your options the better. It kind of puts you at the same level as your doctor - if you have no idea what they are talking about, then what? I think a lot of people don't care to know - they just want to have some one take care of the cancer. I've never been that way.

    Not long to your appointment now. Hang in there and let us know how it goes. Thinking of you often and sending a hug.

    Take care.
    Kris

    I feel the same way y'all do! I want to know everything I can possibly know!!! I can not lie, I am SO scared about Wednesday! I don't know what he's going to say or when he is going to start chemo! I can't seem to get my mind on anything else! I am having such a hard time emotionally!!
  • Keelie
    Keelie Member Posts: 97
    #6
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    Hi Lyndsie, I know that we all can relate to your fears. This disease is so frightening! But, I do think that once you get your first chemo over with, and know what to expect, you will start to calm down. The CA-125 number worries me all of the time, but I'm grateful that we at least have a 'marker' that can help our doctors know what is going on inside of us. We will all be thinking of you on Wednesday, and will be anxious for you to post all about your doctor's visit. I've sent you an e-mail, hope you get it.
    My prayers are with you and your wonderful family. MM aka Keelie
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #7
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    Dear Lyndsie,

    The other women already said it...each person is different and I've said this before that 342 for one woman can be high and to another low. Please don't focus on your ca125 until after you have a couple chemo treatments ~ I know easier said then done :-) The chemo will knock the cancer back so hang onto that thought as you get your first treatment. I always pictured the chemo as little pacmen searching out and eating up all the cancer. Sending lots of prayers your way. Bonnie
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #8
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    Hi Lyndsie:

    I'm sure you notice the consistency in all the feedback you've received. I agree with everyone. My number was only 48 the first time OVCA was discovered. The second time, my numbers were down to 18, 19, but then started to rise to 22, 24, 25, up to 32. The consistent rise was what initiated another surgery, and discovery of a recurrance, no other symptoms. So, they use the CA125 to monitor drastic, or even slow, consistent changes.

    Having copies of my reports is very helpful. I can actually relate some elevations to stress, infections, not eating or exercising as I usually do, or taking certain supplements, etc. In time you will learn to use the number for your benefit, but not let it rule your life.

    A side note: My levels have been from 8-12 since my last chemo (July, 2006). Then my doctor gave me Boniva (a once-a-month pill for bone loss) and it spiked my number to 27! You can bet I was REALLY concerned. My doctor said to wait till the following month and see what happens. I stopped taking Boniva, and my next test was down to 18. So, there are TONS of factors that can change the numbers. But numbers coming DOWN is DEFINITELY a good thing!

    Take care - hang in there. We'll be waiting to hear from you!

    Hugs & Prayers!
    Monika
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #9
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