screening for recurrence

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froggy1
froggy1 Member Posts: 205
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello Ladies,
Now don't laugh at me, but I found out that my CA125 went from 5 to 6 this month. 'Keep in mind that my Doctor has pegged my baseline at five and feels single digits are my goal. Naturally the nurses said no big deal(have not seen doc yet) Even though it is a small rise and may be a fluke, I am concerned. 'Had a clear PET in March- NED.
I was wondering how your Doctor screens for recurrence?(How often are you tested and what tests are done?) I know this CA125 number is deemed more reliable by some docs than others and that you can have a lot of cancer and still have a low CA125.
I am hoping this is not the beginning of my upward journey. I have not even been in "the club" a year yet!
Thanks in advance for any input.. Love and teal hugs, Froggy

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  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #2
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    Don't worry
    The CA-125 has to rise over several test to be indicative. One point does not mean anything. Next test it could be 4. That is the way mine did. At Stage IV I get a CA125 monthly. My doctors have to see something on the CT and feel something during a physical in addition to the rise in CA125 to confirm. They use all three markers....Saundra
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #3
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    Monitoring
    Froggy,

    One thing I've heard from women in my support group is that their doctor finds almost any CA-125 reading unacceptable. I've never seen mine go below 13, and it usually ran about 17 until it started climbing 1 1/2 years ago. When it went from 17 to 42, my local doctor suggested I go see a gyn/onc, and I've had CT scans every 3-4 months, monthly CA-125, internal exam every 3 months since early 2008. I have just changed gyn/onc, and am now seeing one who is of those who find any reading unacceptable. We'll see what the future holds now.

    Sue
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
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    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #5
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    No Laughing Here
    Hi Froggy, No laughing from me either just a hug and a prayer. Please don't worry about a point or two, this test can flucuate. Now if you trend upwards each month or every three months then there may be concern. Anyway ots of Hugs ♥ Prayers coming your way. Bonnie
  • froggy1
    froggy1 Member Posts: 205
    #6
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Thanks
    Thanks for the response. It's pretty sad the way one "little" number can have such an impact. I have more labs week after next and I am anxious already! Luv, Froggy(If I had a good picture, I'd post it, but I don't right now!)
  • froggy1
    froggy1 Member Posts: 205
    #7
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    BonnieR said:

    No Laughing Here
    Hi Froggy, No laughing from me either just a hug and a prayer. Please don't worry about a point or two, this test can flucuate. Now if you trend upwards each month or every three months then there may be concern. Anyway ots of Hugs ♥ Prayers coming your way. Bonnie

    Thanks
    Thanks Bonnie and congrats on your new success. You are such an inspiration to all! Froggy
  • jamilou
    jamilou Member Posts: 200
    #8
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    froggy1 said:

    Thanks
    Thanks Bonnie and congrats on your new success. You are such an inspiration to all! Froggy

    CA125
    Froggy
    My diagnosis was in April 2000. My original CA125 was about 120. Since the end of my chemo it ranges anywhere from 6 - 12. My oncologist has never had a problem with it going up a few points.
    Jami
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #9
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    #
    Froggy,

    My original number was 1799 and then stayed about 5-8. After NED I would have blood work every 3 months, but that only lasted twice and now I am in recurrence with number at 193 (went to 13, then 93, and then 193) and prayerfully dropping after two treatments.

    Will find out Monday when I get CA125 and also CBC to see if neulasta is working. It should be for as much as it costs and pains the body!!! =)

    In His Grip,
    Libby

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