CA 125 up from 21 to 41

13

Comments

  • upsofloating
    upsofloating Member Posts: 466 Member
    norma2 said:

    The very best of news!!!
    All is well. They didn't even retest for CA 125. Did a CT scan and CBC. All results are fine. Doc gave me a big grin and a hug. Said not to worry. See you in 3 months. Thank you wonderful ladies for your support. I can't begin to tell you how much it helped through the nights when I was so worried and couldn't sleep.

    LOVE YOU LADIES!!!

    What a great relief! Such
    What a great relief! Such good news ... with that weight lifted you can get back to fully enjoying life.
    Annie
  • TiggersDoBounce
    TiggersDoBounce Member Posts: 408
    norma2 said:

    The very best of news!!!
    All is well. They didn't even retest for CA 125. Did a CT scan and CBC. All results are fine. Doc gave me a big grin and a hug. Said not to worry. See you in 3 months. Thank you wonderful ladies for your support. I can't begin to tell you how much it helped through the nights when I was so worried and couldn't sleep.

    LOVE YOU LADIES!!!

    Norma
    Sending hugs...great news for you!!

    Laurie
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479

    Norma
    Sending hugs...great news for you!!

    Laurie

    {{{{GROUP HUGGGGGG}}}}
    Love you ladies!!!! Your sweet messages lifted my heart when it was so heavy. Bless you all. May we all find the joy and peace that comes with hearing good news. I read this board each day. Many times I don't write something but, I always offer up a prayer when I read what is shared.

    I can't begin say how much this place has brought me comfort and strength. I hope I can do the same for others. Sharing the journey. Love to all. Norma
  • firstsister
    firstsister Member Posts: 13
    norma2 said:

    The very best of news!!!
    All is well. They didn't even retest for CA 125. Did a CT scan and CBC. All results are fine. Doc gave me a big grin and a hug. Said not to worry. See you in 3 months. Thank you wonderful ladies for your support. I can't begin to tell you how much it helped through the nights when I was so worried and couldn't sleep.

    LOVE YOU LADIES!!!

    Wonderful news!
    So glad!! Pat
  • sleem
    sleem Member Posts: 92

    Wonderful news!
    So glad!! Pat

    MDA person & my CA 125 also jumped last time
    Went for check-up March 11', CA 125 results not back, requested by mail, received & mine rose too from 14 something to 21. Hubby & I the noted on the lab report 'new methdology' and wanted that explained. After many emails & responses, spoke with my wonderful doctor.

    Will have my regular next appt. in 3 months on 6 month schedule. That would be 6 months from my last CA 125. This would not help my frame of mind on the idea of what if it 1)Had really jumped in the middle of new methodology & would go un-noticed in this change? or 2) How much did the methodology make CA 125 jump if any? 3) What is a normal range in this new methodology when 35 was the old one for moving into the abnormal range? 4) What measures are taken when a CA 125 does reach a high marker of concern for tests etc?

    So, dr. & I decided to have a 3 month mid CA 125 before my 6 month check-up. It has been 3 months since my CA 125 @ MDA & I will have another one locally where I live for comparision. Even though the lab here might have a different methodology from MDA, my dr. will understand the differences.

    I too had lows and highs on the scale of concern. I am blessed in NED & have felt all the feelings expressed here on this board.

    I have not been on this page for a while. It is wild that 3 of us had jumps at MDA & how each of us reacted. Also, how different each of this came to be known to us.

    To have saved us this worry, perhaps each of us can express that in the future when a new methodology is put into place, a brief note should be explained and the dr. explain this as well as what does a hospital gain by changing the methodology if it can't tell whether we have a genuine rise in CA 125 or not.

    Just some thoughts and thank all of you.

    Waiting to have the test and will let you know what occurs after it is done. Might take a while.
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    sleem said:

    MDA person & my CA 125 also jumped last time
    Went for check-up March 11', CA 125 results not back, requested by mail, received & mine rose too from 14 something to 21. Hubby & I the noted on the lab report 'new methdology' and wanted that explained. After many emails & responses, spoke with my wonderful doctor.

    Will have my regular next appt. in 3 months on 6 month schedule. That would be 6 months from my last CA 125. This would not help my frame of mind on the idea of what if it 1)Had really jumped in the middle of new methodology & would go un-noticed in this change? or 2) How much did the methodology make CA 125 jump if any? 3) What is a normal range in this new methodology when 35 was the old one for moving into the abnormal range? 4) What measures are taken when a CA 125 does reach a high marker of concern for tests etc?

    So, dr. & I decided to have a 3 month mid CA 125 before my 6 month check-up. It has been 3 months since my CA 125 @ MDA & I will have another one locally where I live for comparision. Even though the lab here might have a different methodology from MDA, my dr. will understand the differences.

    I too had lows and highs on the scale of concern. I am blessed in NED & have felt all the feelings expressed here on this board.

    I have not been on this page for a while. It is wild that 3 of us had jumps at MDA & how each of us reacted. Also, how different each of this came to be known to us.

    To have saved us this worry, perhaps each of us can express that in the future when a new methodology is put into place, a brief note should be explained and the dr. explain this as well as what does a hospital gain by changing the methodology if it can't tell whether we have a genuine rise in CA 125 or not.

    Just some thoughts and thank all of you.

    Waiting to have the test and will let you know what occurs after it is done. Might take a while.

    cathcing up
    Norma and others,

    Just catching up with you here. I'm glad all well with you, Norma. Just got to thinking that as these "bumps" happen and we get through them - and we usually do muddle through pretty good - that they probably make us stronger and more resilient in the end.

    For what it's worth. Love to all. Mary Ann
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479
    sleem said:

    MDA person & my CA 125 also jumped last time
    Went for check-up March 11', CA 125 results not back, requested by mail, received & mine rose too from 14 something to 21. Hubby & I the noted on the lab report 'new methdology' and wanted that explained. After many emails & responses, spoke with my wonderful doctor.

    Will have my regular next appt. in 3 months on 6 month schedule. That would be 6 months from my last CA 125. This would not help my frame of mind on the idea of what if it 1)Had really jumped in the middle of new methodology & would go un-noticed in this change? or 2) How much did the methodology make CA 125 jump if any? 3) What is a normal range in this new methodology when 35 was the old one for moving into the abnormal range? 4) What measures are taken when a CA 125 does reach a high marker of concern for tests etc?

    So, dr. & I decided to have a 3 month mid CA 125 before my 6 month check-up. It has been 3 months since my CA 125 @ MDA & I will have another one locally where I live for comparision. Even though the lab here might have a different methodology from MDA, my dr. will understand the differences.

    I too had lows and highs on the scale of concern. I am blessed in NED & have felt all the feelings expressed here on this board.

    I have not been on this page for a while. It is wild that 3 of us had jumps at MDA & how each of us reacted. Also, how different each of this came to be known to us.

    To have saved us this worry, perhaps each of us can express that in the future when a new methodology is put into place, a brief note should be explained and the dr. explain this as well as what does a hospital gain by changing the methodology if it can't tell whether we have a genuine rise in CA 125 or not.

    Just some thoughts and thank all of you.

    Waiting to have the test and will let you know what occurs after it is done. Might take a while.

    Thanks for the response :)
    I guess I will have just have to wait til the end of Aug. to find out. I did find a super place to eat lunch at MDA. It is in the Rotary House and the buffet is super. I have never lost my appetite. I feel wonderful. I hope you do too, sleem. Each day is such a blessing.

    Mary Ann!!! I have read your posts and sounds like you are doing well. I appreciate your stopping in and the well wishes....{{{huggggg}}}}}

    Pat!! thanks for the response.

    Here is to us all. A toast. Let us never lose the wonder of the moment by spending it on worrying about tomorrow.
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479
    norma2 said:

    Thanks for the response :)
    I guess I will have just have to wait til the end of Aug. to find out. I did find a super place to eat lunch at MDA. It is in the Rotary House and the buffet is super. I have never lost my appetite. I feel wonderful. I hope you do too, sleem. Each day is such a blessing.

    Mary Ann!!! I have read your posts and sounds like you are doing well. I appreciate your stopping in and the well wishes....{{{huggggg}}}}}

    Pat!! thanks for the response.

    Here is to us all. A toast. Let us never lose the wonder of the moment by spending it on worrying about tomorrow.

    UPDATE 8/26/2011
    as of yesterday my CA 125 was 41 again. No sign of disease upon examination. Looks like the new testing at MD Anderson in Houston is more sensitve. So the 40's may be the new normal. Dr Levenbach was very positive and said "see ya in 3 months". Am 1-1/2 yrs since the end of treatment.
    Best advice heard was "go out and enjoy life and quit worrying about the cancer". Going to take that advice.
    Again thanks for all the well wishes. Praying for all of us. I think prayers are answered.
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    norma2 said:

    UPDATE 8/26/2011
    as of yesterday my CA 125 was 41 again. No sign of disease upon examination. Looks like the new testing at MD Anderson in Houston is more sensitve. So the 40's may be the new normal. Dr Levenbach was very positive and said "see ya in 3 months". Am 1-1/2 yrs since the end of treatment.
    Best advice heard was "go out and enjoy life and quit worrying about the cancer". Going to take that advice.
    Again thanks for all the well wishes. Praying for all of us. I think prayers are answered.

    Norma
    That's good to know about the equipment affecting the numbers. My docs say that too - good advice for us to heed. Glad things are going so well with you.

    Thanks for the prayers. I pray for us all too. Love, Mary Ann
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479
    daisy366 said:

    Norma
    That's good to know about the equipment affecting the numbers. My docs say that too - good advice for us to heed. Glad things are going so well with you.

    Thanks for the prayers. I pray for us all too. Love, Mary Ann

    Thanks!!!
    Hope all is well for you, my friend.
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    norma2 said:

    UPDATE 8/26/2011
    as of yesterday my CA 125 was 41 again. No sign of disease upon examination. Looks like the new testing at MD Anderson in Houston is more sensitve. So the 40's may be the new normal. Dr Levenbach was very positive and said "see ya in 3 months". Am 1-1/2 yrs since the end of treatment.
    Best advice heard was "go out and enjoy life and quit worrying about the cancer". Going to take that advice.
    Again thanks for all the well wishes. Praying for all of us. I think prayers are answered.

    Great news, Norma
    Very good news! I am happy to hear that you are doing so well. Keep dancing...and take your Dr's advice....enjoy life!

    Hugs, Karen
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    kkstef said:

    Great news, Norma
    Very good news! I am happy to hear that you are doing so well. Keep dancing...and take your Dr's advice....enjoy life!

    Hugs, Karen

    Norma!
    Wow that's some good news if you ask me. As Karen mentioned, take your docs advice and keep smiling and enjoying life!! Don't look back, only forward.

    Hugs,
    Jan
  • maggie_wilson
    maggie_wilson Member Posts: 596
    jazzy1 said:

    Norma!
    Wow that's some good news if you ask me. As Karen mentioned, take your docs advice and keep smiling and enjoying life!! Don't look back, only forward.

    Hugs,
    Jan

    norma
    i'm so glad to hear the news that all is well. when i read that the methodology of the ca 125 was changed, i was quite certain that accounted for the rise. my doctor has said she looks at real spikes, and that didn't sound like a true spike to me. in any case, all's well that end's well. take good care of yourself, norma, and sweet dreams from hereon in.

    sisterhood,
    maggie
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980

    norma
    i'm so glad to hear the news that all is well. when i read that the methodology of the ca 125 was changed, i was quite certain that accounted for the rise. my doctor has said she looks at real spikes, and that didn't sound like a true spike to me. in any case, all's well that end's well. take good care of yourself, norma, and sweet dreams from hereon in.

    sisterhood,
    maggie

    When my CA125 hit 8500, "the number" lost its power.
    I ache to see so many of my brave sisters held hostage by those damn fluctuating CA125 numbers, lying sleepless in their beds, worrying over something they cannot control. My last CA125 was around 2600, down from 8500 (8500!) June 1st right before they did the radioembolization of the right side of my liver. & tomorrow, before I get the left side of my liver radioembolized, they'll draw another CA125 so we have a new baseline going forward.

    But I long ago stopped letting "the number" dominate my thoughts or torture me with "what ifs". A sharp spike in CA125 has always been an accurate indicator that I had disease progression. But IMAGINE a CA125 of 8500: wouldn't you think someone with a CA125 of 8500 was knocking on heaven's door? But almost 3 months later, I'm still going to football scrimmages and out to lunch and weeding my garden and hanging out with my hubby in the pool. LIVING. ALIVE.

    Please don't forget to LIVE, all of you. Let cancer be an INTERRUPTION only in the rest of your busy vibrant lives. Don't be 'cancer girl' 100% of the time: worrying, researching, reading only cancer books, hesitating to enjoy a fabulous meal,...putting your life on hold for the 'someday' when you hope to put cancer behind you. Because many of us will never be able to turn our backs on cancer and never look back. So we better find a way to decrease cancer's power over us to spoil our sense of well-being and joy of life. Cancer may very well shorten your life, but you don't have to give it the days you have left!!

    When your CA125 creeps up, remember my CA125 of 8500, and that the number didn't kill me! Just a number. Just an interruption in the rest of your life. ((((hugs))))
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member

    When my CA125 hit 8500, "the number" lost its power.
    I ache to see so many of my brave sisters held hostage by those damn fluctuating CA125 numbers, lying sleepless in their beds, worrying over something they cannot control. My last CA125 was around 2600, down from 8500 (8500!) June 1st right before they did the radioembolization of the right side of my liver. & tomorrow, before I get the left side of my liver radioembolized, they'll draw another CA125 so we have a new baseline going forward.

    But I long ago stopped letting "the number" dominate my thoughts or torture me with "what ifs". A sharp spike in CA125 has always been an accurate indicator that I had disease progression. But IMAGINE a CA125 of 8500: wouldn't you think someone with a CA125 of 8500 was knocking on heaven's door? But almost 3 months later, I'm still going to football scrimmages and out to lunch and weeding my garden and hanging out with my hubby in the pool. LIVING. ALIVE.

    Please don't forget to LIVE, all of you. Let cancer be an INTERRUPTION only in the rest of your busy vibrant lives. Don't be 'cancer girl' 100% of the time: worrying, researching, reading only cancer books, hesitating to enjoy a fabulous meal,...putting your life on hold for the 'someday' when you hope to put cancer behind you. Because many of us will never be able to turn our backs on cancer and never look back. So we better find a way to decrease cancer's power over us to spoil our sense of well-being and joy of life. Cancer may very well shorten your life, but you don't have to give it the days you have left!!

    When your CA125 creeps up, remember my CA125 of 8500, and that the number didn't kill me! Just a number. Just an interruption in the rest of your life. ((((hugs))))

    Well said Linda!
    Thoughts

    Well said Linda!

    Thoughts are with you for tomorrow's radioembolization.
  • HellieC
    HellieC Member Posts: 524 Member

    When my CA125 hit 8500, "the number" lost its power.
    I ache to see so many of my brave sisters held hostage by those damn fluctuating CA125 numbers, lying sleepless in their beds, worrying over something they cannot control. My last CA125 was around 2600, down from 8500 (8500!) June 1st right before they did the radioembolization of the right side of my liver. & tomorrow, before I get the left side of my liver radioembolized, they'll draw another CA125 so we have a new baseline going forward.

    But I long ago stopped letting "the number" dominate my thoughts or torture me with "what ifs". A sharp spike in CA125 has always been an accurate indicator that I had disease progression. But IMAGINE a CA125 of 8500: wouldn't you think someone with a CA125 of 8500 was knocking on heaven's door? But almost 3 months later, I'm still going to football scrimmages and out to lunch and weeding my garden and hanging out with my hubby in the pool. LIVING. ALIVE.

    Please don't forget to LIVE, all of you. Let cancer be an INTERRUPTION only in the rest of your busy vibrant lives. Don't be 'cancer girl' 100% of the time: worrying, researching, reading only cancer books, hesitating to enjoy a fabulous meal,...putting your life on hold for the 'someday' when you hope to put cancer behind you. Because many of us will never be able to turn our backs on cancer and never look back. So we better find a way to decrease cancer's power over us to spoil our sense of well-being and joy of life. Cancer may very well shorten your life, but you don't have to give it the days you have left!!

    When your CA125 creeps up, remember my CA125 of 8500, and that the number didn't kill me! Just a number. Just an interruption in the rest of your life. ((((hugs))))

    You're so right, Linda
    Every time I read one of your posts, I want to hug you! You are facing such difficulties but still striving to enjoy each and every day and passing on such sensible thoughts to us all. I hope everything goes OK with the procedure for "the left side". Will be thinking about you. {{{{hugs}}}}
    Kindest regards
    Helen
  • HellieC
    HellieC Member Posts: 524 Member
    norma2 said:

    UPDATE 8/26/2011
    as of yesterday my CA 125 was 41 again. No sign of disease upon examination. Looks like the new testing at MD Anderson in Houston is more sensitve. So the 40's may be the new normal. Dr Levenbach was very positive and said "see ya in 3 months". Am 1-1/2 yrs since the end of treatment.
    Best advice heard was "go out and enjoy life and quit worrying about the cancer". Going to take that advice.
    Again thanks for all the well wishes. Praying for all of us. I think prayers are answered.

    So pleased for you, Norma
    So pleased to hear your news. So 41 is the "new normal"? "New normal" - how many times have we cancer survivors heard that phrase?! Ha Ha!
    Wishing you nothing but joy
    Helen
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479

    When my CA125 hit 8500, "the number" lost its power.
    I ache to see so many of my brave sisters held hostage by those damn fluctuating CA125 numbers, lying sleepless in their beds, worrying over something they cannot control. My last CA125 was around 2600, down from 8500 (8500!) June 1st right before they did the radioembolization of the right side of my liver. & tomorrow, before I get the left side of my liver radioembolized, they'll draw another CA125 so we have a new baseline going forward.

    But I long ago stopped letting "the number" dominate my thoughts or torture me with "what ifs". A sharp spike in CA125 has always been an accurate indicator that I had disease progression. But IMAGINE a CA125 of 8500: wouldn't you think someone with a CA125 of 8500 was knocking on heaven's door? But almost 3 months later, I'm still going to football scrimmages and out to lunch and weeding my garden and hanging out with my hubby in the pool. LIVING. ALIVE.

    Please don't forget to LIVE, all of you. Let cancer be an INTERRUPTION only in the rest of your busy vibrant lives. Don't be 'cancer girl' 100% of the time: worrying, researching, reading only cancer books, hesitating to enjoy a fabulous meal,...putting your life on hold for the 'someday' when you hope to put cancer behind you. Because many of us will never be able to turn our backs on cancer and never look back. So we better find a way to decrease cancer's power over us to spoil our sense of well-being and joy of life. Cancer may very well shorten your life, but you don't have to give it the days you have left!!

    When your CA125 creeps up, remember my CA125 of 8500, and that the number didn't kill me! Just a number. Just an interruption in the rest of your life. ((((hugs))))

    Hugggg right back, Linda
    Your posts about enjoying each day resonate in my heart. It seems like the only way I have gotten a hold on this whole cancer thing is to stop and live in the moment. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not here yet. I am living right now. And making the best of now gives me joy. No matter what the circumstance. It is a blessing.
    The precious present.

    I think of you often, Linda. Pray for you. And take strength from your insight.
    It is only a number.
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479

    When my CA125 hit 8500, "the number" lost its power.
    I ache to see so many of my brave sisters held hostage by those damn fluctuating CA125 numbers, lying sleepless in their beds, worrying over something they cannot control. My last CA125 was around 2600, down from 8500 (8500!) June 1st right before they did the radioembolization of the right side of my liver. & tomorrow, before I get the left side of my liver radioembolized, they'll draw another CA125 so we have a new baseline going forward.

    But I long ago stopped letting "the number" dominate my thoughts or torture me with "what ifs". A sharp spike in CA125 has always been an accurate indicator that I had disease progression. But IMAGINE a CA125 of 8500: wouldn't you think someone with a CA125 of 8500 was knocking on heaven's door? But almost 3 months later, I'm still going to football scrimmages and out to lunch and weeding my garden and hanging out with my hubby in the pool. LIVING. ALIVE.

    Please don't forget to LIVE, all of you. Let cancer be an INTERRUPTION only in the rest of your busy vibrant lives. Don't be 'cancer girl' 100% of the time: worrying, researching, reading only cancer books, hesitating to enjoy a fabulous meal,...putting your life on hold for the 'someday' when you hope to put cancer behind you. Because many of us will never be able to turn our backs on cancer and never look back. So we better find a way to decrease cancer's power over us to spoil our sense of well-being and joy of life. Cancer may very well shorten your life, but you don't have to give it the days you have left!!

    When your CA125 creeps up, remember my CA125 of 8500, and that the number didn't kill me! Just a number. Just an interruption in the rest of your life. ((((hugs))))

    Hugggg right back, Linda
    Your posts about enjoying each day resonate in my heart. It seems like the only way I have gotten a hold on this whole cancer thing is to stop and live in the moment. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not here yet. I am living right now. And making the best of now gives me joy. No matter what the circumstance. It is a blessing.
    The precious present.

    I think of you often, Linda. Pray for you. And take strength from your insight.
    It is only a number.
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479
    HellieC said:

    So pleased for you, Norma
    So pleased to hear your news. So 41 is the "new normal"? "New normal" - how many times have we cancer survivors heard that phrase?! Ha Ha!
    Wishing you nothing but joy
    Helen

    Thank you!!!
    Joy to you too, Helen.