CA -125 continues to rise

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Comments

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    soul-mate said:

    More questions ?

    Hi ! To all the ladies on this board I wish you all the best. I have a question about CA 125 levels for endometrial cancer, do they put lot of emphasis on readings or just a guide line? I was told by my wife's doctors that the markers are not reliable with endo.c . She is on Gemzar for chemo as 5 Carbo-Taxol treatments neuropathy set in and damage would be too great if we continued. Your wealth of experience here is greatly appreciated. Bye for now.

    SOUL-MATE

    Soul-mate

    My doctor has said that the CA125 is just a number.  He treats if the patient has physical symptoms, or if the scan shows changes.  He is never concerned with my high numbers if I do not have symptoms or the scan does not show changes.  the marker is not a significant test for many, but others it can indicate a recurrence.

    Why my marker always increases after I go off chemo, I don't know.  Wish I did know.  I never have any symptoms, so I have to depend on scans.

    i am sorry that you and your wife are having to deal with this cancer.   I am sorry she is dealing with neuropathy.  Luckily I have not developed neuropathy even completing 3 different rounds of chemo.   Everyone reacts differently.  She is lucky to have your support. In peace and caring.

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member

    Hi Ro, I have a question for you

    Last year you went on a vacation and your CA 125 came down considerably. Did you try to think of anything you did differently when you were on vacation. Whether it could be food or even taking any kind of medicine that you hadn't been on regularly at home. Did you sit down scientifically with pen and paper and involve others who were with you so you could brain storm it?

     

    Maybe it wasn't a fluke. Maybe you could recreate the changes and knock those numbers down again.

     

    Lisa

     

    Lisa

    I wish I knew why my marker went down after my last trip.   Before the trip we took two days to drive to Florida from Illinois.  Two days later we left for Australia.  We arrived 33 hours later after 4 flights and a 13 hour overnight flight.  While on our trip, I experienced many different foods.   I had kangaroo, lamb, alligator, and various fruits and vegetables.  My medications were not any different from what I normally take.  We did lots of walking which I usually do every day.  After the trip we had another 13 hour flight to LA.  I have very little stress in my life, so I don't think stress is a factor.

    I think  the drop was a fluke because the number has never gone down before without chemo.  I just hope for the continued slow rise in the marker.  Thanks for your concern.

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,677 Member
    Ro10 said:

    Lisa

    I wish I knew why my marker went down after my last trip.   Before the trip we took two days to drive to Florida from Illinois.  Two days later we left for Australia.  We arrived 33 hours later after 4 flights and a 13 hour overnight flight.  While on our trip, I experienced many different foods.   I had kangaroo, lamb, alligator, and various fruits and vegetables.  My medications were not any different from what I normally take.  We did lots of walking which I usually do every day.  After the trip we had another 13 hour flight to LA.  I have very little stress in my life, so I don't think stress is a factor.

    I think  the drop was a fluke because the number has never gone down before without chemo.  I just hope for the continued slow rise in the marker.  Thanks for your concern.

    I still think you may be on to something

    Will be interesting to see your numbers after the next trip.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,353 Member
    You are amazing

    AND you got some of my favorites to come out and post.  WHY?  Because you are a true gem. 

    All the ladies on the gynecological cancer pages are in my thoughts and prayerss.  I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have the knowledge and humor from you all. 

    Much love to all.

  • Ocalagal99
    Ocalagal99 Member Posts: 29

    Wow

    I have no idea which choice I would make, but quality of life is so important and you have not closed any doors.  The longer you're off chemo, the stronger you will be IF you need to do it again.  Being symtpom free is amazing.

    It is very interesting about the AIs.  I was on Arimidex for breast cancer and last year switched to Tamoxifen.  While I really do believe my endometrial cancer is gone, gone and gone forever, I have this sense of comfort when I take my little white pill each day that just in case there is a nasty group of endo cancer cells somewhere, they're not going to thrive because the estrogen receptors will be blocked and they'll give up and die.  Silly, but it gives me a double reason to take it (I don't like having to take it). Are you having your bones scanned for osteoporosis?  That's the big ugly side effect of the AIs, and one reason I've chosen to remain on Tamoxifen.  I did develop osteoporosis, and I do NOT want to take a bisphosphonate and since Tamoxifen can be good for bones, I'll see what my next dexascan has to say.    I have a question about Tamoxifen and endo cancer, tho, and one that you might ask your oncologist.  A side effect of Tamoxifen is endometrial cancer and it is sometimes UPSC.  So, if you have those cells somewhere else, how does Tamoxifen help if they're not in the uterus but elsewhere?  Just curious.  Maybe someone could answer that.  Hmmmmm, maybe I'll ask my oncologist when I see her next.  I just thought of that.  AIs don't effect the uterus (if one has one).

    I did not have adriamyacin but several of my friends had it for breast cancer treatment.  It used to be the absolute drug of choice (referred to as the "red devil"), but it can cause heart damage, so Taxotere has been found to be as effective with no evidence of heart damage.  For an old broad like me with high blood pressure, my oncologist chose Taxotere and I notice now that most women are having Taxotere instead.  If you decide to try Adriamyacin, you might want to ask about heart issues.  (My friends are fine) 

    Sorry about the rising CA125, but as you say, it is a lesser rise than previously.  Sounds like you are indeed in good hands and will keep an eye on it.  For now, enjoy!

    Suzanne

    What is AIs.

    Hi, Suzanne,

    you mention in your post:
    "It is very interesting about the AIs."
    Can you explain that AI is, please.  Abbreviation?  Thank you.

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member

    What is AIs.

    Hi, Suzanne,

    you mention in your post:
    "It is very interesting about the AIs."
    Can you explain that AI is, please.  Abbreviation?  Thank you.

    AI's are Aromatase Inhibitors

    Examples of Aromatase Inhibitos are Aromasin, Arimidex, Femara, Tamoxifin, and Letrozole.  They work to slow the growth of tumors.

  • SUNGRANNY
    SUNGRANNY Member Posts: 81 Member
    Dear Ro,
    Thank you for

    Dear Ro,

    Thank you for sharing your recent situation.  I am impressed by your thoughtful choice. How good that you have options. 

    Good for you for sticking with your quality of life philosophy and your upcoming cruise.  That should be a lovely experience.  

    Since I've been on this list (Nov 2012) I've gotten information and hope from your posts. Thank you.

    May you continue symptom free, and have a wonderful cruise.  

    Sara

  • Ocalagal99
    Ocalagal99 Member Posts: 29
    Ro10 said:

    AI's are Aromatase Inhibitors

    Examples of Aromatase Inhibitos are Aromasin, Arimidex, Femara, Tamoxifin, and Letrozole.  They work to slow the growth of tumors.

    AI

    Thanks, Ro, I hadn't heard of these.
    Your posts have been so helpful and informative.  I am so glad you are doing well.

    My last CA 125 went from 33 to 41 so now have a consult with Chemo Dr.  I have been off chemo for 3 months for radiation (sandwich) and just have my port flushed every 6 weeks when this appeared.  So now want to find out what options and cautions there are.  Not sure that I should panic about the rise in numbers yet. 

    Please keep posting!