CEA levels up

anasazi
anasazi Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Dr. just called to tell me that my CEA level was up from 5 to 19. I have been going thru chemo since Dec. I only have 5 more weeks to go. He wants to do a pet scan. I had a large tumor in the transverse colon. I had a resection in Oct. of 06. Only two lymph nodes were positive. What do I do now?

Comments

  • jams67
    jams67 Member Posts: 925 Member
    Go in for your test and hope that this is a lot of excitement over nothing. Be glad your doctor is on top of everything, but know that CEA levels are not a very good marker, only one part of the data. That is why your doc wants a PET scan done.
    Jo Ann
  • Monicaemilia
    Monicaemilia Member Posts: 455 Member
    CEA levels can rise for many reasons, including smoking and chemo. It may be nothing, but it is great that your doctor is on top of things. Monica
  • hopefulone
    hopefulone Member Posts: 1,043 Member
    I agree with the others . CEA is only one part of the puzzle and my husbands onc told us that it's not surprising for CEA to rise during chemo. Sounds like your doc is covering the basis with having the PET done. Hopefully they scheduled it soon so you dont have to play the waiting game long . Good luck and God Bless.
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    I hope that you will have your Pet scan soon and that nothing unusual will be revealed. Please know that I am thinking of you and hoping that the rise in your CEA is nothing to worry about. Please let us know your results.

    Hugs,

    Kay
  • anasazi
    anasazi Member Posts: 3
    Thank you all for making me feel better. I am now going thru the worst part ( waiting ). I hope the nurse calls me today to set up an appointment for PET.