CEA Question

jcavanaugh

For my dad, his cea level has always been a good indicator. Everytime it has gone up gradually (2-3 points per month), the doctor has ordered a pet scan and a recurrence has been spotted (1-2 spots). The highest it has ever been was 17.5 wiht one spot - it was ablated in October 05. In June 06 his cea was 5.7. On September 1, his cea was 3.9. On September 26, his cea was 55.1 according to his oncologist. Has this happened to anyone else - going from 3.9 to 55.1 in 25 days. This seems rather odd. Also, we got an inconclusive pet scan - not very detailed oriented and not compared to his previous scan in June 06. In June 06, he had a clean pet scan. Exactly 3 months later, he has multiple spots of hypermetablic activity. We are seeing a specialist on Tuesday (previously operated on my dad in October 05). Just curious if anyone has any thoughts about this? Anything would be helpful.

KathiM

Were both done by the same facility and the same machine, and read by the same guy? All these things can affect it.
Great that you are going back to the specialist that did the surgical staging....he will be familiar with your dad's 'territory'.
PLEASE keep us posted!

Hugs, Kathi

shmurciakova

Well, I would suggest making a list of questions to ask the doctor tomorrow so that you do not forget anything. I think it is possible for the CEA to rise rapidly, but that does seem very fast. Mine went from normal to 40, or so when I had a liver met. CEA is a fairly reliable indicator in my case too. I would think something certainly is going on, but as to what it is? I have no idea. The "hypermetabolic activity" would also indicate something going on, depending on where they are. Although, a sore throat can also show up on a PET scan. I suppose you will just have to wait until tomorrow to find out. Good luck to you and your father and please let us know how it goes.
-Susan.