The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

stupid question....

alta29
alta29 CSN Member Posts: 435 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
me again...
We always ask if when the CEA is raising does it means that the cancer is back...but....if the mark is under 3.5 and keeps going down...does it means that we "should" be cancer free ???? Or that the tumors are shrinking ???
Like Care

Comments

  • vinny3
    vinny3 CSN Member Posts: 928 Member
    #2
    There is no such thing as a stupid question here. The CEA is an inexact measure which can be helpful in a supplementary way but does not give us solid information as to whether or not our cancer is gone or back. Mine has never been above 1 even when I had a recurrance. In general, it is not good if it is going up and is good if it is going down. But it doesn't tell us if the cancer is present or has disappeared. We have to rely on other tests such as the scans to give us more accurate information.

    ****
    Like Care
  • peacegift2002
    peacegift2002 CSN Member Posts: 16
    #3
    NEVER a stupid question! From what I can tell, if the CEA is a good indicator for you (it is pretty accurate for me) going down means cancer free, and going up means the beast is coming back. But that has to be confirmed by the other tests. What you and your doc have to figure out is if the CEA is a relevant marker for you, and that comes with experience.
    Like Care

Discussion Boards