Tumor markers

PamAnn1
PamAnn1 Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My tumor marker from 4 months ago was a 16. Last week, it jumped to a 19. My oncologist says it is still in an acceptable range. I am aware of that, but should I be concerned with such a large jump in the number?

Comments

  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159 Member
    #2
    Those are still really low
    Those are still really low numbers~my oncologist is not alarmed umless they make a huge jump~ say from 19 to 30. And even then, he still waits until the next 6 month check up to see if that was just an anomoly. I did have such a spike once, and only once. I am a 7 year survivor, have danced on the tumor marker charts reglarly. Practical wisdom also says that for some reason, in BC those numbers are not a particularly accurate touchstone .

    Hugs,
    Chen♥
  • PamAnn1
    PamAnn1 Member Posts: 3
    #3
    chenheart said:

    Those are still really low
    Those are still really low numbers~my oncologist is not alarmed umless they make a huge jump~ say from 19 to 30. And even then, he still waits until the next 6 month check up to see if that was just an anomoly. I did have such a spike once, and only once. I am a 7 year survivor, have danced on the tumor marker charts reglarly. Practical wisdom also says that for some reason, in BC those numbers are not a particularly accurate touchstone .

    Hugs,
    Chen♥

    Thanks Chen
    It helps to talk to someone who has been there. I'm glad I found this site. I am 10 months out from diagnosis, surgery and MammoSite (now on Femara) and had just reached the point where I did not wake up every morning thinking . . "oh, no, I have breast cancer". Then the tumor marker! It does keep you on your toes, doesn't it. Congratulations on being a 7 year survivor! That is so encouraging . . especially when some people seem to need to tell you about the bad ones they know about.

    Pam
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #4
    concern
    I totally agree with Chen my friend, those numbers are excellent! My markers are different each time I have them taken, my onco's favorite phrase is "good means good" meaning as long as it is in good range all is well. So relax and do a little happy dance!

    RE
  • Eil4186
    Eil4186 Member Posts: 949
    #5
    I would trust your doctor. I
    I would trust your doctor. I have heard that anything below a 30 is considered to be "normal."
    I would guess too, that number will fluctuate just like other levels in our bodies, like white blood cells for example.
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #6
    RE said:

    concern
    I totally agree with Chen my friend, those numbers are excellent! My markers are different each time I have them taken, my onco's favorite phrase is "good means good" meaning as long as it is in good range all is well. So relax and do a little happy dance!

    RE

    I agree too. Your numbers
    I agree too. Your numbers are good! Don't worry about them. I am sure your oncologist will let you know if they aren't good.

    Leeza

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