First Scan after Chemo

nempark
nempark Member Posts: 681
edited March 2014 in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
My first scan after completion of Chemo shows a ca125 of 12 what does that mean? Is that really good? When I was leaving the doctor's office I asked her what to tell my friends when they asked about the ct scan and she said to tell them that I am in remission. Please help me to understand what the 125 is and if the 12 is a good number. jaa

Comments

  • TiggersDoBounce
    TiggersDoBounce Member Posts: 408
    #2
    Nempark
    Congrats on your great Scan!!

    CA 125 is a protein that is a so-called tumor marker or biomarker, which is a substance that is found in greater concentration in tumor cells than in other cells of the body. In particular, CA 125 is present in greater concentration in ovarian cancer cells than in other cells. It was first identified in the early 1980s, and the function of the CA 125 protein is not currently understood. CA stands for cancer antigen.

    Normal values are said to be less than 34 I believe.

    Some folks cannot rely on these numbers while other folks seem to be able to, so it is important to know how your body works and not automatically make judgements.

    Hang in and stay well!!

    Laurie
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #3
    TiggersDoBounce said:

    Nempark
    Congrats on your great Scan!!

    CA 125 is a protein that is a so-called tumor marker or biomarker, which is a substance that is found in greater concentration in tumor cells than in other cells of the body. In particular, CA 125 is present in greater concentration in ovarian cancer cells than in other cells. It was first identified in the early 1980s, and the function of the CA 125 protein is not currently understood. CA stands for cancer antigen.

    Normal values are said to be less than 34 I believe.

    Some folks cannot rely on these numbers while other folks seem to be able to, so it is important to know how your body works and not automatically make judgements.

    Hang in and stay well!!

    Laurie

    CA 125
    That's a good and bad guide for many of us. Yes it's a so-called guide to what's up with the cancer...putting it simply.

    My doc uses it for me as it has been a good guide. I started with a 400 right after my cancer diagnosis, before treatments. After started each chemo session it went down lower. After all treatments it was a 3. I've had my last treatment July '09 and it's still at 3. My doc told me he can use this as a good guide for me, but doesn't always work for others.

    As Laurie mentioned, it's usually used for ovarian but now starting to be more of a qualified marker with uterine, too. Even with ovarian it's not always accurate as it might be 65 and the person has great test results....this happened to a good friend of mine.

    Now go out and kick up you heels after that great news!!!
    Jan

    P.S. Google CA 125 and you'll find lots of great information!!
  • nempark
    nempark Member Posts: 681
    #4
    TiggersDoBounce said:

    Nempark
    Congrats on your great Scan!!

    CA 125 is a protein that is a so-called tumor marker or biomarker, which is a substance that is found in greater concentration in tumor cells than in other cells of the body. In particular, CA 125 is present in greater concentration in ovarian cancer cells than in other cells. It was first identified in the early 1980s, and the function of the CA 125 protein is not currently understood. CA stands for cancer antigen.

    Normal values are said to be less than 34 I believe.

    Some folks cannot rely on these numbers while other folks seem to be able to, so it is important to know how your body works and not automatically make judgements.

    Hang in and stay well!!

    Laurie

    Hi Laurie; This is my first conversation on line. thank you so much for replying to me. I have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer in November (state 1a)I had a total Hysterctomy and Doctor told me that everything was good, the pathologist report was good. How is it that I still have to continue going for scans? I thought once I have had everything removed that everything was gone. what do I do now, doctor was not so helpful in terms of diet (just use your own judgment) I plan to see a herbalist pretty soon to see what preventative herbs I can use. Thanks again. Please let me know what your cancer was and what state you were in. be well Jaa
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #5
    nempark said:

    Hi Laurie; This is my first conversation on line. thank you so much for replying to me. I have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer in November (state 1a)I had a total Hysterctomy and Doctor told me that everything was good, the pathologist report was good. How is it that I still have to continue going for scans? I thought once I have had everything removed that everything was gone. what do I do now, doctor was not so helpful in terms of diet (just use your own judgment) I plan to see a herbalist pretty soon to see what preventative herbs I can use. Thanks again. Please let me know what your cancer was and what state you were in. be well Jaa

    How to eat?
    I asked my doctor this one after and before treatments. Just told me they don't know enough about alternatives and food with statistics, so just do it in moderation. I'm a big one with vitamins and natural type foods. He basically gave me the okay after treatments do whatever I wished.

    I just find other venues to go for guidance on foods, etc....such as a nutritionist. Sounds like you're going your own route with a herbalist...good for you!!!

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