chemo "wroking" but CEA not dropping...
The whole CEA thing is kinda new to me: I'm one of those people who did not have an elevated CEA on diagnosis nor with any of my previous 3 relapses (all lung). It wasn't a good indicator for me. But my dear onc kept testing it -- and this latest relapse was caught by a rising CEA. A suprise, but a welcome one (well, not the recurrence! but that fact that CEA gave us the first clue). So I'm not so used to following my CEA as an indicator of how well treatment is working.
Would love to hear experiences -- especially any that can reassure and comfort me! Could my CEA just be 'trailing'. It has been somewhat stable the last few cycles. I'm on #7 now -- will be having another PET after #8....I guess that will give me more (better) information.
Thanks and best wishes to all
Tara
Comments
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Hi
A started at about 150 and it slowly dropped to 2.5. There are others who have CEA in the thousands, so it all depends on the person. My ONC told me anything under 5 is in the normal range. Not sure if for me or everyone. Others will be sure to pipe in and give you their perspective or experience.
Raquel0 -
good scan news
Hi Tara,
That's great that the chemo is working and your scan showed shrinking spots and lower uptake on the PET! I know it's hard not to worry about the CEA, but I wouldn't worry too much, especially since it hasn't proven to be a real valid marker for you in the past. Plus, it has gone down from where it was before & you still do show uptake on the PET, so likely it will continue to go down even more as you continue on the chemo.
Sounds like you're doing pretty well- that's good news!
Take care and have a good weekend!
Lisa0 -
and as cancer cells die off........lisa42 said:good scan news
Hi Tara,
That's great that the chemo is working and your scan showed shrinking spots and lower uptake on the PET! I know it's hard not to worry about the CEA, but I wouldn't worry too much, especially since it hasn't proven to be a real valid marker for you in the past. Plus, it has gone down from where it was before & you still do show uptake on the PET, so likely it will continue to go down even more as you continue on the chemo.
Sounds like you're doing pretty well- that's good news!
Take care and have a good weekend!
Lisa
they put off CEA (antigens) that can show up as CEA elevation but in reality be cells dying off and releasing that antigen..........Buzz0 -
thank allBuzzard said:and as cancer cells die off........
they put off CEA (antigens) that can show up as CEA elevation but in reality be cells dying off and releasing that antigen..........Buzz
Thanks all.
Buzz -- I just LOVE the thought/image of those little cells dying and shedding -- thanks for that.
Tara0 -
Hi Tara, for now I would
Hi Tara, for now I would just concentrate on the good news of the scans! My Dr. watches my CEA but does not gage how I am doing by those numbers. It it jumps all of a sudden the take notice, but it has not been a good source as a marker. Talk with your Dr. and I bet he will confirm that! Enjoy the good news! Jean0 -
and for now....lets go with that til they prove otherwise..taraHK said:thank all
Thanks all.
Buzz -- I just LOVE the thought/image of those little cells dying and shedding -- thanks for that.
Tara
the balls in their court now...lets me and you sit and rest a bit, we deserve it, don't ya think ? Love to ya, Buzz0 -
FYI:If you happen to be overweight,chicoturner said:Hi Tara, for now I would
Hi Tara, for now I would just concentrate on the good news of the scans! My Dr. watches my CEA but does not gage how I am doing by those numbers. It it jumps all of a sudden the take notice, but it has not been a good source as a marker. Talk with your Dr. and I bet he will confirm that! Enjoy the good news! Jean
CEA may not be an accurate indicator for you, as per a recent study on body mass index and CEA0
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