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CA 125

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CA 125
Hi Bob - one of the first things we gals needed to learn is the CA #'s are oinly a vague guideline - basically for the docs to use in conjunction with other indicators & generally the trend is more important ththan the actual #. 2 scenarios low # but symptoms or higher # & no symptoms - the docs would certainly explore both.
my situaztion I was dx with a 4" tumor on my left ovary in May of 2013. had horrible ascites my belly was like 4-5 mos pregnant 1st drain was 8 liters & CA before TX was 4,000 - I was blessed to have responded extremely well to my chemo. my trend was seeming to cut it in half each tx. A year later April 2014 my CA tested at 16 & after a PET scan. I waa told there was no evidence of disease. I then started having a CA & seeingOnc rveevery three months. at my first 3-mo visit I tersted in the low 300's up quite a bit from 16 at the 2nd 3 mos I was up maybe 15 points.- I had a googgooid talk with my Gyn Onc * she explained a gradual climb did not conceren her. especially with no apparent symptoms. if the CA started doubling -she may then show oncernsa& do a CT. I really like her & wwhat she tells me coincides with my research & my teal sister's experiences.
docs do not use CA tests alone as diagnoistics. as the # can be skewed by other conditions & is not always considered accurate.
That's why the trending is most important -- I also asked iftouou test a patient wih no history of cancer would you get a zero reading? no in fact she said if she tested my hubby he would have areadin gCA stands for Cancer Antigen - not thatI've researched that - PSA test for prostate cancer iProstatre Specific Antigen.
with yuour wife's #'sfore & after TX-- sseeing that 50% drop - probably tells the docs they have he on a chemo that appears to be working. - starting at 4,000 - it took a long time to get into the normal range.
It was so exciting to finedout each new # before each tx & to SEE it was working -- sure made the tx"s worthwhile.
Bob & know several of the gals here also had a a very high starting # & slowly worked down to normal.
My lowest # didn't happen until after my debulking surgery & follow up chemo. hope this has given you some peace of mind & more understanding. for me, Knowledge & understanding have really helped me. come back often & read & learn - soon you will see the similarities in your experience & ours.
Best wishes to you & your wife.
Susan P from sdouthern Alberta Canada & TX & WY
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okSusan P said:CA 125
Hi Bob - one of the first things we gals needed to learn is the CA #'s are oinly a vague guideline - basically for the docs to use in conjunction with other indicators & generally the trend is more important ththan the actual #. 2 scenarios low # but symptoms or higher # & no symptoms - the docs would certainly explore both.
my situaztion I was dx with a 4" tumor on my left ovary in May of 2013. had horrible ascites my belly was like 4-5 mos pregnant 1st drain was 8 liters & CA before TX was 4,000 - I was blessed to have responded extremely well to my chemo. my trend was seeming to cut it in half each tx. A year later April 2014 my CA tested at 16 & after a PET scan. I waa told there was no evidence of disease. I then started having a CA & seeingOnc rveevery three months. at my first 3-mo visit I tersted in the low 300's up quite a bit from 16 at the 2nd 3 mos I was up maybe 15 points.- I had a googgooid talk with my Gyn Onc * she explained a gradual climb did not conceren her. especially with no apparent symptoms. if the CA started doubling -she may then show oncernsa& do a CT. I really like her & wwhat she tells me coincides with my research & my teal sister's experiences.
docs do not use CA tests alone as diagnoistics. as the # can be skewed by other conditions & is not always considered accurate.
That's why the trending is most important -- I also asked iftouou test a patient wih no history of cancer would you get a zero reading? no in fact she said if she tested my hubby he would have areadin gCA stands for Cancer Antigen - not thatI've researched that - PSA test for prostate cancer iProstatre Specific Antigen.
with yuour wife's #'sfore & after TX-- sseeing that 50% drop - probably tells the docs they have he on a chemo that appears to be working. - starting at 4,000 - it took a long time to get into the normal range.
It was so exciting to finedout each new # before each tx & to SEE it was working -- sure made the tx"s worthwhile.
Bob & know several of the gals here also had a a very high starting # & slowly worked down to normal.
My lowest # didn't happen until after my debulking surgery & follow up chemo. hope this has given you some peace of mind & more understanding. for me, Knowledge & understanding have really helped me. come back often & read & learn - soon you will see the similarities in your experience & ours.
Best wishes to you & your wife.
Susan P from sdouthern Alberta Canada & TX & WY
thanks for the feedback, Susan, yes, it was very helpful. This week has been much better than last week. Round 6 coming up Monday, she'll be a third of the way there, 18 scheduled weeks.
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