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Can your ca19-9 level go up even though tumors are shrinking?

Ruecatt
Ruecatt CSN Member Posts: 1 Member
in Pancreatic Cancer #1

My husbands, who has metastatic pancreatic cancer (spread to his liver) latest Ct scan showed that his tumors have slightly shrunk. The tumor on the pancreas from 3.7cm to 3.0cm and the liver tumors have also shrunk some. However his CA19-9 level has gone up. He has had 4 rounds of chemo so far. Does that mean his treatment is not working? His CA19-9 level has been normal but has increased, started at 9 → 14 → now 38 (which is considered high).

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Comments

  • WorkingMan66
    WorkingMan66 CSN Member Posts: 1 Member
    #2

    I have the same question, but my numbers are far higher.

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  • coffeenutz
    coffeenutz CSN Member Posts: 2 *
    #3

    this is a great question. My husbands CA 19-9 is 45. It does vary. He has a tumor/cyst that is only 5mm. They won’t remove it or biopsy it. They said he will get pancreatitis. I’m sorry upset worried & scred. We found out a few months ago & yet still no definitive answer if he has cancer or not? I just found this group & very grateful. He had a CT scan & MRI. Also lots of bloodwork. What do yall recommend? We live in Southeast Florida

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  • coffeenutz
    coffeenutz CSN Member Posts: 2 *
    #4

    where does everyone live? Are there a lot of people here supporting each other?

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