CA125 Rising after chemo

cfont11
cfont11 Member Posts: 115
in Ovarian Cancer #1
This is a big topic on this discussion board but I did not see anything specific to my question. Diagnosed last June, Stage 3C. Did not have cancer surgery then because of condition I was in and had to have colon surgery/colostomy. Had 6 carb/taxol treatments and my CA 125 went consistently down until the last test when I went from 32 to 46. At the time I still had an open wound from my June surgery. Had hysterectomy/debulking, reversal of colosotomy and ileostomy put in and hernia repair in January. In April had one cycle of cabo/taxol and had second, and last one yesterday. CA125 has gone from 46 to 55 to 76 to 106. The oncologist said first couple of rises could be due to still healing inside and out from surgery. She could not explain the rise to 106. I had reduced dosage of taxol due to neuropathy in feet. Is that why chemo did not work well this time? My next test is not until May 16 with results due may 23. I am freaking out. I was so disappointed; my husband and I and even the doctor thought it would go down. Has anyone experienced this? What does this all mean?
Thanks for any help you can give.

Chris

Comments

  • Sandy10
    Sandy10 Member Posts: 80
    #2
    CA125
    Chris,

    CA125's are sometimes sensitive to inflamation and abdominal irritation. It could be due to your surgeries healing. Did you have IP chemo? My CA125 rose slightly during my chemo's but soon dropped after chemo was over and my body had time to rest and heal. That was last July and I have been NED since. I know the waiting is the hardest part of what we go through. Seems like 2 weeks before my next CA125 is due is when it's the worst. Try to enjoy being done with chemo. I know it's easier said than done. Go for a girls day out and get a mani/pedi and then banana splits!!! It seems silly and petty but trust me, it will make you feel better. We sometimes get so caught up in the "cancer" that we forget the simple things that we used to do to make ourselves feel better. I can tell just by what you've already been through that you are a tough and strong woman. If it turns out that the rise is from the cancer, you will fight it just like you have been fighting. Remember that you are not alone in your fight. there are many of us here with you to help you. This board is wonderful and helped me through my fight. I hoped this helped a little. I'm sorry you have to go through this, I'm sorry any of us have to. My prayers are with you.

    ((((HUGS))))
    sandy
  • cfont11
    cfont11 Member Posts: 115
    #3
    Sandy10 said:

    CA125
    Chris,

    CA125's are sometimes sensitive to inflamation and abdominal irritation. It could be due to your surgeries healing. Did you have IP chemo? My CA125 rose slightly during my chemo's but soon dropped after chemo was over and my body had time to rest and heal. That was last July and I have been NED since. I know the waiting is the hardest part of what we go through. Seems like 2 weeks before my next CA125 is due is when it's the worst. Try to enjoy being done with chemo. I know it's easier said than done. Go for a girls day out and get a mani/pedi and then banana splits!!! It seems silly and petty but trust me, it will make you feel better. We sometimes get so caught up in the "cancer" that we forget the simple things that we used to do to make ourselves feel better. I can tell just by what you've already been through that you are a tough and strong woman. If it turns out that the rise is from the cancer, you will fight it just like you have been fighting. Remember that you are not alone in your fight. there are many of us here with you to help you. This board is wonderful and helped me through my fight. I hoped this helped a little. I'm sorry you have to go through this, I'm sorry any of us have to. My prayers are with you.

    ((((HUGS))))
    sandy

    CA125
    Sandy,

    This helped a great deal. I only had IV chemo, not the IP due to all the other abdominal issues I had they told me I would not be a good candidate for IP. I lost a lot of weight after surgeries and my sister in law and I have planned a day for shopping and lunch, thanks to your suggestion. She was recently diagnosed with a melanoma in her eye and needs some "girl" time also. Thanks for your support; this discussion board and all the teal warriors are great inspiration and source for great information. I too am sorry we all have to meet like this and go through this journey. I am going to a support group tonight at a local hospital for women with gynecological cancers so I will let everyone know how it goes.

    Prayers going out to you and your family.

    Thank you so much.

    Chris

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