I broke the pattern

lisa42
lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1
I broke the pattern- my recent CEA pattern, that is, of up-down-up-down. Last time it was drawn (4 wks ago) it was up to 295. Following the pattern, it should have gone down this time but it didn't. It wasn't a huge jump, but a rise all the same- it went from 295 to 319 this time. I was bummed. I did my sauna detox last week & really hoped to see it drop this time. I'm not thinking that the sauna detox did nothing, however- I know that the natural things take a while to kick in. Maybe it would have gone up even more if I hadn't done that- who knows. I'm still doing the 2nd week of sauna detox next week.
I meet w/ my onc next on the same day I get chemo next- on May 31st.
I just got my pump unhooked earlier today and my neulasta shot and I feel really crappy right now. Gonna go take an hour nap before it's time to head off to the orthodontist for my 15 yr old.
I'll be okay and I'm not in panic mode- not yet, anyhow- I am just concerned, obviously.

Lisa
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Comments

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #2
    Bummer
    Was so hoping that by doing the detox that it would have gone down even if it was a little, but that it jumped was not a significant number either and I'm not sure about detoxing but could this jump probably be caused by the detoxing to your body. Just like they give you certain parameters when someone smokes, maybe this would have or could affect the results too. Just see what the oncologist says and go from there. Praying for a good appointment. Enjoy some down time too if you get a chance. You always seem to be running from one thing or another - you are one busy girl :) Take a deep breath.

    Kim
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #3
    Nap Time is the Best Time...
    Lisa

    Maybe you're right about the natural way taking a little longer - sounds like a good idea to do the detox again, even though it is not easy for you. It's got to be helping you feel better some.

    Just in time to do the chemo and feel badly though...I soo understand that feeling.

    It's interesting that they do Neulasta the day that you unhook - my onc had me waiting 24-hours after the pump unhook to get the Neulasta shot, said it worked better that way.

    It's always interesting to see what approaches our medical providers give us, isn't it? It's obviously working ok for you.

    I just don't know how you take care of all your obligations with all that you've got...but you are a SuperMom in my book:)

    Look forward to hearing how things are going and hopefully I can give you a buzz one day. It's been full, long days this week at work. I've had to go 0-60 the first hour back...it's good though, I am able to contribute and am interacting with people, so it's good therapy.

    All the best!
    -Craig
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    #4
    Sundanceh said:

    Nap Time is the Best Time...
    Lisa

    Maybe you're right about the natural way taking a little longer - sounds like a good idea to do the detox again, even though it is not easy for you. It's got to be helping you feel better some.

    Just in time to do the chemo and feel badly though...I soo understand that feeling.

    It's interesting that they do Neulasta the day that you unhook - my onc had me waiting 24-hours after the pump unhook to get the Neulasta shot, said it worked better that way.

    It's always interesting to see what approaches our medical providers give us, isn't it? It's obviously working ok for you.

    I just don't know how you take care of all your obligations with all that you've got...but you are a SuperMom in my book:)

    Look forward to hearing how things are going and hopefully I can give you a buzz one day. It's been full, long days this week at work. I've had to go 0-60 the first hour back...it's good though, I am able to contribute and am interacting with people, so it's good therapy.

    All the best!
    -Craig

    Hey Lisa....
    Dang CEA!!!! I too was hoping you would see a drop this time. What chemo regime are you on now? I know its a disappointment not to see a drop. I will be keeping you in my prayers as always!

    Jennie
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #5
    Don't know Other Lisa
    I'd be disappointed too if I were you BUT, that is just a tiny bit over a 1% increase. You could get it drawn again today and it would be lower just due to the variance in the labs testing it.

    I'm with you about staying the course and who knows, the sauna may have stirred up so much that it impacted it. You need to talk to your ND about it to see what he says.

    Keep me posted and as always call if you need to.

    As always, my bestest southern healing thoughts coming your way!

    Love, Lisa P.
  • smokeyjoe
    smokeyjoe Member Posts: 1,425 Member
    #6
    scouty said:

    Don't know Other Lisa
    I'd be disappointed too if I were you BUT, that is just a tiny bit over a 1% increase. You could get it drawn again today and it would be lower just due to the variance in the labs testing it.

    I'm with you about staying the course and who knows, the sauna may have stirred up so much that it impacted it. You need to talk to your ND about it to see what he says.

    Keep me posted and as always call if you need to.

    As always, my bestest southern healing thoughts coming your way!

    Love, Lisa P.

    Sheesh Lisa, hopefully your
    Sheesh Lisa, hopefully your next CEA will show that drop we're looking for. Best Wishes Leena.
  • Fight for my love
    Fight for my love Member Posts: 1,522 Member
    #7
    Dear Lisa,as you know,many
    Dear Lisa,as you know,many other factors can cause CEA rising.You are in my prayers as always.Wish you the best.
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #8
    Sorry Lisa
    I am so sorry you din't get the drop you were looking for. I hope next time more than makes up for it.
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    #9
    sorry the cea did not go down
    dear lisa,

    have a nap and don't loose faith!

    I am having a little nap as well.

    hugs,

    Pete
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #10
    Lisa:
    Darn it, like you, I wanted it to drop a bit, heck, I wanted it to drop a whole lot.

    You are doing everything you can so keep at it. Just like chemo, the alternatives take a bit of time to work.

    I think of you constantly and wish you the absolute best.

    Hugs - Tina
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #11
    geotina said:

    Lisa:
    Darn it, like you, I wanted it to drop a bit, heck, I wanted it to drop a whole lot.

    You are doing everything you can so keep at it. Just like chemo, the alternatives take a bit of time to work.

    I think of you constantly and wish you the absolute best.

    Hugs - Tina

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • AncientTiger
    AncientTiger Member Posts: 130
    #12
    Highs and Lows
    That's what it's all about... here's hoping that you get a good HIGH soon Lisa (not THAT kind of high either... I'm talking GOOD NEWS! Geesh, get your mind out of the gutter people)

    Will keep you in my prayers Lisa.
  • luvmum
    luvmum Member Posts: 457 Member
    #13
    Dear Lisa
    I'm so sorry to hear that it goes back up. Please stay positive and happy! When will you have your next scan? What did they see last time? Will the oncologist change the regimen for you?

    I know taking Chinese herbal medicine will cause the rise of CEA. The nurses always remind me to tell the doctor if my mum has taken any Chinese medicine during chemo as that will affect the blood test result. I'm hoping it applies to your situation.

    I will continue to pray for you and pray for good health!
    Love Dora
  • smokeyjoe
    smokeyjoe Member Posts: 1,425 Member
    #14
    luvmum said:

    Dear Lisa
    I'm so sorry to hear that it goes back up. Please stay positive and happy! When will you have your next scan? What did they see last time? Will the oncologist change the regimen for you?

    I know taking Chinese herbal medicine will cause the rise of CEA. The nurses always remind me to tell the doctor if my mum has taken any Chinese medicine during chemo as that will affect the blood test result. I'm hoping it applies to your situation.

    I will continue to pray for you and pray for good health!
    Love Dora

    Dora, is your mom taking
    Dora, is your mom taking any Chinese herbal medicine? If so, what is she taking? Hope your mom is feeling well. Leena
  • dorookie
    dorookie Member Posts: 1,731 Member
    #15
    *HUGS*
    Lisa,

    I am sorry the pattern broke, I was so hoping the detox would have made a difference, but like you said it might actually have. You are always in my prayers and thoughts. You are such a strong person and have been through so much, may God keep an angel with you always...

    HUGS
    Beth
  • luvmum
    luvmum Member Posts: 457 Member
    #16
    smokeyjoe said:

    Dora, is your mom taking
    Dora, is your mom taking any Chinese herbal medicine? If so, what is she taking? Hope your mom is feeling well. Leena

    Dear Leena
    Thank you very much for your blessing. My mum is feeling ok today and after several days of diarrhea, it is finally under control!

    Ever since my mum was dx, she has been taking chinese medicine together with chemo. She stopped 2 weeks before her liver resection and the liver surgeon asked her to stop taking them until further notice. I think she can start taking them again in June, about 3 months after liver resection. Since she cannot take any Chinese medicine at the moment, I will cook different type of Chinese soups to improve her body's overall well-being.

    She takes different herbal medicine based on her body situation. The Chinese medicine practitioner will give her a combination of different herbs each time. For example, during chemo, she will feel very dry and her body will be weak, then the chinese medicine practitioner will give her something to retain the water in her body. Since she is having FOLFOX, during the infusion of 5-fu she must stop for 2 days.

    All of my mum's doctors know that she is taking chinese herbal medicine and they think it's good to have it as some kind of 'support' to her body.

    Best wishes to you too
    Dora
  • plh4gail
    plh4gail Member Posts: 1,238 Member
    #17
    I can't wait to see what the
    I can't wait to see what the 2nd detox does!

    Love, Gail
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    #18
    luvmum said:

    Dear Lisa
    I'm so sorry to hear that it goes back up. Please stay positive and happy! When will you have your next scan? What did they see last time? Will the oncologist change the regimen for you?

    I know taking Chinese herbal medicine will cause the rise of CEA. The nurses always remind me to tell the doctor if my mum has taken any Chinese medicine during chemo as that will affect the blood test result. I'm hoping it applies to your situation.

    I will continue to pray for you and pray for good health!
    Love Dora

    Chinese meds cause a rise in CEA?
    Dora,

    I had never heard that Chinese medicines can cause a rise in the CEA.
    John or Pete- if you're reading this- you guys take Chinese medicine, have you heard this?

    I have been taking astralagas, which I believe is considered a Chinese medicine. Maybe some of the other herbs fall into that category too. Hmmm- I will have to ask about that.

    Lisa
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    #19
    plh4gail said:

    I can't wait to see what the
    I can't wait to see what the 2nd detox does!

    Love, Gail

    Thanks, everyone
    Yes, here I go on Monday for another detox week. I know that my pesticide, metals, and chemical level went down. Now, obviously, having chemo will cause the chemical level to go up again. It's hard to know on the chemical level how much was chemo and how much was from other chemicals. My thought is that I may still have had chemo/chemicals in me from past chemo treatments (I've had it all- Folfox, Folfiri, Folfiri again, lots of Xeloda and Avastin, even Erbitux).
    We're looking hard at the pesticides and metals levels though. Even my candida albicans went away during the last detox (also probably due to my change in diet away from sugar and so many carbs).

    What does this all have to do with my cancer? I'm honestly not sure. I know it has an impact on my overall health, which majorly affects my immune system, which could help work on the cancer. As I said before, I don't know what the outcome will be, but I don't believe it can hurt & my onc said the same, so I'm doing it.
    I do wonder though, if this process may even have a way of temporarily riling things up in me and maybe contributed to the CEA rise. Who knows!


    I'll check in again w/ you all after I complete the 2nd sauna week and get retested on all my levels again.

    Have a good weekend and week, everyone!

    Lisa
  • luvmum
    luvmum Member Posts: 457 Member
    #20
    lisa42 said:

    Chinese meds cause a rise in CEA?
    Dora,

    I had never heard that Chinese medicines can cause a rise in the CEA.
    John or Pete- if you're reading this- you guys take Chinese medicine, have you heard this?

    I have been taking astralagas, which I believe is considered a Chinese medicine. Maybe some of the other herbs fall into that category too. Hmmm- I will have to ask about that.

    Lisa

    Dear Lisa
    I personally think there is no scientific proof that Chinese medicines cause a rise in CEA, I think there is no research that has been done before to test their relationships.

    The nurse in the colon surgeon office told me based on her observation as many colon ca patients here will take Chinese medicine and have chemo at the same time. She reminded me to tell the oncologist that my mum had taken chinese medicine so that my mum's oncologist will be aware of it. She also told me not to worry if I see a rise in CEA after chemo with Chinese medicine because most of the other patients had a rise in CEA if they take Chinese medicine and have chemo at the same time. I believe that is only based on her observations.

    I hope you will have a wonderful detox program and will respond it well! I will continue to pray for you.
    Dora
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #21
    next time
    So sorry to hear this Lisa -- fingers crossed for next time.

    On the Chinese medicine issue -- I don't know about Chinese medicines increasing CEA, but when I have a PET scan (here in Hong Kong, where of course Chinese medicines are very common/popular), I am not allowed to take any Chinese herbs/medicines 3 days before the scan -- they particularly mention lingzhi and yunzhi...

    Tara

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