CA -125 continues to rise

Ro10 said:

Lisa

I wish I knew why my marker went down after my last trip.   Before the trip we took two days to drive to Florida from Illinois.  Two days later we left for Australia.  We arrived 33 hours later after 4 flights and a 13 hour overnight flight.  While on our trip, I experienced many different foods.   I had kangaroo, lamb, alligator, and various fruits and vegetables.  My medications were not any different from what I normally take.  We did lots of walking which I usually do every day.  After the trip we had another 13 hour flight to LA.  I have very little stress in my life, so I don't think stress is a factor.

I think  the drop was a fluke because the number has never gone down before without chemo.  I just hope for the continued slow rise in the marker.  Thanks for your concern.

Will be interesting to see your numbers after the next trip.

Double Whammy said:

Wow

I have no idea which choice I would make, but quality of life is so important and you have not closed any doors.  The longer you're off chemo, the stronger you will be IF you need to do it again.  Being symtpom free is amazing.

It is very interesting about the AIs.  I was on Arimidex for breast cancer and last year switched to Tamoxifen.  While I really do believe my endometrial cancer is gone, gone and gone forever, I have this sense of comfort when I take my little white pill each day that just in case there is a nasty group of endo cancer cells somewhere, they're not going to thrive because the estrogen receptors will be blocked and they'll give up and die.  Silly, but it gives me a double reason to take it (I don't like having to take it). Are you having your bones scanned for osteoporosis?  That's the big ugly side effect of the AIs, and one reason I've chosen to remain on Tamoxifen.  I did develop osteoporosis, and I do NOT want to take a bisphosphonate and since Tamoxifen can be good for bones, I'll see what my next dexascan has to say.    I have a question about Tamoxifen and endo cancer, tho, and one that you might ask your oncologist.  A side effect of Tamoxifen is endometrial cancer and it is sometimes UPSC.  So, if you have those cells somewhere else, how does Tamoxifen help if they're not in the uterus but elsewhere?  Just curious.  Maybe someone could answer that.  Hmmmmm, maybe I'll ask my oncologist when I see her next.  I just thought of that.  AIs don't effect the uterus (if one has one).

I did not have adriamyacin but several of my friends had it for breast cancer treatment.  It used to be the absolute drug of choice (referred to as the "red devil"), but it can cause heart damage, so Taxotere has been found to be as effective with no evidence of heart damage.  For an old broad like me with high blood pressure, my oncologist chose Taxotere and I notice now that most women are having Taxotere instead.  If you decide to try Adriamyacin, you might want to ask about heart issues.  (My friends are fine) 

Sorry about the rising CA125, but as you say, it is a lesser rise than previously.  Sounds like you are indeed in good hands and will keep an eye on it.  For now, enjoy!

Suzanne

Hi, Suzanne,

you mention in your post:
"It is very interesting about the AIs."
Can you explain that AI is, please.  Abbreviation?  Thank you.

Dear Ro,

Thank you for sharing your recent situation.  I am impressed by your thoughtful choice. How good that you have options. 

Good for you for sticking with your quality of life philosophy and your upcoming cruise.  That should be a lovely experience.  

Since I've been on this list (Nov 2012) I've gotten information and hope from your posts. Thank you.

May you continue symptom free, and have a wonderful cruise.  

Sara