Anybody being treated for abnormal....

Hi Hummb:

How high are your markers? What is your doctor saying about it?

I've never heard of anyone being "treated" for elevated markers when no cause is found. What would they treat?

My doctor explained to me that marker testing is a new tool and is not 100% reliable. Many things can contribute to rises, such as other benign diseases, smoking, certain medications, large doses of certain supplements, etc.. She said that if markers rise, they begin to look for a cause but that sometimes, no cause can be found, particularly when there are no symptoms present.

Aside from perhaps getting another opinion, I don't know what to advise. Just try to roll with it for now. A good friend had a spike or two in her markers and they were never able to find any cause. They had her come in every 6 weeks, instead of the ususal every 3 months, to keep a close check on it. Hers returned to normal range and have remained there since. Go figure.

Since you have several other health problems, is your onc aware of everything you take? If not, do let him/her know. One of you meds may be contributing in some way.

There's some good info on markers at: www.nci.nih.gov At top of page, choose Types of Cancer. Then choose Breast Cancer. Then choose Screening/Tests. Tumor markers will be the last item, I believe, on the left side of the page. Hope that helps some.

Stay well and try not to worry too much.

Love, light and laughter,
Ink

Terri,

Well, I am on the other end of that equation. My cancer has started to grow again and my CA27.29 is going down! The last test was down to 30 and 38 is considered normal. I asked my oncologist about it and she said for some unknown reason some people's tumor markers are no indication of what is going on in your body. She had one patient just like you, who's tumor markers were very high and they could find no reason for it, so the patient fired her (my oncologist is female). Since a tumor marker is indicative of a protein that is spilled into the blood from a cancer cell, it would make sense that it should be a very reliable test and is for most people. And then there are people like us - some too high and some too low. My oncologist says I am the best predictor of my own body. I know when something just doesn't feel right. Checkups are the best policy and our routine scans. Listen to your inner voice (since I know you and know your beliefs, the Holy Spirit to us). He has never failed us yet. Medicine is great, but there is only one Great Physician who never makes a mistake. I hope this helps a little bit, knowing you are not alone.

God Bless,
Kathy