Tumor Marker Going Up

frog08
frog08 Member Posts: 26
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
In July my tumor marker was at 18. In November it was 28, and in December it was 31. At first doc said don't worry it was still in normal range. My husband called back concerned because of increase, and now I am scheduled for CT & Bone Scans as well as mammogram. I am scared to death. I finished chemo last January 14th & Radiation the last week of March. I thought I would have a little time before I had to worry about the cancer coming back, but evidently not. Does anyone have any advice or personal stories they could share with me? I really would appreciate it!!

Comments

  • martyzl
    martyzl Member Posts: 196
    #2
    Hello!
    Things seem to be a bit slow here just now so I thought I'd jump in-
    I don't have any personal experience with tumour markers (it seems that I have heard they are not terribly reliable?) but have had a couple of "scares"... in the midst of one just now, in fact. I am now 2yrs out of chemo.
    Though it is scary, we have to remember that we are being pro-active and there is every possibility that we'll have good news. If not, we shall fight again, yes?

    Here is to clean CT, bone scans and mammograms for you!! I'll be sending all manner of positive thoughts to you!

    Hopefully someone who does have tumour marker experience can give you something to go on.
    Meanwhile, please keep in touch with us.

    All my best!
    Marty
  • Kodi
    Kodi Member Posts: 17
    #3
    My dads tumor marker also went up he has breast cancer with mets to his lungs,they got his marker from 1400 down to 135 took him off taxol cause of allergic reaction and neuropathy went back up to 400 back on chemo but another kind but his doctor is great says he can keep it under control for a while but try not to worry the doctors just being cautious my dad has to do cts and bone scans every 6 months. hope this helps. God Bless Kodi
  • Idalia
    Idalia Member Posts: 76
    #4
    Normal for tumor marker CA 15-3 is 25. Even at 31 you are within the normal range of error, Frog Baby! Don't panic until they tell you to. My tumor markers were normal 4/04, had doubled by 7/04 and doubled again 8/04 before they leveled off and finally started going down 11/04. The important thing is they are watching it and it can be treated. We are all praying for you. Positive thoughts, ok?
  • frog08
    frog08 Member Posts: 26
    #5
    Idalia said:

    Normal for tumor marker CA 15-3 is 25. Even at 31 you are within the normal range of error, Frog Baby! Don't panic until they tell you to. My tumor markers were normal 4/04, had doubled by 7/04 and doubled again 8/04 before they leveled off and finally started going down 11/04. The important thing is they are watching it and it can be treated. We are all praying for you. Positive thoughts, ok?

    Thank all of you for your responses, especially for your positive thoughts!! Thanks for the reassurance and recommendations!! Love, Linda
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #6
    frog08 said:

    Thank all of you for your responses, especially for your positive thoughts!! Thanks for the reassurance and recommendations!! Love, Linda

    My markers started going up 10/01, I did have 2 bone mets, but had them radiated. CEA had continued to rise till 10/2004 got up to 465. CA27.29 got up to 249. Never could find anything till Oct when noted bone mets were active again. I'm back on chemo, not near as bad as first time. Markers 109 and 110 and feeling good. Baylor College of Medicine said they don't do them because they just scare people and are unreliable, focus more on symptoms. Good thing is you are staying on top of things. I've just about decided this disease is "once diagnosed, always diagnosed", but even if not "cured" I can live with "chronic" condition. Keep the positive attitude! (((HUGS))) hummingbyrd
  • jbodkins
    jbodkins Member Posts: 2
    #7
    Hi everyone! My name is Jamie and I am new here. I finished treatments for breast cancer in Oct. '01. I had an appt. With my oncologist on Monday and he told me that my tumor markers have suddenly gone up (from 20 to 53). I had a bone scan today and am scheduled for a ct scan on the 17th. I am scared to death! I don't really know a lot about tumor markers, so if someone who does could help me out I would be forever greatful!
    Thanks!
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #8
    jbodkins said:

    Hi everyone! My name is Jamie and I am new here. I finished treatments for breast cancer in Oct. '01. I had an appt. With my oncologist on Monday and he told me that my tumor markers have suddenly gone up (from 20 to 53). I had a bone scan today and am scheduled for a ct scan on the 17th. I am scared to death! I don't really know a lot about tumor markers, so if someone who does could help me out I would be forever greatful!
    Thanks!

    Jamie, read my post above, that's what I know. Notice I was diagnosed 6/2000 and markers went up from 10/2001 till 10/2004 and I'm still here. Praise God!
    I have a website
    www.urcctc.com
    come visit! May make you feel better, less fearful anyway.
    hummingbyrd

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