NED Again
![kerry](https://csn.cancer.org/applications/dashboard/design/images/banned.png)
I just returned from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas and my CT Scan came back with good results. NED!!
It is always so nerve wracking to go through the scans, tests and then wait for the results, but I made it again. I am scheduled for my next scan in 9 weeks.
I was so fortunate to meet another fellow "Semi-Colon" while in Houston. Jana (jana11) and I got together the other afternoon and had a wonderful visit. We tood a "photo" and I have posted it on my website in my gallery. Jana, you are wonderful, and I so enjoyed visiting with you.
One question I have for you - my CEA has gone up from last CT Scan. From 2.7 to 3.3. My onc. says it could be caused by other things such as infections, etc. and not to worry since my scan came back NED.
Feedback would be welcome - How many of you have NED scans and what is your CEA?
Yes, I know CEA doesn't always mean anything significant, but I am a perfectionist and when I have a scan of NED I want my CEA to be 0!!
Blessings to you all.
Kerry
Comments
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I hate all the "iffy" terms used in the diagnosis / tx of cancer..I guess they can always say "there was no evidence at the time..."
The CEA is supposed to be more accurate if it was a reliable tumor marker before surgery-(did u have surgery?) I only know that a rise in my CEA in the past has been an accurate indicator that the stuff is growing again..but there are many here who have CEAs in orbit and no cancer-go figure.. Bud0 -
Bud,nanuk said:I hate all the "iffy" terms used in the diagnosis / tx of cancer..I guess they can always say "there was no evidence at the time..."
The CEA is supposed to be more accurate if it was a reliable tumor marker before surgery-(did u have surgery?) I only know that a rise in my CEA in the past has been an accurate indicator that the stuff is growing again..but there are many here who have CEAs in orbit and no cancer-go figure.. Bud
You are SOOOOOOO right. My doctors in San Antonio never got a CEA baseline before my surgery, so I have no idea how to judge my CEA. I got my first CEA report after surgery which was 1.5. It has risen ever since over the last 3 years. I had a recurrance in November '04 and at that time it was 3.7, then after chemo it went to 2.4 and now to 3.3 and my CT scan is NED. Go figure!!! It is enough to drive a person crazy.
Kerry0 -
Great news Kerry!
My husband's oncologist said that she never bases cancer recurrence or treatment on CEA markers. SHe has seen it many a time not to mean anything. She said that the ct scans and the pet scans were the best form of surveillance,
Best wishes,
Belinda, Reini and Mia Grace0 -
Kerry,
That is GREAT NEWS!!!!!! I am so happy for you!!!!! I love to hear when you guys keep kicking the butt off of this Monster!!!! Bob kicked it hard but got tired. So to hear you guys winning the battle helps me alot!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!
Thank You for the picture!!! It feels good being included!!! Thank You for being there for me!!!
Have a wonderful day!!!!!
Love Always!!!!
Sue0 -
Congratulations sweetie.....I just sent you an email. I concur that Jana is a "doll". I can also admit that when I wrote that Jen made me suffer........he! he!bsrules said:Kerry,
That is GREAT NEWS!!!!!! I am so happy for you!!!!! I love to hear when you guys keep kicking the butt off of this Monster!!!! Bob kicked it hard but got tired. So to hear you guys winning the battle helps me alot!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!
Thank You for the picture!!! It feels good being included!!! Thank You for being there for me!!!
Have a wonderful day!!!!!
Love Always!!!!
Sue
My CEA Kerry was 3 after I finished chemo. I was not told what it was before surgery or chemo. In 12 months it has gone up to 4 but my doc does not seem too concerned. She said that my scans are keeping check of things and a colonoscopy in the next few months will also be an indicator. The other thing is that because I still smoke(tsk! tsk!) she said my levels would possibly give a higher reading. You'll be fine babe......ah feel it in me water! lol!
love yah, Ross n Jen
ps.........struth....you're lookin good gal!!!!!!!0 -
Congratulations on the CT scan! NED NED! Yea!
I am one of those people whose CEA was never elevated, even at diagnosis before surgery. But, my understanding is that a rise in CEA might be an indication that one should have further investigations (such as CT) -- and you have already done that! And your next one is scheduled.
You are right that the testing process is extremely nerve-wracking. But it sounds to me like you and your doctors are doing everything exactly as you should...
Best,
Tara0 -
Congratulations on the NED! As for the CEA anything under 5 is normal (apparently everyone produces it at a low level anyway...cancer cells produce more of it and secrete it into the blood). I think it can raise a bit in other indications. My surgeon also failed to get a presurgery CEA (his assistant who completed the pre op forms was not the sharpest pencil in the box).
Howard0 -
Yahoo... I was wondering about you, and didn't get a chance to check the site until now. It was so nice meeting you and your daughter. You are wonderful too!
Congrats on the NED. I agree with the onc.... try not to worry and just get it checked again with the next labs. Personally, my CEA was never elevated.
Stay well. jana0
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