CEA STILL RISING

jerseysue
jerseysue Member Posts: 624 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I was told 2 weeks ago that I have colitus. My CEA count went up as of Monday. I was hoping with the medicine that it would go down. It's now at 35 it was 17 4 weeks ago. I have to go back in 3 weeks for more blood work. I'm not sure what the plan is going to be if after 3 weeks it's up some more. I'm guessing CT scans coming my way. Any thoughts anyone?

Comments

  • Patrusha
    Patrusha Member Posts: 487
    #2
    Illness and medicines (perhaps like the ones you are taking for the colitis) have been thought to drive CEA counts up. Did your doc address the higher CEA? Was he/she able to reassure you at all? If not, give him a call and express your concern. For all the money they are paid they can hold our hands once in a while and reassure us when we need it. LOL!!!
  • pink05
    pink05 Member Posts: 550
    #3
    I agree with Patrusha. Maybe you should express your concerns about this to your doctor. The colitis and meds could be the cause of your rising CEA count. It sounds to me like that must be what your doc is thinking if he wants to repeat the bloodwork in 3 weeks. That will give your body a chance to recover.

    God bless you,

    -Lee-
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    #4
    When was your last scan? If it has been awhile consider asking your doctor for a PET scan. It could well be that the colitis and meds are causing the rise as the CEA is not totally specific for cancer. That's why it is not used for colon cancer screening but is used after one has the diagnosis.

    ****
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #5
    Hi Sue,

    Well, I am BELIEVING it's the colitus that causing the rise. Maybe the medicine takes awhile to work. Please keep me posted.

    Keeping you in my heart and prayers, Sue.

    Hugs,

    Kay
  • LOUSWIFT
    LOUSWIFT Member Posts: 371 Member
    #6
    CEA is effected by many things other than cancer. Smoking ( I hope you don't) pregnancy; and a few of our glands. Pressure the doc make him do the work and give you info.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #7
    Tell me, when was your last colonoscopy???

    PET scan sounds like a good idea....

    Hugs and good vibes,
    Kathi

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