waiting...

debjjk4
debjjk4 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
just got my CA125 back, it's 22, they said top of normal was 20. waiting for my pelvic ultrasound... the waiting is difficult. Not sure how worried I should be. Really not sure what to do right now. I'm just sitting at my desk, trying to work... but just stunned. in shock.

Comments

  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    #2
    HI,
    I don't understand where 20 was considered the high normal. We've always known that 35 is considered normal high.

    Are you here in the USA?

    Check out CA125 on the website and I believe you will breathe more easily.
    I guess you went to your doctor with symptoms, or the CA and pelvis ultrasound wouldn't have been ordered. What brought you to the worry of OVCA?

    The ultrasound will give your doctor a way to see all your female organs, if he has additional concern, he'll probably order a scan.

    For now, take it easy, and again I don't understand someone telling you 20 was the top CA number.

    Jane
  • debjjk4
    debjjk4 Member Posts: 2
    #3
    jane65 said:

    HI,
    I don't understand where 20 was considered the high normal. We've always known that 35 is considered normal high.

    Are you here in the USA?

    Check out CA125 on the website and I believe you will breathe more easily.
    I guess you went to your doctor with symptoms, or the CA and pelvis ultrasound wouldn't have been ordered. What brought you to the worry of OVCA?

    The ultrasound will give your doctor a way to see all your female organs, if he has additional concern, he'll probably order a scan.

    For now, take it easy, and again I don't understand someone telling you 20 was the top CA number.

    Jane

    Hi there,
    I do live in the
    Hi there,

    I do live in the US, Oregon.

    I guess all labs have different lab "normals" from what I'm reading today.
    the lab I used, their high end of normal is 20. and my number is above that.

    I went to the doctor because I was having inguinal node swelling (both sides are palpable) all along the chain, for a few months, they get larger and smaller but never go away. having intestinal issues, bloating,constipation, diarrhea, some flank pain etc... decided it was time to get it checked. I've had a hysterectomy before, but the ovaries are still there.

    I'm still waiting on the ultrasound. not sure if I totally trust it, the tech kept saying that the ovaries were hard to see, since after the hysterectomy they went really high up in the pelvis... but we'll see. I should find out anytime now.

    I plan on getting another type of scan based on the results of this ultrasound.

    From what I'm reading on here, the CA125 doesn't have to be all that high in order to have alot going on inside.


    waiting sure takes a long time....
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #4
    ca125
    Welcome Deb, I pray it is nothing as that is so close to normal. My sister has had a ca125 of 50 and no cancer so that can vary by what is going on in your body. But great that your Dr is going the extra to make sure. Our clinic the norm is 25 and it use to be 35. Hugs ♥ Prayers coming your way. Come back and let us know how it goes. BonnieRose
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #5
    CA125
    The "normal" number depends on the lab that is doing the testing. The lab that does my CA125 says "21".
    In 2007, the lab said 35. Labs change lab equipment and doctors change labs. I always get copies of the lab reports and it will define what their normal is on the report. 22 is not high, regardless. Don't jump to conclusions until you have more information. My onclogy group uses, CT scans, physical exam, and the CA125 to define how my cancer is behaving. After 2.5 years, we know that for now the CA125 is a good marker for me. It is not a good marker for everyone, however. I had a count of 2999 when first diagnosed, so see you are very low in the protein antibodies found in your blood. You will know more after the pelvic ultra sound. I had a needle biopsy because my tumors were numerous and 2.5 cm or larger in size. Stay calm and don't worry until you have something to address. That is good practice for us all.
    Saundra
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
    #6
    saundra said:

    CA125
    The "normal" number depends on the lab that is doing the testing. The lab that does my CA125 says "21".
    In 2007, the lab said 35. Labs change lab equipment and doctors change labs. I always get copies of the lab reports and it will define what their normal is on the report. 22 is not high, regardless. Don't jump to conclusions until you have more information. My onclogy group uses, CT scans, physical exam, and the CA125 to define how my cancer is behaving. After 2.5 years, we know that for now the CA125 is a good marker for me. It is not a good marker for everyone, however. I had a count of 2999 when first diagnosed, so see you are very low in the protein antibodies found in your blood. You will know more after the pelvic ultra sound. I had a needle biopsy because my tumors were numerous and 2.5 cm or larger in size. Stay calm and don't worry until you have something to address. That is good practice for us all.
    Saundra

    Ca 125
    Welcome, the lab I go to that does my ca 125 says 35 is normal. I'll be praying that there is nothing, remember the rise could be due to any type of inflamation not just cancer. I would love to see 100.Don't get yourself all stressed out 22 is great!!
    Hugs and Prayers,
    Terry
  • Susan523
    Susan523 Member Posts: 231 Member
    #7
    hello
    "normal" at my lab is 17 or less. So labs all use different tests with different guidelines. Whenever I have labs done, I have them mail or fax me a copy. This way I get
    the results right away, and I don't have to bother the nurse at my oncologist's office unless I have a question about something.

    Regardless, your CA seems pretty low. When will you get results?

    hang in there!
    ~Susan xoxo

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