ca125

nancy591
nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Well, my level jumped from 19 to 32 in 3 weeks. I haven't spoke with the doctor yet so I don't know what the plan is.

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Susan523
    Susan523 Member Posts: 231 Member
    #3
    Dang it, Nancy...
    I'm so sorry to hear that. But I know that my doctor would say "don't worry yet".
    So... try not to worry yet.

    Could anything else be going on that might trigger a rise? Any infections or anything?
    Try and keep your chin up. I know that terrible feeling when this happens.

    Hoping & Praying for only the best~
    ~Susan xoxo
  • HeartofSoul
    HeartofSoul Member Posts: 729 Member
    #4
    Here is some more background
    Here is some more background on CA-125. hope it helps

    The CA-125 test only returns a true positive result for about 50% of Stage I ovarian cancer patients. The CA-125 test is not an adequate early detection tool when used alone. A CA-125 test result of greater than 35 U/ml is generally accepted as being elevated.

    The CA-125 test should be done serially for best accuracy which is a series of tests over time

    The CA-125 test has an 80% chance of returning true positive results from stage II, III, and IV ovarian cancer patients. The other 20% of ovarian cancer patients do not show any increase in CA-125 concentrations.

    However several women's reproductive disorders can cause a false positive result. Endometriosis, benign ovarian cysts, first trimester of pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease all produce higher levels of CA-125.

    The CA-125 test is not recommended for use alone as an early detection method. The rate of false positives is very high, and there has been no data concerning change in mortality.

    The CA-125 test should not be used alone to detect ovarian cancer, but rather with transvaginal sonography and rectovaginal pelvic examination for greater accuracy.

    Benign tumors, pre-cancer conditions, and stage I cancers will result in pelvic surgery and removal of ovaries. This procedure will almost completely eliminate the risk of ovarian cancer.

    There is also a correlation between BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation and ovarian cancer. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a 23% chance of having ovarian cancer by age 30, and a 63% chance by age 70.
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #5
    HeartofSoul said:

    Here is some more background
    Here is some more background on CA-125. hope it helps

    The CA-125 test only returns a true positive result for about 50% of Stage I ovarian cancer patients. The CA-125 test is not an adequate early detection tool when used alone. A CA-125 test result of greater than 35 U/ml is generally accepted as being elevated.

    The CA-125 test should be done serially for best accuracy which is a series of tests over time

    The CA-125 test has an 80% chance of returning true positive results from stage II, III, and IV ovarian cancer patients. The other 20% of ovarian cancer patients do not show any increase in CA-125 concentrations.

    However several women's reproductive disorders can cause a false positive result. Endometriosis, benign ovarian cysts, first trimester of pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease all produce higher levels of CA-125.

    The CA-125 test is not recommended for use alone as an early detection method. The rate of false positives is very high, and there has been no data concerning change in mortality.

    The CA-125 test should not be used alone to detect ovarian cancer, but rather with transvaginal sonography and rectovaginal pelvic examination for greater accuracy.

    Benign tumors, pre-cancer conditions, and stage I cancers will result in pelvic surgery and removal of ovaries. This procedure will almost completely eliminate the risk of ovarian cancer.

    There is also a correlation between BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation and ovarian cancer. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a 23% chance of having ovarian cancer by age 30, and a 63% chance by age 70.

    I guess we can rule out
    I guess we can rule out "first trimester of pregnancy". Anything else is a posibility, however. So I agree with Susan - try not to worry yourself to death.

    I know it's the rise itself and not the number that has you concerned, but 32 is still within the norm.

    My CA125 went up 200 points after my first chemo treatment. Freaked me out! But my doctor said it was nothing to worry about, and turns out, he was right. Imagine that.

    When does your doctor plan to re-check it? I would ask for another lab in 3 weeks, if not sooner.

    I will say a Rosary for you tonight.
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #6
    thanks everyone
    I did have a confirmed recurrence in Dec. '09 and have been on Doxil. The Doxil is obviously not working, I've had 5 infusions. I will speak with the doctor tomorrow and see what the plan will be. Probably Topoetcan.

    Thanks for the prayers.....ALL of us need prayers.
  • leesag
    leesag Member Posts: 621 Member
    #7
    Nancy,
    Take Deep Breaths and
    Nancy,

    Take Deep Breaths and try not to panic. It could be anything. 32 is still within normal range, and it's one jump, everything I've read says that only a series of jumps in the same direction are significant. And even as I write this, I know it's easy for me to say that on this side of the posting.

    I'll be adding my prayers to those of the other ladies on the board.

    BIG HUGS,

    Leesa
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #8
    HUGS
    Dear Nancy, I know to say don't worry..doesn't take the worry away. How about give the worry to God :-) I know when I do this it seems I can focus on the blessings of day(not to say sometimes I need a good cry firts).

    Saying prayers and sending hugs!

    Bonnie
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #9
    Plan
    Nancy,

    I don't have much to say as mine has jumped around too. I never knew what my "normal" number was before this. So I like to think that maybe mine was a little higher ☺.

    After all we can't all be exactly alike!!! Live each day to the fullest.

    Love you,
    Libby
  • Disneynutt
    Disneynutt Member Posts: 134 Member
    #10
    I feel your pain sweetie.
    I feel your pain sweetie. Mine jumped too and now I find out my disease is chemo or platinum resistant. Grreeaatt! I know you are scared and disappointed but I am very confident that the right treatment will be found and you will be ok. You are young and strong and those are great weapons in this war.

    My doctor is going to try a new approach with Avastain (sp?) and something akin to Taxol.. texotere or something. I forgot. So we shall see. But she did restore a semblance of hope when she said there's lots of drugs and "millions" of drug trials. So take heart!!! :-)
  • Lisa13Q
    Lisa13Q Member Posts: 677
    #11
    Dear Nancy
    Hi,

    I will pray and I agree with Bonnie, give the worry to God. He is amazing. My mother's CA-125 only got a low as 33 and the oncologist was ecstatic...you are still within normal range... At the same time, any jump must be terrifying. My mother has her 3 month scan and CA-125 next Thursday at Memorial ...... She is petrified...she just sold her apartment in Florida...doesn't want the headaches. It's just a scary way to live.....I will be in NY next week obviously....any chance you'll be at Sloane on Thursday? I'll buy you a cup of coffee! Also, remember you are in the best of hands. Those doctors are amazing!! I believe in God and will say many many prayers today!!
  • hockeygolf7
    hockeygolf7 Member Posts: 52
    #12
    Always nervous
    It seems as if there is always something to be nervous about. The next blood test,that next scan, that pain there or feeling tired. I know that we all have you in our prayers and just staying diligent in taking care of ourselves and praying is all we have and it will be enough. God has a plan and he will take care of us all. I hope that you get some relief from your anxiety and know that we all are listening.
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #13
    Lisa13Q said:

    Dear Nancy
    Hi,

    I will pray and I agree with Bonnie, give the worry to God. He is amazing. My mother's CA-125 only got a low as 33 and the oncologist was ecstatic...you are still within normal range... At the same time, any jump must be terrifying. My mother has her 3 month scan and CA-125 next Thursday at Memorial ...... She is petrified...she just sold her apartment in Florida...doesn't want the headaches. It's just a scary way to live.....I will be in NY next week obviously....any chance you'll be at Sloane on Thursday? I'll buy you a cup of coffee! Also, remember you are in the best of hands. Those doctors are amazing!! I believe in God and will say many many prayers today!!

    Mom
    How is Mom feeling? She's come a long way, huh? Who is her surgeon and oncologist? I have a PET/CT on Friday at the main campus. I was supposed to have chemo on Thursday but it was postponed pending the scan. Is her appointment on 53rd street or on York Ave?
  • Lisa13Q
    Lisa13Q Member Posts: 677
    #14
    nancy591 said:

    Mom
    How is Mom feeling? She's come a long way, huh? Who is her surgeon and oncologist? I have a PET/CT on Friday at the main campus. I was supposed to have chemo on Thursday but it was postponed pending the scan. Is her appointment on 53rd street or on York Ave?

    NEXT THURSDAY
    SORRY YOUR CHEMO IS POSTPONED I COULD HAVE COME AND VISITED IN THAT DAMN SUITE...Mom has come a long way as all of you on the board have. We will not be at the hospital on York..First we get the genetic results and take her blood..that is at the 53rd street building, then she has to go to the Breast center for the CT scan???? YOu would probably know better than I do where that is?? I'm guessing that's where you get your CT scans as well?? Are you going to be in the city at all..I have business Tuesday and thinking about staying overnight Tuesday and Wednesday and meeting Mom at Sloane Thursday..then I fly back to MN Thursday evening...Her oncologist is Dr. Bell McGwinn, her surgeon Richard BArakat...who is yours? Mom is terrified
  • catcan
    catcan Member Posts: 119
    #15
    praying
    Nancy

    I will certainly join the ladies and say some prayers,and please try not to worry too mch.

    Thinking of you

    Cat

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