Questions on CA125-can it fluctuate up and down alittle bit after chemo is completed

hopeful girl 1
hopeful girl 1 Member Posts: 454
edited March 2014 in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
Friends,

I had another bloodtest today and had them toss in a CA125 cancer marker test, since it has been just shy of two months since my last chemo and I have these thyroid nodules to be investigated now.

My CA125 number has been 5 since August after radiation, and remained 5 after chemos 4/5/6.
My CA125 is now 7. Is that a bad sign? I know it is a very small amount to go up, but it has me concerned. I was told by a nurse that many patients have the number vary alittle bit up and down when chemo stops, and it is ok. Have any of you had this? I believe I have read some people on the boards mention that they vary between this number and that number. I just wasn't happy that it moved even alittle.

The rest of my blood counts are coming back up finally.

WBC 2.9
Neutrophils 2,100
Platelets 233,000
Hemoglobin 10

Since I am being referred to a thyroid surgeon for evaluation of my thyroid nodules I also asked that they toss in a thyroid panel for the blood work. So far those tests came back normal today I was told. The cancer marker test for the thyroid is not back yet-they send that one offsite to run-so they don't have that result yet. I understand like uterine cancer, there is a cancer marker blood test for thyroid-a protein elevates with cancer for that as well. So far my appointment with thryoid surgeon for evaluation is not until end of January. That doctor is on vacation so I have asked my gyno-oncology team to try to obtain an earlier appointment for me with this doctor when he returns.

Any feedback on CA125 and small variances after chemo, and also thyroid is appreciated.

Thank you.

Hugs to all.

Cindy

Comments

  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #2
    CA125
    Cindy,

    Sorry to hear about the thyroid, but you'll see the doc and know your next option. Just be patient as we all know anything like this scares us even more, especially after hearing the original Cancer diagnosis.

    I had a spot of my liver and I was a mess. Had the MRI done and it was nothing to be worried about, as usually many of these growths don't show up until a higher level testing is completed. Yeah!

    On the CA125 marker...gosh don't think about it going up just 2 points. It can fluctuate due to even a cold, as immune system could be down. I've even read posts from Linda talking about it going up a lot more and not to worry as much.

    Mine has been stable as well and yes it has gone up 2 points and the doc or myself didn't think a thing about it. You should do the same.

    Best to you and know you're in my thoughts during the waiting period for your thyroid issues. You've done so well during the treatments and know this will be just a little blimp on your path.

    Good luck,
    Jan
  • Lisa 00
    Lisa 00 Member Posts: 134 Member
    #3
    CA125
    Cindy,
    I know how scary it is to be told that the CA125 has risen just a tad, so here is what I learned when it happened to me.
    I finished complete treatment for endometrioid adenocarcinoma uterine with a bit of clear cell ovarian thrown in, at the end of 2009. I see the gyn/onc every 3 months. My CA 125 has done this: 7 at the end of treatment, 8, then 10, then 12 and 12 again. These readings were every 3 months, so no real biggie, right? I was terrified. For months.
    So then I went to a new gyn/onc and he told me the following. Everyone's set point of CA125 is different after treatment. I asked what could make it go up and he specifically cited the thyroid. He said he has one patient who is hyperthyroid and her CA125 runs around 40 something with no recurrance.
    Then I remembered that my endocrinologist had upped my synthroid just a tad after my treatment was over. So I attributed my small rise in CA125 to that and forgot about it.
    But I was truly terrified for months. Hope this helps damper your anxieties over it. Oh, and I had a CT scan this month and it was clear.
    Lisa
  • Songflower
    Songflower Member Posts: 608
    #4
    Lisa 00 said:

    CA125
    Cindy,
    I know how scary it is to be told that the CA125 has risen just a tad, so here is what I learned when it happened to me.
    I finished complete treatment for endometrioid adenocarcinoma uterine with a bit of clear cell ovarian thrown in, at the end of 2009. I see the gyn/onc every 3 months. My CA 125 has done this: 7 at the end of treatment, 8, then 10, then 12 and 12 again. These readings were every 3 months, so no real biggie, right? I was terrified. For months.
    So then I went to a new gyn/onc and he told me the following. Everyone's set point of CA125 is different after treatment. I asked what could make it go up and he specifically cited the thyroid. He said he has one patient who is hyperthyroid and her CA125 runs around 40 something with no recurrance.
    Then I remembered that my endocrinologist had upped my synthroid just a tad after my treatment was over. So I attributed my small rise in CA125 to that and forgot about it.
    But I was truly terrified for months. Hope this helps damper your anxieties over it. Oh, and I had a CT scan this month and it was clear.
    Lisa

    CA 125
    My Gyn oncologist told me CA 125 is significant only as a trend. If bounces around a few points no worry. ALot of things can elevate it like inflammation. Going from 5 to 7 is nothing to worry about. Tumor markers can help; but they also cause so much anxiety and worry. Don't worry now. My marker has never been that low!

    Love,
    Diane
  • hopeful girl 1
    hopeful girl 1 Member Posts: 454
    #5
    Songflower said:

    CA 125
    My Gyn oncologist told me CA 125 is significant only as a trend. If bounces around a few points no worry. ALot of things can elevate it like inflammation. Going from 5 to 7 is nothing to worry about. Tumor markers can help; but they also cause so much anxiety and worry. Don't worry now. My marker has never been that low!

    Love,
    Diane

    CA125
    Thank you everyone for the encouraging words. I am getting a sense that having thyroid issues and uterine cancer is somewhat common.......

    I kind of think it was the hysterectomy and chemo that may have created my thyroid issues-as it is hormonal. My ovaries and everything was taken in the surgery.

    My oncologist's nurse called me today and said the CA125 number is considered to be the same even tho it went from 5 to 7. She said the number is not "static," which means it does not stay the same. She said you could test the number twice in one day and get two different numbers. She said it can vary alittle bit up and down like that. Still, it makes one worry.

    My thyroid blood test cam back normal. Once piece of that test, which is the cancer marker test for thyroid is not back yet-they send that one offsite to be processed.

    My oncologist's nurse also said that when the thyroid surgeon returns from vacation next week Wednesday or so, his nurse will check if they can possibly make my appointment any sooner. Also, if any tests need to be ordered prior to seeing the doctor, they can try to set those up in advance, so perhaps I won't have to wait the whole month to get the process rolling to find out if I will need anything done or not on this thyroid issue. I am hoping I will not need surgery. I know they do a fine needle biopsy on the neck which does not sound fun. Needles are small, but still-they use ultrasound to help guide them where to stick needle into the nodules. And I have multiple nodules.

    Well as always, I appreciate the encouragement and shared concerns we all have. I would be lost without all of my friends on this board.

    I wish we could all get together and go on a vacation today or something and meet!

    Cindy
  • hopeful girl 1
    hopeful girl 1 Member Posts: 454
    #6
    Songflower said:

    CA 125
    My Gyn oncologist told me CA 125 is significant only as a trend. If bounces around a few points no worry. ALot of things can elevate it like inflammation. Going from 5 to 7 is nothing to worry about. Tumor markers can help; but they also cause so much anxiety and worry. Don't worry now. My marker has never been that low!

    Love,
    Diane

    CA125
    Thank you everyone for the encouraging words. I am getting a sense that having thyroid issues and uterine cancer is somewhat common.......

    I kind of think it was the hysterectomy and chemo that may have created my thyroid issues-as it is hormonal. My ovaries and everything was taken in the surgery.

    My oncologist's nurse called me today and said the CA125 number is considered to be the same even tho it went from 5 to 7. She said the number is not "static," which means it does not stay the same. She said you could test the number twice in one day and get two different numbers. She said it can vary alittle bit up and down like that. Still, it makes one worry.

    My thyroid blood test cam back normal. Once piece of that test, which is the cancer marker test for thyroid is not back yet-they send that one offsite to be processed.

    My oncologist's nurse also said that when the thyroid surgeon returns from vacation next week Wednesday or so, his nurse will check if they can possibly make my appointment any sooner. Also, if any tests need to be ordered prior to seeing the doctor, they can try to set those up in advance, so perhaps I won't have to wait the whole month to get the process rolling to find out if I will need anything done or not on this thyroid issue. I am hoping I will not need surgery. I know they do a fine needle biopsy on the neck which does not sound fun. Needles are small, but still-they use ultrasound to help guide them where to stick needle into the nodules. And I have multiple nodules.

    Well as always, I appreciate the encouragement and shared concerns we all have. I would be lost without all of my friends on this board.

    I wish we could all get together and go on a vacation today or something and meet!

    Cindy

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