High tumor marker

cnorthart
cnorthart Member Posts: 8
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Today my doctor called to tell me that since I started Femara/Zometa 2 months ago that my marker has gone from 360 to 880. The cancer is in my spine and skull. I am so scared. The doctor said I should wait a month more to see if the drugs are working. Every month seems so precious to me and I'm wondering if any of you have ever experienced markers so high. Thank you for any helpful answers. Carol

Comments

  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #2
    My markers are around 200+, but I've been told they have seen them up in the 1000's. My question is about the meds. Zometa rebuilds the bone and Femara stops estrogen reception, but neither are a chemo drug. Is this in your bones? Have they radiated it yet? I had 2 bone mets 2 years ago and that is how we treated mine.
    I know you are scared, its hard not to be and I wish I knew what to say that would help. Just know God is with you, and through him all things are possible. I will pray for your docs to treat you appropriately and for your complete healing. Email me here at the site if you want to talk. God bless you. hummingbyrd
  • cnorthart
    cnorthart Member Posts: 8
    #3
    Dear Hummingbyrd.......Thank you so much for your insight. The cancer spread to my bones and was discovered 3 months ago with a high tumor marker that went from 30 to 360 in 3 months. I had an MRI and then a bioptsy. The mets were in my bones.....femur, spine and skull. The only treatment so far is Zometa and Femara. The Onc mentioned radiation to the skull if headaches get worse. He said after tumor marker jumped to 880 today that I should wait til' September 18th for 3rd Zometa infusion to see if Femara is working. For some reason he thinks it is and I need to give it more time. At this point who knows how much time I have to waste?
    God brought me through Polio and being crippled as a child.......he raised me to never give up and I sure won't start now. My prayers are with you as well. Carol
  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #4
    cnorthart said:

    Dear Hummingbyrd.......Thank you so much for your insight. The cancer spread to my bones and was discovered 3 months ago with a high tumor marker that went from 30 to 360 in 3 months. I had an MRI and then a bioptsy. The mets were in my bones.....femur, spine and skull. The only treatment so far is Zometa and Femara. The Onc mentioned radiation to the skull if headaches get worse. He said after tumor marker jumped to 880 today that I should wait til' September 18th for 3rd Zometa infusion to see if Femara is working. For some reason he thinks it is and I need to give it more time. At this point who knows how much time I have to waste?
    God brought me through Polio and being crippled as a child.......he raised me to never give up and I sure won't start now. My prayers are with you as well. Carol

    >>" A metastasis to the skull does not mean that there will ever be brain metastasis."

    Carol - the above I remembered reading and hunted it down just now - from the Cleveland Clinic. For me, this would be reassuring so I am passing it on to you.

    Hugs, Jean

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