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elevated CA125...WORRIED

dima
dima CSN Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My CA125 has been below 30 since my surgery and chemo over a year ago. In middle of January it went to 31. Oncologist ran a new blood test as well as a cat scan. It shot up to 500. My cat scan does not show anything conclusive. I feel great. What does this mean? Does it mean the cancer is back? Can it go up to 500 and then come back down on its own. I'm worried, please let me know what you all think. THank you
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Comments

  • mopar
    mopar CSN Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    I know you must be very worried. We have all been there and it's not a good feeling. The numbers are kind of relative. What they were before surgery, after, after chemo and the tests thereafter are pretty much 'your numbers', and what is normal/not normal for you. It's a consistent rise that they generally look for. But they can definitely come down. And they can definitely be affected by other issues and health problems. Stress, a simple cold, can make those levels fluctuate. I would imagine your doctor will do a follow-up CA125? CT's aren't always conclusive, so my doctor watches my blood levels.

    I wish I could offer more comfort, except to say that this rise does not necessarily mean that the cancer has returned. But good communication between you and your doctor can put your mind at ease.

    Please let us know how you are doing and what you find out. Praying for you and sending hugs your way!

    Monika
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  • shortstuff
    shortstuff CSN Member Posts: 79
    #3
    I think Monika pretty much covered everything and I agree with her. Your Dr. should definately do another blood test to see if its still climbing. Try not to stress too much about it. Keep us posted as to what you find out next. Our prayers are with you.
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  • floridajo
    floridajo CSN Member Posts: 480
    #4
    I think I would ask the Dr. to repeat that ca-125 test, or maybe do a PET scan. Did you have really high ca-125 numbers before dx.?? Mopar explained that all so well. It also could be a inflammation or infection somewhere inside you. Good luck..I'll be praying for you..(((hugz)))..Joanne
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  • BonnieR
    BonnieR CSN Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #5
    Sending lots of hugs and prayers. I echo the other women in requesting another CA125 and maybe it's already in your Drs plan. A petscan isn't out of the realm of realistic options either. Hugs N Prayers Bonnie
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