CA-125

saundra
saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Well, now my CA-125 is up. My oncologist says we will recheck on the 30th for my last low dose Taxol and confer with the Dallas head of department that did my surgery in October. It was 29 after being under 10 since last November. The odd thing that I want to question the older timers is that the report from the Dallas lab suddenly said that the normal range was "less than 21". Has anyone else that gets a printout of blood test seen this lower number for normal? I review the blood test by computer with my doctor and so I did not notice the difference until I got home.

This high number may be the result of arthritis setting in my hands. Has been bothersome for the last few months.

Thanks, Saundra

Comments

  • stillhere2
    stillhere2 Member Posts: 9
    #2
    CA125
    Hi, I am a new member of this network, and this is the first time I am posting. I just had to answer you, Saundra,(my name is Sondra) about the CA125 number. I have been treated in the Program for Women's Oncology at Women and Infants' Hospital in Providence RI. My gyn/onc is the director of the program ( I got lucky in getting him). They always use less than 21 for their norm in this program. I think this is the result of research that shows 35 is too high to start looking for ovca.

    I have just passed my 5 year anniversary for completing chemo for 3C disease that had spread to the omentum. My heart goes out to all those who are having recurrences before they ever get to 5 years. That happened to my mother.

    Prayers for all.....
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #3
    CA-125
    Yes, Saundra, I noticed that the lab I go to changed that some time ago. I asked my doctor, 'what's up with the new numbers?' It sounded as though he implied different labs have different ranges. I also noticed some changes on blood work that my hubby had.

    So, that brings us back to what's 'normal' for us. For me, it was a consistent rise that signal my recurrance. And I sure know that so much can make the number go up. It skyrocketed when I had taken Boniva. That created a huge inflammatory response. So, that kinds of falls in line with your situation, specifically the arthritis. So, hang in there for the BT on the 30th. And let us know what the results are.

    As always, HUGS!

    Monika
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #4
    ca125 number
    Hi Saundra, Part of my understanding as to why the number changed is that the test got more accurate(it changed)and if you notice it use to take several days to get the results back and now it is back in a few hours. I also know that outside things can cause it to rise and we usually go by two readings before we say for sure. I run low numbers and have a lot of cancer. A year ago when the cancer was growing I was at 9 I think and as the CT Scan shows more growth, especially the past 3 scans this summer I have crept up and up, I think the last was 43, for some women 43 is normal. 43 for me is like some women's 2,000 or higher ~ our bodies are so different. I would think if it went up again they would do a ctscan to see what is going on.

    Praying it is just arthritis. :-) Hugs Bonnie
  • kris43
    kris43 Member Posts: 275
    #5
    The number game
    Sandra - just 2 weeks ago I went in for a visit as I've been having some symptoms that have been bothering me. The doctor wanted me to have my CA 125 done earlier then normal - but had me go back to the lab that normally does it for me in my hometown because the hospital lab was using a new, more accurate & sensitive test that used 0-50 as it's normal range and she didn't want me freaking out if it was higher. It was still at 10.7 so as far as that I am good.

    I have, on the other hand, had a cough for almost 8 weeks now that they swore would go away with a change of medication and that was 2 weeks ago and I'm still coughing away. I've had bladder control issues and bowel issues as well, although I had a "clean" colonoscopy on June 4th.

    Hearing Joanne's news of a normal CA 125 one month and then news of a recurrence the next makes me worry all over again. Someone needs to work on curing anxiety.............it's one of the worst symptoms of dealing with cancer if you ask me.

    Hang in there everyone! Together we can be stronger! Kris
  • Shelley Hawk
    Shelley Hawk Member Posts: 15
    #6
    I don't trust the numbers
    Before I had my surgery I was told my number was "only" a 53 (I was told 35 was "normal" and it would be elevated into the 100's or 1000's if I had cancer) so my Dr. believed there was probably no cancer. WRONG it was contained in the tumor but, there was definately cancer and very aggressive too.
    The CT or better yet PET Scan seems to be the best way to determine cancer and where it is without opening you up. Unfortunately not all facilities have the PET and I'm sure the cost is high. I haven't gotten the bill from mine yet.
    Good luck- Keep asking your Dr. questions and be informed!
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #7
    Saundra
    As I understand it some labs are using a different type of ca-125 test were 21 is the limit. My lab still uses the old <35 test. I have asked on other forums how would these two tests compare and no one knew. This is why it's important to use the same lab everytime if possible. I'm sorry your numbers are going up and pray that it's some kind of inflammation. Sening prayer and (((hugz))~~Joanne
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #8
    CA-125
    Thanks Ladies, I am scheduled for a CT scan in Oct. and an appointment with the head of Gyn/Onc who was my surgeon at Texas Oncology. He flies out to W. Texas everyother month so I don't have to go to Dallas for rechecks. My last scan and appointment was in June.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #9
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

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