CEA Rise, what does it mean

Odd CEA results
I haven't been on this site for quite awhile. I am almost 3 years out of treatment and currently ned. I can relate to you CEA question. My CEA was 3.2 when I was diagnosed, in the mid 2's during treatment. About a year after treatment mine went from the low 3's to 4.4 - in I went for a CT - all was fine - my next two CEA's were 4.4. , three months ago, I had a CT and CEA (routine) and my CEA was 2.3. Last week - 3 months later my CEA was 5.2 - went for another scan - all clear.

Apprently, about 5 percent of the population have CEA's that fluctuate oddly and have nothing to do with recurring cancer. I go to MGH, my onocologist has two other patients like me whose CEA levels fluctuate constantly. My doctor's feeling is that unless it were to go up above 10 - we will stop scanning everytime it does something odd. I have already had 10 scans since diagnosis.

I am getting comfortable with this ambiguity. Something that isn't easy for me.

I was dianosed Stage3A - two positive lymph nodes.

I understand being freaked out, but talk to your oncologist. The CT scan is the "golden standard" I am told and a clean scan two months ago is a good thing.

Good luck

pamness said:

Odd CEA results
I haven't been on this site for quite awhile. I am almost 3 years out of treatment and currently ned. I can relate to you CEA question. My CEA was 3.2 when I was diagnosed, in the mid 2's during treatment. About a year after treatment mine went from the low 3's to 4.4 - in I went for a CT - all was fine - my next two CEA's were 4.4. , three months ago, I had a CT and CEA (routine) and my CEA was 2.3. Last week - 3 months later my CEA was 5.2 - went for another scan - all clear.

Apprently, about 5 percent of the population have CEA's that fluctuate oddly and have nothing to do with recurring cancer. I go to MGH, my onocologist has two other patients like me whose CEA levels fluctuate constantly. My doctor's feeling is that unless it were to go up above 10 - we will stop scanning everytime it does something odd. I have already had 10 scans since diagnosis.

I am getting comfortable with this ambiguity. Something that isn't easy for me.

I was dianosed Stage3A - two positive lymph nodes.

I understand being freaked out, but talk to your oncologist. The CT scan is the "golden standard" I am told and a clean scan two months ago is a good thing.

Good luck

Same here............
My CEA went from less than zero (however that happened) to 1.3 then 1.9 then 2 the last time. My doc have not scanned me since surgery, glad of it also. but my CEA is staying down. He says that unless it shoots up like tripling or so then there is no need for other scans ...He also watches and tests every 3 months for all blood work , enzyme increases, etc that could signify other problems arising. So far so Good....so if its slightly raising don't worry be happy , it will fluctuate dependant on a lot of variables but if it takes off then maybe be a little more diligent in getting checked out....Buzz

Hope you get an answer!

SAME thing with my husband, but just finished 4th. It's freaking us both out. He got his scan yesterday and we find out tomorrow. I am a trainwreck over it. He's gaining weight, looks great, feels fine except day of chemo and the Folfox is not too harsh on him where I have read it could be tortuorous. After his 1st treatment his CEA dropped by half. 

Its only been a short journey so far for both of you, and as with any trip there will always be that damn bump in the road. Be positive, stay calm, don't drink or smoke...that can raise your CEA levels. 

Very Old Post

I'm sorry to hear of the rise in CEA but that can be caused by different things including treatment.  This is a really old post, so it might be good if you start a  new one.  Wishing you well.

Kim