Thinking Out Loud.....

deborye

Question: I was looking through my medical records and found a sheet on my blood work back in 2007.  The CEA test results was 1.3 what does that mean?

chrisct

Hi ladies - checking in to see how everyone's doing.

I googled CEA and found this -

"Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby in the womb. Blood levels of this protein disappear or become very low after birth. In adults, an abnormal amount of CEA may be a sign of cancer.

A blood test can be done to measure the amount of CEA in your blood."

"The normal range is 0 to 2.5 micrograms per liter (mcg/L). In smokers, the normal range is 0 to 5 mcg/L."

Makratz

What is CEA??

deborye

It says normal range is .0 ng/ml  I guess the 1.3 is suppose to be <1.3 I guess I'm in the normal range.

Makratz

What does CEA stand for?

raincitygirl

It's a protein in the blood that is indicative of cancer in the gastrointestinal system but also sometimes in lung or breast cancer. A rising CEA level could suggest recurrance, sometimes before it can be identified on imaging. Steady low CEA readings are supposed to make us feel confident and rising numbers supposedly cause an oncologist to do more testing but not after just one increase we were told.

raincitygirl

Carcinoembryonic antigen is what it stands for.

Makratz

Thanks Diane!  Are youa doc or do you play one on TV??  LOL!  Looks like your good Deb!  Congrats!

Desperate housewives is on!

raincitygirl

I am a detective.

Don't tell me anything about the show as I have some hours to wait.

sheila888

I dont know what it stands for but when I asked I think it was 1.8 not sure.

CEA=Cook Eat Asparagus

sheila888

i used to watch Brothers & Sisters.

Now i mostly watch the crime shows like NCIS, Criminal Minds etc...

Makratz

LOL Sheila on the CEA.  Doc Diane already answered that for us!

I won't tell you about the show.  I am half watching it and monitoring my sons reading.

raincitygirl

I want to go see what mine was exactly, I know it was fine but.....too tired to get off the sofa. 

I am guessing that is the younger guy you are monitoring

Makratz

Yes I am.  He has learning disabilities to although he's 11, he struggles.

I wish my Onc tested foe TM's or CEA......I don't know why she doesn't.

deborye

I think it's just routine to have the tests after you are done with tx.

Makratz

I am done with tx, unless you consider tamox part of the treatment. I shall ask my onc!

sheila888

Deb...You know what as long as they are in normal range we are okay.

I cant find that paper with the result.

My TM tests is steadily 26 or 27

raincitygirl

Linda - I had my first as part of the pre-surgical blood work.  I will have another in Feb, I believe every 6 mos.  My BS seemed big on them, some others, not so much.  Like us, docs have their quirks   Having raised a daughter with disabilities, I know exactly what you are up to.

Today is the last day of this round and I am just beyond exhausted.  Is this when platelets are lowest?

raincitygirl

Sheila - it seems you eat lots of asparagus?  Any chocolate on the menu?

sheila888

I almost finished the 5 oz bar. the night is long.

raincitygirl

What kind is your favorite?

sheila888

Tonight I ate this.

I love cadbury , Dove minis dark or milk,

And those fancy looking ones

I loveeeeeeeee chocolate.

Oh chocolate truffles when the middle melts in your mouth.........

sheila888

GOOD NIGHT!

raincitygirl

Now that looks like a real NY cheesecake....

Makratz

Good morning my chocolate loving friends.

WHat about chocolate covered AG?

raincitygirl

I actually think chocolate covered AG could work if the AG were just barely cooked

Good Morning  - it's anaother rainy day here, makes me want to stay in bed.

sheila888

Good Morning

Sorry Linda but that combination doesnt really excite me.

cloudy day. The trees are really getting bold.

One year I left plastic colorful flowers hanging in the yard all winter. It was so funny lol...seeing flowers in the snow.

sheila888

lalalalalalalalalalalalala

sheila888

those who are hungry Dinner is ready.

Roasted chicken with my spices.

Broccoli salad (cooked) with lemon and EVOO

Brussel sprouts with tiny amount of butter.

Not much but the more we are the less we eat since its only 1 chicken hahaha

Makratz

That was delicious!  Thanks Sheila. You are a MARVELOUS cook!