Freaked out again

Suzy1979

I just finished 6 rounds of chemo last week.  Today I was called by my oncologist and told that my "tumor markers" went up.  What does this mean?  Do I still  have tumors?  Has the cancer spread?  Has anyone else gone through this and what were your results?  Any imput would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Suzy

KarmaKittie

I'm certainly no expert, but tumor markers may OR may not be an indication of cancer growing or spreading. For some, it is completely unreliable. I know that not the definitive answer you're looking for, but talking with your onc is the best thing to do. He or she will be able to better explain things to you.

I'd say it's something to be concerned about, but try not to worry too much yet. (I know easier said than done!)

You may also want to check into the  "Not diagnosed with Recurrance or Mets but concerned" section of the forum.

Suzy1979

Thank you for your reply.  I will look into the Not diagnosed w/Recurrance section.

janincanada

I agree with Kelvia.  I would also call my onc back or the nurse and get an explanation.  I did that frequently because i was usually too shocked/naive to know what to ask at the moment that they called.

lfasano44

Hi Suzy, My doctor does not do tumor markers because he says that they are unreliable due to the amount of things that can factor in and make them rise.  I think it's crazy to do them just 6 weeks after finishing chemo when your body is still recovering, that is just my opinion but you will see lots of girls on here whose doctors don't do tumor markers and they are just fine.  Lauren

Jaimieh

I have seen many ladies whose tumor markers have gone up while on chemo and right after they finished chemo.  They normally wait a week and then rerun the test and the markers are coming back down. 

I hope your markers start to fall. 

suemed8749

I'm here to second Jamieh's statement - many women here have reported that their tumor marker numbers go up during and right after chemo. What did your doctor tell you - did he just say that the number was up and leave you hanging with that piece of info?????



A few months after finishing chemo, a nurse in my onc's office called to tell me that mine had dropped. Hopefully, yours will also.

chainsawz

My tumor markers have always been very low even tho it is in my lungs and brain....go figure!  My onc also told me he did not consider it a reliable diagnostic tool at this point because many things can cause them to go up and like me, they don't always indicate mets like they should :>