Question

Pat634

I am not sure of what the exact numbers are but lets say that my Oncologist says that a baseline of tumor markers is 50.  6 months ago they were 50.5, then 3 months ago they fell to 44.5 and today they were up as high as 56.5 

Tumor markers in question are called CA 27.29

Cancer side breast was mammogramed in mid March and was fine. Physical exam today revealed nothing. No tumors felt and liver and speen do not feel distended. My liver levels have been slightly elevated for the past year but then I have been on lipitor for MANY years due to high cholosterol. Potassium and chloride levels are slightly low.

They have found small amounts of occult blood in my stool but they have found this on and off for many years. I believe it's a hemoroid but I guess I'm going to have to go through a colonoscophy sometime within the next three weeks.

Oncologist says he's giving me the "Threat of further testing" -- 1 more month and then a repeat of the tumor markers to see if I have to go for a another PET scan.

TriciaK

It sounds like the meds you take may be responsible, but it would'nt hurt to do the tests and put your mind at ease from this:)  xx

Tricia

shelloz1

Hi Pat,

Markers can go up for varied reasons, and usually a low increase is nothing to worry about.

My markers went up to 70 once, I freaked out, turned out it was an infection in my body.  My mother-in-laws markers were over 300, same thing, infection.

I would keep an eye on them, if they continually go up, then ask to have a CAT or MRI.

Best of luck to you,

Shelley

Pat634

By the time I went back to my Onco one month later they had dropped again to 37.  Onco thinks its fatty liver disease that makes them go up and down like that but every time they go up I panic regardless.