Please help

Polyana

My doc ordered a cancer antigine test which is 27.29 or so!! My results came normal for both liver function test and CA antigine test.

It is within normal range, my doctor told me it is good, and we need not to worry but keep watching it every 3 month when I do my follow-up. Is it really useful, what does it indicate, can doctors count on it...another doc told me it does not mean anything, it does not mean the cancer is gone or so..we just need to monitor it.

I do not know what to trust and what not to, I just need a piece of mind....

everyminute

CA 27.29 is a tumor marker test.  Some docs use it to see the levels of known tumor markers in your blood because it can be an indicator of mets, however....it can also fluctuate due to other reasons like inflammation, illness, etc.  And to make matters worse, some people have normal levels and still have mets. 

So - no, you cant trust it entirely, it is just one indicator.

americanpinay

Hi Polyana,

CA 27.29 is just one of many tests that your doctor can use to monitor you after BC treatment. For some, it is a good indicator but for others, maybe not.  As hard as it is to accept, I find that there is no test or test results that, of itself, can give me peace of mind. What gives me most comfort is knowing that I've done and continues to do all that I need to do to stay as healthy as possible.

I see you have one year under your belt from diagnosis. One thing I can guarantee you is that things do get better with the passage of time.

Take care. 

Pure

sorry I have never had these done but please don't worry-thats a good number!

YATCOMW

I have them done.......I hate doing them as they can be soooo stressful....I liken it to russian roullette....what good or bad news is it going to give me....but.... I like that my doctor is watching it.

 

I know a lot of women that have them done but just don't want to be told the results so they don't stress when it goes up and down as it will.

 

Jacqueline 

Bugs

My onc does the CA27-29.  He tells me not to obsess about the number as they can fluxuate for no reason.  He looks for consistancy, not actual numbers (as long as they are in normal limits).  Try not to obsess about them.  Not easy, I know.  

CynthiainChicago

Echo much of above. Have two friends for whom tumors markers were leading indicators of disease, so for them it allowed quicker action.. But as everyone above has noted, they are not always useful.