ca 15-3 test results after 5 years.

cantthinkofagoodname

Someone I know was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago.  It was local and with a lumpectomy and radiation she has been cancer fre for 5 years.  Her ca 15-3 levels and all other blood work, as well as mammograms have came back with great results for those 5 years.

 Yesterday her blood work came back with a ca 15-3 level of 800.  It was just 6, 6 months prior.  we're terrified at this high number, but some people are telling us it is just a number and means the breast cancer came back.  But you can find on some web sites that the higher the number the greater the tumor size and stage, and potential spreading. 

 The Pet scan is friday, but until then we just want as much info as possible.  She we really be worried about that high of a number?  Since it was "6", just 6 months ago we should have caught it early, correct?   Any help or info is appreciated.

cantthinkofagoodname

She also has had no other symptoms or signs of sickness in these last 5 years.  This just came up out of the blue.  The doc seems to think the breast cancer has returned, but it was caught early.  But in reality I just can't get past that 800 number.

bak94

I don't really understand tumor markers, so I am of no help there! I justed wanted to say I hope everything goes well with the pet scan and hopefully the numbers are wrong.