Tumor marker Scores Should this be of concern

bookgirl

I am about 2.6 years out of diagnosis and treatment but had my first ever tumor marker tests this week. I believe I was 36 or 37 with the limit of normal being 38. I think this test was called ca 27.29 the other test was Cea? and was normal. So being that I am freaked out by any and all tests be they spelling or medial, I was wondering if the high normal is of concern. Or is my anxiety whispering in my ear again. Thanks for all the support ladies!

sheila888

Mine is on the higher end 28. I get the tests every 4 months and stays the same.

Bookgirl what made your DR do the test after 2.6 years.

Did you change Oncologist?

They say it's not a reliable test. But I feel better knowing it.

(((HUGS)))

LuvRVing

Some people say the CA27.29 test is not reliable, but I think it's an individual thing.  Mine was very reliable.  My first test was 34, in August just after my lumpectomy and Mammosite rads, then in early January it was up to 39 and by March it was 64.  I had a recurrence that was diagnosed March 17.  I'm glad I was being tested because it was telling us something. 

Because you are on the high end of normal, ask to be tested again in a few weeks.  It's worth it to see how you are trending.  And then you will know, and hopefully not have to worry about it.

Hugs,

Michelle

Makratz

My onc does not do the test because she said it's inaccurate.  Well, I got a new onc and will see her in the next month or so.  I will ask her what she thinks of the test. 

I agree, get retested and compare results.  Best of luck to you!

bookgirl

It is the same Oncologist (I really like and respect him) I'm not sure why the tumor marker test at this point, I think it was just an added bonus when they were checking my hormone levels before switching me from Tamoxifen to ALs. I will be getting a recheck in 3 mos. Thanks for your input.

Makratz

If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been in menopause?

bookgirl

My periods stopped during chemo probably about feb of 09. I'm 52. My hormone levels came back at 8.6 with 8 being the goal for estrogen levels. He is going to test me again in a couple months. I'm a little afraid to make the switch since I have no complaints on Tamoxifen. Thanks again Ladies!

CoolBreeze

Your test was within normal range, so no, you don't need to be worried.  They aren't very reliable anyway.  Mine has always been within normal range too yet I have mets.

Sherryc

My onco does them but it is my understanding that he looks for trends continuing to raise before getting concerned.  So far I had them at a low #, then doubled, then doubled again all with in normal range and then went back to the low number.  So go figure.

kathleen1966

I don't really understand the tumor markers.  A year ago, when I was first diagnosed my 15-3 tumor marker was 20.  This was considered in the normal range.  The last blood test had the 15-3 marker at 18.  So it seems it has never been elevated really and hasn't changed much in the past year.   But I have often wondered, shouldn't it be zero? 

scuttlers

Mine have been accurate on indicating a scan needs to be done. I (nor the Oncologist) don't worry unless there is a large jump (over 100) in a month, or a steady upward climb over a few months. It is also a comfort for scheduling scans at 6+ months rather than every 3 months.

Makratz

Thanks for sharing all your experiences.  Can't wait to meet with my new Onc!

catbo71

I am so glad to see some feedback on the tumor marker test.  I just had my 3rd one.   It's been going down but this time jumped from 18 to 30.  Of course, I'm freaking out even though I know I'm below 38.  My oncologist told me these tests aren't very reliable for breast cancer and he doesn't get too concerned unless something as drastically changed with my health.  I see him next week with a list of questions in regards to this test.  His words last time were that they probably cause more anxiety than what they're worth.  I wish all of you out there the very best of health.

peggy_j

I'm new to this topic. Can anyone point me to a website with reliable info? (the  cancer.gov website that my MO referred me to doesn't have much on BC tumor markers). 

SpecialK

Any inflammation can cause a jump in this test (CA27/29).  I had a normal range result prior to chemo after all known cancer had been removed.  Right after chemo (within a couple of weeks after last tx) I had a double high normal result.  Three weeks later it came down by half.  I had a lot of swelling and general inflammation from chemo.  I just had surgery again and asked my MO to wait to test again for a few weeks because I think it will be up again.

Omaz

Good to know SpecialK, Thanks!

SpecialK

omaz - the double high normal freaked me out!  MO was mildly freaked as well.  Fortunately I had a clear PET the same week so he at first thought it might be a lab error so we re-tested.  That was the markedly lower, but still higher than normal, result.  He said clear scan trumps lab.  Many oncs don't use this blood test for this reason.  When I had H#10 last Thursday I actually refused the scheduled CA27/29 because I think it will be up again from the surgery I just had.  MO agreed to postpone for several more weeks and agreed with me, that it might be artificially high.

JFV

My tumour markers were high normal at diagnosis, climed into the 90s during chemo and dropped to normal once treatment was over.  They no longer test mine.  The only thing I was told was we look for trends over time and my markers climbed during treatment because the cancer was dying and my liver was taking it's time processing the dead cells, Or I had developed mets.  So far no mets.

mixin

My CA 27.29 has been inching up a tiny bit with each test. My results upon finishing rads last 7-27 were 11.9, then 3-30 were 13.3 and 8-03 were 17.9.

 My onc said: "Do not worry about them going up or down as long as they are within the normal range." 

 And I try not to; but it's always lurking in the back of my mind... wondering what the next test will bring.

I don't understand what "normal" range is. Normal for a non-cancer person or normal for those of us who have been treated for cancer? 

kira1234

mixinI'm much like you slowly creaping up. I think the range is normal for those without cancer.

Anonymous

   I don't know what to tell you.  My onco is always telling me the CA27.29 is not an accurate indication of what the cancer is doing, but we still do the test and whenever it goes up, usually the scans will show progression.  He may not want to admit it because he doesn't want me freaking out, but I am sure it is an accurate indicator for me.   The beginning of August when I started Xeloda, mine were.....are you ready for this?....3,306!!!   Am I worried, heck yes, but the really strange part of this is that even though they are sky high, and my scans show progression, the worst being in the liver, I still feel fine.  I am going to work, doing yard work, and carrying on as usual. 

Supposedly a lot of things can affect them, stress, antibiotics, infections, but 3,306!!!....that is ridiculous.   If I ever get back to the 100s I will be throwing a big party to celebrate!

I am not trying to make light of your situation, but would not be overly worried if they are 36 or 37.  Just ask they to run the test every so often to see if they are on the rise.  My onco was always more concerned with the cell search which told if any cancer cells were traveling around in the blood stream, (and fortunately that always came back zero), but now my insurance won't pay for that test....says it is not an accurate diagnostic tool for metastatic breast cancer.  Easy for them to say.   I hope all goes well for you and you can avoid further treatment or recurrences for many many more years.  Marybe

bookgirl

Ok here is an update I was retested this week closer to 4 months than 3. Results went to 40.2 up about 1.5 I think. I was high normal but now just above normal. My onc said it could be lab error, or it could be from a hematoma (sp?) in the bad breast. Or it could continue to rise. (But don't worry about) HA I wish...so I get tested again in 3 months. Just had an all clear mammo and MRI with in the last couple months. I guess I'm a little calmer that I expected I would be but was really hoping for a downward trend.