Anybody have elevated CA 27.29 for BENIGN Reasons?

bookgirl

I am 3 years out, this month I had a clear mammo, and MRI, diagnosed at 49, with stage 1 Grade 2 oncotype was 21, 4 rounds of TC + rads and Tamox. I had my first CA 27.29 in June with a score of something like 38.6. Just had a second follow up 27.29 test last week with an increase to 40.2. There does not seem to be much about benign causes for increased tumor markers but I keep hoping. I do have a hematoma (sp?) from two lumpectomies in the same breast, ultra sounds confirms it is sometimes slightly smaller or bigger but definitely there. I'm wondering if it could be the cause of the change in the tumor marker test. My onc wants to continue to check me every couple months with blood work included (I thought the anxiety was suppose to be dropping at this point!) I know that Tumor marker tests are not 100% but was just hoping someone here has had a similar experience. Thanks for listening

bak94

That is not that big of a difference. I wouldn't worry. Mine was elevated to 57 and 61 before treatment as I had a positive internal mammary node and then after 6 months of chemo it was 56. I was bummed, as I hoped for a much lower number, but it could still be elevated because of chemo. I have heard inflammation causes it to be higher. I am guessing with yours it is either your hematoma or just a slight difference because of the lab. I think it is normal for them to bounce around a little, it's the steady increases that are worrisome. I know it is easier to say don't worry than to actually not worry.

3boysmom39

Don't know if this helps, but I had a slightly elevated tumor marker , with low WBC count, and turned out I had Epstein Barr virus, when it was better my tumor marker went down to normal range. So there are other/ benign reasons for it to go up! Take care, karen

ruthbru

They are very non-specific and tend to bounce around a little....I don't think it is anything to worry about unless there is a HUGE jump.

bookgirl

Thanks, I tend to over think, it helps to get input for rational minds! I'm going to go find a good book and relax now. Hope everyone else is doing well.

Love4

This is my first post. March of 2010 at the age of 34 I was diagnosed with IDC stage II (2 nodes of 12 posit.), ER/PR positive. I carry the BRCA 2 gene. I did double mastectomy with reconstruction. 3 months of A&C and 3 months of taxol. I have had total hysterectomy and final implants placed. I currently take tamoxifen. I never new my tumor markers until my first 3 month follow up post chemo. I had my 3rd follow up yesterday (9 month post chemo) and my markers keep increasing. 27, 29 and now 37. I feel great! But now I'm scared. 6 months ago I had PET scan and it was clear. Last month I had a brain MRI and it was clear. How are your numbers now?

Love4

Good news, 1 month later mine went down to 25.5! Down 12 points!