Need some input

drcrisc

Hi Everyone,

It's been awhile since I've been here, but here I am again nonetheless.  Over the past 10 months, my tumor markers have been rising (both CA 15-3 and CEA).  The CA 15-3 is currently at 56 (had been 38 last August and 44 in February).  Conservative high is above 30.  At diagnosis 4 years ago, it was 69.  CEA has also been rising but not above the cutoff. Although I was node negative, I did have lymphovascular invasion which (I am just finding out) is considered somewhat equivalent to 1-2 positive nodes.  I was 40 at diagnosis and have a strong family history for several different cancers, including breast on both sides.  I don't want to be negative about this, but I don't want to be taken by surprise or find out 6 months from now that we "could have" done something and didn't.  I'm having a transvaginal ultrasound tomorrow (to help rule out ovarian cancer) and a PET/CT next week.

Any input, including past experiences, possibilities, tests I might want to look at, would be great!

Cristine

leggo

For what it's worth, I've never had a tumor marker test....my onc doesn't think their reliable on their own. Some people's markers don't change with progression and others have no progression but elevated tumor markers.  Looks like things are being taken care of with your upcoming scans so please try not to worry until there's something to worry about. Unless you're having bone pain, in which case I might ask for a bone scan to be thrown into the mix. Are you having any symptoms that make you think there's been progression?

drcrisc

Hi Gracie,

I have heard that from others but there is some strong research out there that also suggests otherwise. As for symptoms, I'm not having any that I'm aware of at this point. Like I said trying not to focus on the negative, but I don't want to be an ostrich either. I know fluctuating hormones can be a culprit also - not sure how to rule that out but we probably should.

Thanks...