Elevated CEA's from 2.5 to 2.8 - scans orders - scared! :(

calamtykel

My CEA marker was up from 2.5 to 2.8.  Breast cancer marker was "normal" but we all know that isn't accurate.

I'm so scared.  My doctor has ordered tests - a bone and CT scan.  

The nurse told me that 40% of the time it's nothing - I said "So great - I have a 60% chance that it's something bad!"

UGH!!

reesie

Wait - one increase or are there symptoms or a trend? I wouldn't worry too much if it's just a one time small increase. I would ask your doc why the scans already - is there something else that concerns him/her? There are many things that can cause small adjustments in all levels.



Good luck!

calamtykel

No, I *think* but am not sure that it was a one time increase?  I think I may call back and ask that - I didn't know what she was saying I was in such shock.

She said the only reason to order scans is that I haven't had them in 2 yrs and I'm not on tamoxifen (couldn't take it - clotting issues).  Otherwise she said normal protocol would be to just wait and repeat the BW in another month............

calamtykel

I think I need to clarify - I was wrong in that they went from 2.5 to 2.8.  My previous levels were not at 2.5- they were lower apparently.

I texted my oncologlist tonight and she called me right back - she said she is not terribly concerned with the numbers but that a scan would show if there is an issue...

HOWEVER I also asked if we could please repeated the bloodwork in 2 weeks or so and see where the numbers are and then do a scan.  I really dont' want to rush into high radiation scans that I don't have the $ at ALL to pay for (high deductible) until we see at least two high markers......

She said she'd agree to that if I wanted -- so I think that's what I"m leaning towards doing. 

pamelahope

Hi! I just stumbled on this post, browsing the boards. I read that you are not on Tamoxifen due to a clotting disorder. I have a clotting disorder, take Fragmin, a blood thinner and was placed on Femara as I was made post menopausal. If I was not post menopausal, I would have got an injection to chemically supress my ovaries.

My CEA was 2.3 last time and now 2.9. My Oncologist said he was not concerned and I did not have residual cancer...I will try to believe him. I dont like the radiation in scans, I had enough, LOL!

This disease is terrible with the fear. Pam

Nancy44

I hate to hijack this thread and I apologize; but what is the CEA? 

Thanks in advance.

weety

It's one of the breast cancer tumor markers test that some oncs use to track recurrent cancer.  Higher numbers (especially a trend) tend to mean that cancer is active somewhere in the body.  Tumor markers are controversial because they can be highly inaccurate in some women. 

many

Anyone who has a high CEA should get THS (thyroid) tested

Higher TSH inrceases  CEA

lovetodance1

that happened to me. my cea went up from 1 to 6 and my tsh was high, began synthyroid and dropped to 2.7. my preop cea was only .7 with tumor inside so it was not good marker for me. and has stayed there. one year after the 6-cea reading pet/ct/normal. my onc was never worried. she blamed it on tamoxifen/inflammation. i'm 2.5 yrs out. what was your experience with cea and tsh and how much it went?. my ca15.3 has always been very low to about 8

curveball

I just looked at my CEA test, it says the normal range is 0-5, and a reading of 2.8 is well within that range.