Jump in Tumor Markers

planetbananas

A little background: My last chemo was Nov 2012.  In June I was hospitilized 11 days over two visits with a major infection in my right implant. I was on iv antibiotics through my port until June 29th.

I had a blood test on July 3rd. My last 3 tumor marker tests ranged between 23 - 28. On July 3rd they were 41. Onc wanted another test and on July 19th the markers were 36. He has ordered a PET scan in 5 weeks as well as another blood test.

My question is, has anyone had experience with being ill and rising markers?

The oncologist said his first guess is that the rise is related to my illness but in the same visit told me "You need to be seperated from your ovaries as soon as possible". My oopherectomy was scheduled on one of the days I was in the hospital and because I had a decline in kidney function due to a reaction from the Vancomycin (antibiotic)  I was waiting for everything to return to normal before I thought about rescheduling but he said that I need to schedule it for 8 weeks from now in case something is found in the PET scan.

I am trying not to freak completely out about this because 5 weeks is a long time to worry but.....argh! This really is the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks in advance!

lola12

Hi planetbananas,

I have elevated alkaline phosphatase levels and originally my oncologist wanted me to wait 6-8 weeks to retest. She did not think it was a worry, but I was worried. So, I am going for a scan today. If you feel stressed over it, then call your doc and have the PET scan now. For peace of mind and to avoid weeks of worry.

lola

planetbananas

Thank you, Lola I just might. Or I will go as soon as I get the insurance auth.



Good luck and best wishes with your scan.

carlads

Hi Ladies,

Any input I can get I will appreciate. I finished Chemo 3 months ago.  I had a great check up 6  weeks ago with my Oncologist blood work perfect!! I went again yesterday and my CA27.29  was high..  It went from 24 to 52.  He didn't seem too worried but wanted me to repeat the test in 2 weeks. Then if it was not lower he was going to order a PT Scan (Which I've never had). My husband spoke up and said no, we want the scan now.  He went into explaining how other things can cause the marker to rise. He said any inflammation at all can cause it to rise.  Then he tells me they are 60% accurate.  What the heck???  I just can't figure out how it could go up so quick in just weeks. 

All my other blood work looked good.

Trying not to stress.

Carla

planetbananas

sorry you're going through this too. I have been unable to find any answers other than I need to have a scan. Good luck with your scan, keep us posted.