Tumor markers elevated now PET scan

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BansheeGirl
BansheeGirl Member Posts: 2
edited January 2016 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Have recently changed oncologists as my last one was tracking my tumor markers and never told me. The only reason I know is that his PA saw me during my last visit and mentioned that my markers had climbed... AGAIN. She showed me the results on a trend line starting with diagnosis... CA 15-3 was 27 then and has climbed a few points each quarter and is now 36. I was livid and have switched docs. The new one is a straight shooter and is concerned because they've always climbed, never decreased. My CBC came back funky at my first appt with her... Low Rbc, low Wbc, low hematocrit and now she wants a PET. Help!

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited December 2015

    I don't have any advice but I know others will drop by soon who can add some knowledge here. I want to give my support and I'm super happy your current doctor is taking things seriously and getting a PET. If you can, I would ask for a combined PET/CT, that provides more information.

    Good luck to you.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2015

    It sounds like you made a good choice in switching docs. There are a lot of reasons tumor markers can be elevated, which is why they are not routinely used. Hopefully your scan will yield good news

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  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited December 2015

    also your lab could be a little wonky from changing labs. Try not to worry, all of those came out of the same purple tube. It may be your new normal from that lab if it is not too big of a drop...try to just wait it out

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  • BansheeGirl
    BansheeGirl Member Posts: 2
    edited December 2015

    The new onc has also asked me to schedule an appt with the psychologist on staff to see if I'm depressed. I told her that I had stopped crying at work months ago! :) I meet with the psychologist next week...

    I was referred to this site by a fellow survivor when I was diagnosed last year and now spend time reading the discussion boards with my coffee every morning. You ladies inspire me so much. I have laughed with you... cried with you... and learned more from you than my stack of breast cancer books/oodles of bandwidth with Dr. Google.

    Thank you all for the daily reminder that I'm not alone...

    Much love and respect to the strongest people I know,

    Angie


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  • murielwhite5
    murielwhite5 Member Posts: 78
    edited December 2015

    Hi Angie, I to was sent off to a psychologist for anxiety. I did two sessions then gave up. I am sure it works for some but not for me. My best therapy is ladies with BC. They know what you are going through and can relate to the various and numerous ups and downs of the BC journey. I have made some fantastic new friends since being diagnosed!!! Love Muriel

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited January 2016

    Angie, 36 is not very high on the Ca27.29 scale. It's also possible that if different labs were doing the tests you'd get a different result.

    That said, a PET isn't hard to deal with, and if it comes back clean will give you (a) a baseline and (b) peace of mind.

    I know its impossible to tell you not to worry, but don't borrow trouble.

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