Tumor markers

Hubsofamanda

First I want to thank all of you amazing women for all you give. Your comments are read by many including myself and have helped me and my wife imensely! I pray for advancement in MBC progress daily!

Ok my question about TM's.... My wife started a bit over 2600 in early November at diagnosis with stage IV. She had innumerable tumors in her liver and bones and was in the begining stage of liver failure. Went through dose dense AC, 4 treatments. After her last AC she had a pet scan showing 40% reduction. She went straight into taxol herceptin and prejeta for 12 weeks, taxol weekly and the other two every three weeks. The whole time her TM's are going down. 800....500...200...120...80...50. Well we are one week away from being done with the scheduled taxol and her TM's last week went up from 50 to 65. We have a scheduled ct and pet scan in a week and I'm wondering if I should be preparing her for a bad scan? In your experience is having your TM's go up by 15 a significant amount?

Thanks for all your help! God bless you all

Xavo

Hubsofamanda, given all you described, I would assume the 15 points up might well not be a significant amount. Try not to worry about it before the scans are done. Your wife's treatments obviously have been very effective! 

RonnieKay

Dear hubs...the fact TMs have reduced, as Xavo said, significantly!, and continually, is a very good sign. As most of us have experienced, and oncologist's stress, TMs can fluctuate up & down, so don't focus too much (it's hard, we know) unless you see a pattern of elevating numbers. You've definitely seen a pattern in reduction...woohoo! Also, TMs are a good indication for some/not all. For me, they're a very clear indication...which means I sometimes get over fixated on them. Your beloved's onc will use TMs, scans, blood tests, overall physical well-being together to see how well treatment is working. As her beloved & advocate, it always helps to be positive and realistic. This is a scary place to be..hold her tight & hope, hope, hope!!! Lots of good meds out there...thanks for popping in. Keep us posted!!!!