What is range of CA27.29 readings?

neeliecor

My diagnosis (August 2017) was invasive ductal carcinoma, ER+ HER2-. I had a single mastectomy in Oct. 2017, fihished chemo in April 2018, and have been on Letrozole since then.

Last week I had blood drawn for CBC, CMP and CA27-29 in preparation for my 6 month checkup. That was yesterday and I was seen by a NP (new to me). She said my "numbers" were good and tumor markers were "less than 6." I can't find any data showing that CA27-29 numbers go that low. I know low is probably good, but I just would like to find some info on the actual range of numbers in the CA27-29 testing. I can find nothing that states the lower range goes down to 6 or less. Is it possible she was referring to other test results? She clearly said tumor markers.

Any suggestions/links that might help me with my search?

Thank you so much!

Spookiesmom

I had that draw in January. Mine was 26, the lab results say less than 38. CA 125 should be less than 35. Mine was 11.

I no longer have trust in the numbers. 2 weeks later I had a PET/ct and lit up in the axilla. I had symptoms, surgery April 3, technically I’m now stage 4.

AliceBastable

Spookiesmom, I'm sorry to hear your news. I hope you'll quickly respond to whatever treatment you get, and are NED as soon as possible.

Spookiesmom

👍👍

MelissaDallas

Per Oncolink, less than 40 is normal:

Normal" Results

< 40 U/ml

> 100 U/ml signify cancer (30% of patients have elevated CA 27.29 for 30-90 days after treatment, so wait 2-3 months after starting new treatment to check

neeliecor

Thank you all for your helpful comments. The more I read, the more I have to feel as many do - that "numbers" don't really mean all that much. I'm just glad to be here & to be feeling relatively good. We all have such battles to fight. I wish all of you continued healing and hope we all get the better of this nasty disease.

edwards750

I have a friend who is now Stage IV. I wouldn't say the numbers don't mean anything but the causes for escalating numbers doesn't necessarily mean the cancer has spread. However, my friend's numbers were up so her Dr said come back in 2 weeks and retest. She did and they were even higher. They did a scan and the cancer had spread to her hips. She is doing well now on the chemo meds.

My MO didn't believe in those tests because she said too many false positives so I never had them. I was Stage 1b, Grade 1 IDC. I had a lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments. Took Tamoxifen for 5 years. 7 years out last August.

Diane

neeliecor

Diane - so glad to know you are doing so well! And thankful your friend is, too. I continue to be flummoxed with regard to testing folks have to determine if they are disease free or if there is something to check further.