CA 27-29 testing

Deamo1

My CA 27-29 keeps on going up. When I was first diagnosed with bc 3 yrs ago it was 65. Now that I have mets it's 880. My Onco told me not to get hung up on the numbers but how could I not? He said it could be inflammation. I've had very severe gastritis and GERD lately. Could that be it? I feel fine. Going for a PET next week. Worried.

Moissy

Hi Deamo - I’m sorry that your markers are creating anxiety. Yes, inflammation among other things can increase the markers. But I wanted to let you know that many on this site have had high markers, and it does not necessarily mean something imminently bad. When I was diagnosed with MBC six years ago, mine were over 1,000. They have gone as high as 2300 and then were brought down to the 50’s with a treatment change. So mine do go up and down based on treatment.I’ve seen others mentioned in past posts who have had 27-29 in the high thousands. I think the trends are more important than the actual numbers. Wishing you well with your scan and hope you get good results that ease your mind. Best wishes.

Deamo1

Thank you so much for your kind words. You have done more for my anxiety than anyone else. Appreciate it so much.

Moissy

Not sure why some of our cancers happen to express more of the protein that is measured by tumor marker tests, but I can say that even when my markers were the highest, I felt very good. And I hope the same for you!

Deamo1

I just had pleural effusion in my lungs. At the same time, my Oncologist did a CA27-29 test and it's 5,000. Normal is under 40. Is this possibly from the effusion? I've had a lot of trouble breathing. All I know is the CA keeps on going up now.