Markers normal but abnormal scan?

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ango74
ango74 Member Posts: 255
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Okay, so my tumor markers are checked about every 10-12 wks. I was on a trial vaccine so they keep track of my tumor markers. My markers were checked about the second wk of January and they were in normal range as a matter of fact a little lower than the time before.  I was having some pains in my neck at this time and a lymphnode by my ear was swollen so the Dr. decided to run a scan. Well, she just called and said that there were some spots on the scan in my lungs and the lymph nodes by my heart were swollen. Anyways, I am trying really hard not to panic and I am wondering if anyone has heard of mets with normal tumor markers?

Angie

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  • Kodapants
    Kodapants Member Posts: 139
    edited February 2011

    Angie,

    I do know that 25-30% of breast cancer gals don't shed for markers to be elevated.  Does that make sense?  I was surprised to learn that,  but my Oncologist verified it.  Some places don't even check Tumor markers.

     Koda

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited February 2011

    My oncologist only uses the markers as a warning sign for possible need for scans.  She does not feel they are reliable other than if they begin to raise steadily, then she knows it warrants a scan or testing to see if there is anything there.  More or less as a barometer if you will.  I sadly must add, and I know it's not what you want to hear, but if you go to the Stage IV thread, you will find many gals who have tumor markers in the normal range and they have never risen, even though their cancer progressed from an early stage to Stage IV.  Everything with this freaking disease is a nightmare - it follows no rules whatsoever.  I want to wish you well and that further treatment totally eradicates anything that may be there.  Keeping my fingers crossed for you that nothing else will be needed.  God bless.

    Linda

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  • nancyh
    nancyh Member Posts: 2,644
    edited February 2011

    Dear Angie,

    Might not be what you want to hear, but yes, you can have totally normal markers and still have mets.  Tumor markers are notoriously unreliable...some doctors don't even use them.  I am one of those gals who has totally normal labs even though I have extensive cancer.  My onc tells me that about tumor markers are helpful for about 80% of cases (which sounds like a lot unless you are in the 20% like me).  Try not to panic, there are lots of reasons for abnormal scans, but at the same time know that there is loads of support on the stage 4 board if the doctor does give you bad news.  We are with you all the way.  Wishing you all the best.  Warm hugs, NancyH 

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  • ango74
    ango74 Member Posts: 255
    edited February 2011

    Koda, Linda and Nancy,

    Thank you for your responses. I figured if the tm's can rise and there not be any mets than the opposite can be true too.   The only reason they check them is because I was on the AE37 vaccine trial. So my trial onco checks them and for some reason my regular onco is checking them now too.  I am preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. 

    I was suppose to go into the office today to actually get the "offical" results but I'm in North Texas and we got ice and snow so the office is closed.......more waiting.

    Take care.

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited February 2011

    I just said a little prayer to send you peace and calm until you get your results. I have had these scares, and they turn out to be nothing but the stress probably cost me a few days off my life!!! Breathe deep!!! We are here with you!

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  • nancyh
    nancyh Member Posts: 2,644
    edited February 2011

    Hey Angie,

    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers...waiting is so hard.  Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst is good wisdom and you sound like a strong woman.  Warm hugs to you. 

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  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 1,470
    edited February 2011

    ANGO

    I have followed your threads on the trial and have always been routing for you. I add a prayer for you today that all news is good. God Bless you. 

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited February 2011

    Angie - wishing you nothing but good news.

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  • ango74
    ango74 Member Posts: 255
    edited February 2011

    Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. 

    I had my appointment with the onco today to get the offical results.  It looks like all the lymphnodes on the right side lit up, superclav, mammery chain (sp), the ones in my sternum and several spots on my lungs.  She did say all were really small. She was surprised they showed up on the scan at all. They are going to do another CT of just the chest and I will set up a biopsy.  Hopefully I will have more news in the next wk or two. Let the waiting game begin Yell

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  • nancyh
    nancyh Member Posts: 2,644
    edited February 2011

    Angie,

    I'm sorry about the nodes, though hoping that if they are small it is one of those "good news bad news" things.  Awe, dang it.  I'm just so sorry.  Good luck with the biopsy (and the waiting game) and know that we're thinking about you.   

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  • ango74
    ango74 Member Posts: 255
    edited February 2011

    Okay, thought I would update this.  I had my biopsy yesterday.  I will know the results late Monday.  They biopsied a lymphnode, I don't know which one.  I'm sure they told me but all I kept thinking was "this isn't happening, this isn't my life, get up and run out of here". Lol.  I really did think of making a run for it.

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  • nancyh
    nancyh Member Posts: 2,644
    edited February 2011

    Thanks for keeping us updated, Angie.  I was wondering how you were doing.  Good luck with those results - waiting is so hard.  Hugs, NancyH

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited February 2011

    Angie -

    Not what any of us had hoped for, especially you, but please keep us posted - we are all here for you and will remain so.

    Linda

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  • ango74
    ango74 Member Posts: 255
    edited February 2011

    Got the results......it's back (insert scary Jaws music here). I will start on Herceptin and Navelbine on Fri. Thanks for all your prayers and support.

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited February 2011

    I am so very sorry that you have to go through all this again, but am glad they have a plan put into place already for you and that you will begin Friday.  That's a good thing.  I am wishing you nothing but the best and an uneventful ride through this treatment.  It's a fear we all live with on a daily basis, I know I sure do.  Will check back with you Friday.  Stay strong, Angie - none of us wanted this to be the outcome, but fight this crap with all your might.

    Linda

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  • nancyh
    nancyh Member Posts: 2,644
    edited March 2011

    Angie - I'm so sorry.  I was really worried about you based on your post.  Please come join us in the stage 4 board.  You will get loads of support and information.  Hugs to you.

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  • ango74
    ango74 Member Posts: 255
    edited March 2011

    Thank you Nancy and Linda.  I had my first tx Friday, it went well.  Just hoping it works. 

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited March 2011

    Glad you started and began the fight.  I am praying this will do it.  We are here to help you in any way we can.  I am always just a PM message away.  Be strong, dear sister.  I am so sorry you have to go through this again.  Sending gentle hugs and I hope these treatments will go easy on you.

    Linda 

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