CA15-3 Cancer marker in the abnormal range

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SharonJ1234
SharonJ1234 Member Posts: 21
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hi everyone,

 Had breast cancer in Sept 2007 (aged 40).  Had lumpectomy, chemo and radiation.  Opted to have ovaries removed and then on Femara.  Also take Vit D.  Went to oncologist today and my CA15-3 cancer marker was now not in the normal range.  Normal is less than 30 and mine was 34.  I am freaking out!!!!!  I have to get another blood test in a week.  If elevated also, then have to have bone scan and CT scan.

I have no symptoms, e.g. shortness of breath, cough and any aches and pains.  Does this mean that I do have a spread of cancer and it is just starting to show up.  I am trying to remain positive and I just would like to know if any one else has had this thing happen to them

 Many thanks

Sharon

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited March 2011

    Hi Sharon, a raised CA15-3 is not always indicative of cancer.  Sometimes inflamation somewhere in the body can also raise the numbers.  I hope things go well for you.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissyb

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  • SharonJ1234
    SharonJ1234 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2011

    thanks chrissyb, Guess I am just trying to get all info I can.  Oncologist seemed a bit vague and I just need to know more.  Repeat blood test next week, so will wait till then.....

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited March 2011

    I agree, sometimes getting onfo from Onc is like getting blood out of a stone.  Maybe it's their sense of power that makes them do this....lol   Little do they know, we are the stronger. 

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

    Sharon

    Don't get too worried yet! I know easier said than done. The ca15-3 reading at 34 is not concerning in itself as many labs consider under 35 a normal reading. The test bounces all over the place depending on different things going on your body. If your normal hovers around the 30 mark going up to 34 is just a normal variation. Maybe take a look at what your set point has been the last 4 readings. Mine is normally around 18 but can fluctuate 4 points either way.

    If you read through these threads you will see countless women that have had elevations in their tumor markers only to return to normal at the next reading. 

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  • SharonJ1234
    SharonJ1234 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2011

    Thank you mmm5.  I know it is easy to jump to the wrong conclusion.  But I am so over this disease.  Need my normal life back.  I have a repeat blood test a week today.  So I hope all will be fine.  Thanks for you comment, I am feeling better.  Now just wish I could sleep well and no worry!!!!

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  • kindone
    kindone Member Posts: 523
    edited March 2011

    Sharon, Please don't worry.  My tumor markers have been hi out of range before and I know what you are going though.  Like Michelle said see where you normal hovers.  My are on the high side so If they go up alittle they go out of range.  And I was scanned from head to toe and everything normal. Stay calm, good luck.

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  • SharonJ1234
    SharonJ1234 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2011

    Wow - thanks every one.  Your comments are just what i need to hear.  I am remaining upbeat and bring it on I say!!!!!

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  • SharonJ1234
    SharonJ1234 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2011

    Thanks for everyone who answered on this post.  Had a repeat blood test on Thu and my marker was 20 and well back in the normal range.  Woooo hooooo.  Such a relief.  Thanks everybody.!!

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited March 2011

    Sharon, that's great news!  Very happy that everything has returned to the normal range for you.

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