Tumor marker Scores Should this be of concern

Some people say the CA27.29 test is not reliable, but I think it's an individual thing.  Mine was very reliable.  My first test was 34, in August just after my lumpectomy and Mammosite rads, then in early January it was up to 39 and by March it was 64.  I had a recurrence that was diagnosed March 17.  I'm glad I was being tested because it was telling us something. 

Because you are on the high end of normal, ask to be tested again in a few weeks.  It's worth it to see how you are trending.  And then you will know, and hopefully not have to worry about it.

Hugs,

Michelle

My onco does them but it is my understanding that he looks for trends continuing to raise before getting concerned.  So far I had them at a low #, then doubled, then doubled again all with in normal range and then went back to the low number.  So go figure.

Mine have been accurate on indicating a scan needs to be done. I (nor the Oncologist) don't worry unless there is a large jump (over 100) in a month, or a steady upward climb over a few months. It is also a comfort for scheduling scans at 6+ months rather than every 3 months.

I am so glad to see some feedback on the tumor marker test.  I just had my 3rd one.   It's been going down but this time jumped from 18 to 30.  Of course, I'm freaking out even though I know I'm below 38.  My oncologist told me these tests aren't very reliable for breast cancer and he doesn't get too concerned unless something as drastically changed with my health.  I see him next week with a list of questions in regards to this test.  His words last time were that they probably cause more anxiety than what they're worth.  I wish all of you out there the very best of health.

Any inflammation can cause a jump in this test (CA27/29).  I had a normal range result prior to chemo after all known cancer had been removed.  Right after chemo (within a couple of weeks after last tx) I had a double high normal result.  Three weeks later it came down by half.  I had a lot of swelling and general inflammation from chemo.  I just had surgery again and asked my MO to wait to test again for a few weeks because I think it will be up again.

omaz - the double high normal freaked me out!  MO was mildly freaked as well.  Fortunately I had a clear PET the same week so he at first thought it might be a lab error so we re-tested.  That was the markedly lower, but still higher than normal, result.  He said clear scan trumps lab.  Many oncs don't use this blood test for this reason.  When I had H#10 last Thursday I actually refused the scheduled CA27/29 because I think it will be up again from the surgery I just had.  MO agreed to postpone for several more weeks and agreed with me, that it might be artificially high.

My CA 27.29 has been inching up a tiny bit with each test. My results upon finishing rads last 7-27 were 11.9, then 3-30 were 13.3 and 8-03 were 17.9.

 My onc said: "Do not worry about them going up or down as long as they are within the normal range." 

 And I try not to; but it's always lurking in the back of my mind... wondering what the next test will bring.

I don't understand what "normal" range is. Normal for a non-cancer person or normal for those of us who have been treated for cancer? 

   I don't know what to tell you.  My onco is always telling me the CA27.29 is not an accurate indication of what the cancer is doing, but we still do the test and whenever it goes up, usually the scans will show progression.  He may not want to admit it because he doesn't want me freaking out, but I am sure it is an accurate indicator for me.   The beginning of August when I started Xeloda, mine were.....are you ready for this?....3,306!!!   Am I worried, heck yes, but the really strange part of this is that even though they are sky high, and my scans show progression, the worst being in the liver, I still feel fine.  I am going to work, doing yard work, and carrying on as usual. 

Supposedly a lot of things can affect them, stress, antibiotics, infections, but 3,306!!!....that is ridiculous.   If I ever get back to the 100s I will be throwing a big party to celebrate!

I am not trying to make light of your situation, but would not be overly worried if they are 36 or 37.  Just ask they to run the test every so often to see if they are on the rise.  My onco was always more concerned with the cell search which told if any cancer cells were traveling around in the blood stream, (and fortunately that always came back zero), but now my insurance won't pay for that test....says it is not an accurate diagnostic tool for metastatic breast cancer.  Easy for them to say.   I hope all goes well for you and you can avoid further treatment or recurrences for many many more years.  Marybe