Rising tumor markers anyone?

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Anybody have this scenario?  We do tumor marker testing every 3 mos., and for the last 3 tests, my markers have gone up 2 or more points.  Onc says on any given day, the markers could show different number, according to how well our bodies 'metabolize' that protein.  This just freaks me out, as do most of the 'numbers' in this awful game.  I'm still in the normal range, but what exactly is the highest number for 'normal' -- forgot to ask !! 

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited February 2012

    Assuming it's the CA 27.29 test, I believe the normal range is below 38.  Perhaps your MO would order a scan to see what's going on.  I, too, would find the trend disturbing. 

    Good luck!

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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited February 2012

    Hi there,

    2 points is very very little-even if it was 2 points each time. I think more concerning would be a big jump at one test sitting. With that said my doc doesn't do that test b-c SHE feels it's not accurate and good indicator.Each doctor is different. If your nervous you could ask them to repeat the test. SO many factors affect blood work-sick, allergys, time you get the blood work taken ,etc so please don't be worried:) I am sure your fine.

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited February 2012

    shelly

    i have been doing tumor markers every 6 months for 10 years.  i am one of those people who like doing the markers along with other blood work.  my markers have gone up and down....sometimes 2 points sometimes 5 points but they are always below the 38-40 normal level. 

    my oncologist says they are just another tool; that things that go on in our body can cause elevation. they are just a piece of the puzzel.  they would have to be considerably elevated....before scans would begin.  there has to be measureable disease and really anything below the normal; or even slightly above normal doesn't necessarily call for a scan.

    my marker has elevated from 20, 22, 25 and recent was 34.  i get another test in april.  however, all my other blood work is excellent, i feel great and have no symptoms.  you don't want a bunch of scans because you don't want to waste a scan too early looking for cancer.there has to be measureable disease for a scan to show anything.  am i concerned?  a little but not really freaking out because i figure if i have more cancer it will eventually show itself.  however, doing the marker (for me) takes the surprise out of a possible relapse which for me i like.

    the markers work for some people and for others they don't  my experience at this point is to just wait and see what happens.....and then deall with whatever comes my way.  as long as i am feeling good and enjoying life...that is really all i want.

      

    hang in there.  it is difficult when things are showing some changes...ie blood work...however, there are so many factors that can influence these tests.

    best

    diana

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2012

    Pure - thanks for the encouraging words -- yes, still under the highest "normal" count, but it concerns me when the docs don't think to ask other questions. 

    Diana:  Just as you're doing, I am going to insist on doing the markers every 6 months for as long as I can.  I freak out mostly because my original cancer did not "show" itself and I felt great & the healthiest I'd been in 15 years when diagnosed.  That is enough for me to look beyond whether or not I feel off or something not right. 

    Thanks -- Shelly

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  • LisaTr
    LisaTr Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2012

    My tumor makers have risen the last three times I have had blood work too. My oncologist said normal is below 25 and mine have been in the upper 20's then 30's now 45. Dont know at what point is really high? He has ordered scans -uggghhh more scans! I was diagnosed in 2000 with stage 2b and then again in 2004 with stage IV metasasized to liver and bones.

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  • Sonata
    Sonata Member Posts: 221
    edited April 2012

    My tumor markers have been on the rise. The latest test 2 weeks ago had the numbers tripling. Since my onc doesn't much weight in those alone, off I went to testing/scanning.

    Unfortunately for me, there really was a reason. I was just diagnosed yesterday with a recurrence to my chest wall. Too bad it happened to be the 3rd recurrence in 2 years. :(

    I don't say this to scare you. My experience is not everyone's. A point here or there, or even 10, probably doesn't mean a whole lot. But it does mean remaining proactive about it, keep an eye on it. Ask questions. You deserve the answers.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2012

    Okay now confused BIG time.  My onc said 37 or under for tumor marker is "normal" -- now am wondering ???

    Shelly

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited May 2012

    There are a bunch of different ones.  Here's an article/explainer:

    http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/UnderstandingYourDiagnosis/ExamsandTestDescriptions/TumorMarkers/tumor-markers-specific-markers 

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