CEA 3.1

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Elaine2Tervs
Elaine2Tervs Member Posts: 11
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Just got a call from Med onc office saying my CEA tumor marker test showed it elevated, a 3.1. They did not test my tumor markers prior to surgery or chemo. I just finished A/C and 12 weeks of Taxol. I'm a nervous wreck. Surely it didn't come back that quick. I have not even started radiation.

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  • stephanie1
    stephanie1 Member Posts: 131
    edited May 2012

    Hi there don't get too nervous yet about that CEA. Mine was elevated after treatment and kept climbing for almost a year. They kept sending me for PET Scans and MRI's and couldn't find anything wrong. After a year the CEA finally starting going the other direction and seems to have leveled off  and stayed around 4.2 now for the past 6 months. If it makes you feel any better mine got as high 6.0 during that process ok. So it doesnt mean its coming back its just a tool for them to use to run some more tests. I am now three years out from Chemo and they just took my port out so take a deep breath :)

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  • stephanie1
    stephanie1 Member Posts: 131
    edited May 2012

    Oh and depending on when the last time you had a colonoscopy was or if ever- They may send you for one as a precaution. I would highly suggest you request one if they don't bring it up.

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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited May 2012

    Hello Elaine, 

    CEA below 5 is not "elevated".  Inflammation in the colon could cause it to fluctuate, and post chemo we all have that!  

    The research shows that they really don't know what tumor marker numbers indicate unless there is a substantial rise over time. You certainly don't have that.

    I was extremely stressed out over the tumor marker scores.  I finally had to tell them that I didn't want to know the numbers unless it indicated the need for scans, tests, or treatment.  I just have kept my head in the sand; works for me!  

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  • reesie
    reesie Member Posts: 2,078
    edited May 2012

    I was going to say the same as Gitane - anything under 5 is considered normal - not elevated. You should talk to yourdoc but even if it was elevated most wouldn't do anything based on one test - they watch for trends or symptoms before doing anything.



    I think you can relax unless and until your doc says otherwise.

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  • Elaine2Tervs
    Elaine2Tervs Member Posts: 11
    edited May 2012

    Hi Stephaine and Gitane, Thanks for the replies. I did have a Colonoscopy after my mastectomy and before chemo was started because the PET scan showed unusual activity in my lower bowel. Colonoscopy showed diverticulosis (sp?), but no polys or cancer. The Onc's PA is ready to schedule another PET and more blood tests. Geez!

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited May 2012

    For what it's worth, I just want to add that my onc does NO markers whatsoever (other than those prior to chemo) until at least 6 months after chemo.  She says they will be unreliable if done too soon after chemo and will show false high levels.  I am wishing all the best for you.

    Linda

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