Tumor markers, I know.. but just need to hear it again

Options
kathleen1966
kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I am almost two years out here.  Today, at my routine three month check up my Oncologist said my blood work looked excellent. But I am noticing a very slight increase in my 15.3 tumor marker. 10 months ago it was 18, then it went to 19, then 20 and now 22. Granted this is only a four point increase in almost 11 months. And now I feel maybe stupid for even worrying about it.  But shouldn't it stay the same?  Is four points considered really the same?  Does anyone know, specifically, WHAT can cause these numbers to fluctuate.  I am thinking of either not asking what it is or not getting it.  It is causing me stress. I know it is still well within the normal range, but seeing the number NOT stay the same bugs me. my tumor marker started at 22 and remained there after my mastectomy and removal of nodes with four positive, and basically stayed here through most of chemo and I ended with an 18 in the end. Although my largest invasive tumor was 1.6cm.  There were other, smaller tumors and the entire mass was 7.5cm. This consisted of mostly DCIS.  I have lymphedema, achy knees, some fibroids...that's all I can think of. I have a feeling these may not mean much for me. Why do them then? -thanks

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited May 2012

    Kathleen I know how you feel as my TM were exactly the same as yours.  At original Dx they showed normal and at stage IV Dx they also showed normal but they do and did fluctuate a few points but always in the normal range.

    Sometimes the TM are of no use for dignostic purposes and it sounds like you are one, like me that have no luck with that little pointer. I think the docs like to do them just in case something changes and they do get an indication..........I call it wishful thinking.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • YATCOMW
    YATCOMW Member Posts: 664
    edited May 2012

    Kathleen......

    Mine have fluctuated between 15-21 for the last eight years......one time it even went to 27 and scared me to death....but next time I took it was back to 19.

    4 points is nothing to be alarmed with......my oncologist is looking for a 50 point rise.....being sick or dehydrated can affect the number.....

    At the same time know that these numbers are not entirely reliable as in chrissyb's case......it's is just a tool and not a definite one at that.....

    Breathe.....

    Jacqueline

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited May 2012

    Thanks! I love all of you women!  What would I do without you?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited May 2012

    kathleen1966 - I believe that inflammation can also skew these results, and alsoI believe that <31 is considered normal.  Docs are looking for upward trends with larger jumps than a few points.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • anneflorida
    anneflorida Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2012

    I just had my 4 month Ca 15.3 tumor markers done and mine were 37.  In December, they were 38 and before that they hovered at 33 and 34.  My lab states under 30 is normal but my oncologist says some women are naturally a bit higher so he is not worried.  In fact, he says that until my tumor markers were over 50 would he consider doing any testing.  Yours sounds quite normal and good!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gardengumby
    gardengumby Member Posts: 7,305
    edited May 2012

    OK - stupid here - My oncologist regularly does blood tests, but I don't even know what the tumor markers are.  Could someone fill me in? 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories