URGENT

My markers normally range in the 30's.  However, it seems that every February they spike.  I have been really sick with the flu, chest infections, etc. both February's since ending treatment.  Feb 2013 was 40ish; Feb 2014 was over 50.  A pretty big spike from mid 30's in November.  My MO looks for patterns and repeat increases.  She doesn't consider anything under 50 worth mentioning to patient.  My May 2014 numbers went back down below 40.  I also have done better watching my carbs this spring--I didn't do so well this winter.  I did read that glucose levels can affect marker levels even in people with no history of cancer.

However, markers and their reliability vary from person to person.  Always ask MO if you have concerns.

Many, you are doing a good thing to monitor the markers. I can`t advise you but I'm sure the doctor will be proactive if there are any concerns.

Best to you and your wife.

It may not be significant at all.  There are all sorts of non-cancer related issues than can cause a temporary spike.  A steady rise over a year's time would be concerning.

My primary freaked out over a temporary increase (still within normal levels) and it returned to my typical levels by the next test.  

Agree with Juneping on this myself.  My onc said CA 27.29 is just "one" of many tools they use to check for recurrence.  But what's puzzling is that no one could tell me what influences those numbers, such as colds, flu, etc.  So my question next is if you don't know what causes the numbers to jump, why are we still using this?  But guess if bloodwork shows other levels to be 'normal' then they don't worry about the markers, unless way out of their normal range.  

Meg, no I never heard of them either until AFTER all treatment ended, and then I had to request them. Many oncs don't routinely do them.  I also thought it strange that they were never checked during treatment either, but probably because chemo affects everything so much.  

My onc at MD Anderson also said the same thing. I requested for it and he said they can often be unreliable and cause anxiety.