Elevated CA 27-29: PET scan vs bone scan and CT scan

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fight4two
fight4two Member Posts: 146
edited February 2017 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I am four weeks postpartum and just got the results of my latest blood test -- CA 27 29 is just over 200. I am devastated and praying it has something to do with either lactating or just having given birth (although I didn't get the impression my onco believes that). I have no symptoms other than back pain and a distended abdomen, both of which I assumed were related to pregnancy and now caring for a heavy newborn. Anyhow, I now have to get some scans done and I was supposed to get a bone scan and CT scan, but since I am breastfeeding my baby, I asked to do a test that would disrupt breast feeding for a shorter period of time. So now I am getting a PET scan. Is the PET scan as good as a CT and bone scan for finding things? Now I am having second thoughts about requesting a different test, because if there is something to be found -- I should probably get the best test to find it rather than worrying about breastfeeding.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited February 2017

    Fight4two, I'm sorry you have to deal with this at such a time. First of all, a good onc will pick the best scan for a particular patient. That said, I believe that yes, PET/CT is as good or better. The nice thing about a PET/CT is that it shows two things at once: structural things, i.e. shapes of possible tumors, and also metabolic activity (cancer shows higher uptake of radioactive glucose). So it gives more information. A CT with contrast plus bone scan is the usual alternative to PET/CT when insurance won't pay for a PET/CT. With bone scan and with PET there is a radioactive tracer, so you would want to pump breast milk ahead of time, and find out how long post test before you can hold the baby and nurse again. I don't know about breastfeeding after the iodine solution for a CT with contrast.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2017

    Anything that causes inflammation can cause those to rise. The PET/CT is very good at detecting mets. Keep us posted. Hoping it's all clear.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited February 2017

    Pet/CT is the gold standard. Be sure to ask about dietary restrictions before it. the normally have you follow a low carb diet. Keep us posted and good luck.

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  • fight4two
    fight4two Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2017

    Thanks for your replies -- guess the PET scan was sufficient. Scan was today and I already have a diagnosis: Spinal mets :( I rushed to the pharmacy and got some tamoxifen, so I won't be able to breastfeed anymore any way. Wishing I could have updated you all with happier news.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2017

    I am so very, very sorry to hear this. Hoping you have a treatment plan in place soon

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