Post-op tumor markers

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liaemars
liaemars Member Posts: 2
edited August 2018 in Breast Reconstruction

I had mx/lat flap reconstruction in 2015, with a revision and mastopexy on the native side in 2016. I've had nothing but problems from the mx/lat flap, and still have post-op inflammation on both sides which can be seen on MRI and CT.

Due to switching oncs during the period from my 2015 recurrence until now, my CEA tumor marker hadn't been pulled since my recurrence in 2015 until recently. When I locally recurred in 2015, CEA was 3.3. Historically since my initial diagnosis in 2007, it was always under 3. Anything over 3 is considered abnormal for non-smokers.

My new onc pulled CEA recently, and it was 6.5, 7.2 and 5.9 over a month period. This increase/abnormality has of course triggered an extensive metastatic workup. My question is, for those of you who have tumor markers pulled regularly, have you had increases into the abnormal range post-reconstruction? I'm trying to figure out if my post-reconstruction inflammation is the culprit.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2018

    Yes, I had CA27/29 in the normal range prior to chemo, which rose to double high normal afterward due to inflammation. It took about 3 months for my markers to drop back down. A couple of years later my markers rose again after a knee injury that involved an unusually intense response of redness and swelling after bumping it on a trailer hitch, and then rose again when I had a bi-laterally abnormal PET (I am bi-laterally reconstructed) which was a 3cm suture granuloma at the original rumor site and four types of inflammatory process. Once each of these situations was resolved my markers returned to normal ranges. I will say that the CA27/29 was the only marker that went higher, my CEA remained within range. Good luck and hoping you can get solid answers ASAP, I know it is a worrisome situation.

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  • enjoyevrymoment
    enjoyevrymoment Member Posts: 334
    edited August 2018

    Liaemars,

    I too switched oncs and the CEA was not consistently checked, I fortunately spoke up for it to be checked just before I changed jobs/insurances and it was still low. I hope they figure out what is causing it and I am hoping your current onc is super thorough and you get answers. Hugs.

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