CA15-3 Blood Test

Options
nevaeh
nevaeh Member Posts: 85
edited June 2014 in High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
CA15-3 Blood Test
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • nevaeh
    nevaeh Member Posts: 85
    edited October 2007

    My onc did not do any blood tests for CA15-3 b/f or after my lumpdectomy.

    I am curious how many of you received this test to know if my onc is missing something I should have had

    TIA

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2008

    I get both the CA15-3 and the CEA marker every 4 months.  My oncologist looks at these more for 'trends' rather than normal range.  She says that if they start seeing my markers trending up consistently then they will do more testing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jellydonut
    Jellydonut Member Posts: 1,043
    edited May 2008

    I've had CEA, CA27-29 and 19-9 (a GI cancer marker).  Also circulating tumor cells (CTC) which is a fairly new test and not yet widely used.

    It's my understanding that these tests are accurate for only about 75% of people and not all oncs/surgeons use them.

    If it's important to you and you'll feel better knowing then discuss it with your doctor.  He should accommodate your request if just for your peace of mind.

    Good luck,

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nevaeh
    nevaeh Member Posts: 85
    edited November 2007

    Always Hope and Sasse,

    Thanks for responding.  Do either of you have mets?  For both your sakes I sincerely hope the answer is NO.  The reason I ask is because my onc said the blood tests were only for mets .

    My logic might be way off here but wouldn't that be a good reason to periodically do the blood tests (to see if there are any mets)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LAphoenix
    LAphoenix Member Posts: 452
    edited November 2007

    Dear TIA,

    I'm Stage III, high risk for recurrences.  Since my last chemo in Feb, my onc has been doing monthly blood tests on me.  He looks at tumor markers as well as general blood stuff (like liver function, calcium levels--things that could indicate cancerous activity).  It seems that my onc is in the minority as far as testing goes, but he firmly believes that detecting recurrences, including local ones, as early as possible is the way to go.  Since you're Stage I, though, I don't know whether there would be much benefit to regular testing (unless you've been designated high risk due to genetics?).  It can be stressful, as markers can fluctuate inexplicably.     

    Best,

    Amy        

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nevaeh
    nevaeh Member Posts: 85
    edited November 2007

    Amy,

    I know how difficult it is to wait on tests -- you have a hard row with the blood tests, but in some ways I envy you.  Sometimes I just want action (does that make any sense)?

    What I hear you saying is so far so good for you and I pray it will remain so.  BTW, I've always like the name Amy so there must be some karma in that you answered my quest for knowledge.

    Any way got a 2nd opinion today and this onc doesn't do blood tests either so for now I am going to accept that as okay.

    Take care, hugs and healing

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jellydonut
    Jellydonut Member Posts: 1,043
    edited May 2008

    Nevaeh,

    Sorry, I should have told the whole story...at initial diagnosis over five years ago, the surgeon did not run any tumor marker tests.  In fact, at the time, I would not have known a tumor marker from an alien Laughing

    Fast forward five years with two more surgeries and many more (new) doctors involved and waalaa, the tumor marker tests are now abundant.

    I'm thinking the oncs hate these message boards because they're besieged with requests from patients learning about "modern medical technology" Smile

    It is not unusual that your docs don't order these tests, many don't.  Edited to say a friend of mine is in her 8th year and despite being on her third onc (the first retired; the second moved out of state), has not has tumor marker tests.  All three oncs are non-believers.

    Hugs and healing to you too and try not to worry.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories