Cea increase??
 

I just received the results from my markers which are done every three weeks. My CEA went from 0.2 to 2. Which seems like a significant increase and makes me feel concerned.

My other markers are 15-3 is 10 (starting from 1000) and my 27.29 is 12. (starting from 687). I am currently NED and the last scan was done on January 7th. I continue on Herceptin every three weeks, Tykerb 750mg and tomoxifin. I know my CEA is still in the normal range, but it scares me a little to see it higher than before I started treatment. The highest it was before my treatment was 0.9.

I am on tykerb and just started a few weeks ago. The Tykerb has caused me a lot of diarrhea, but not sure if that would cause an increase.

Thank you for your thoughts!

Thank you.

Re: Cea increase??
 

I know with me my CEA has always been high, it runs between 9.9 and 10.00 it has been this way since treatment. I have check up every 6 months and have had scans. I guess I;m just one of those people who's run high.

I just celebrated my 6 yrs.

Re: Cea increase??
 

So good to hear you celebrating 6 years!!! That is so inspirational!!

Re: Cea increase??
 

Tumor markers are notoriously unreliable. Lots of things can cause them to rise. Even a cold! Only if they keep rising over several check-ups there's reason to start worrying. CEA is rather unspecific, so it's probably nothing.

Most Her2+ disease recurs within two years after diagnosis. It's probably nothing. You are doing well. Take a deep breath. Repeat after me: I will be fine!

Hugs
Jacqueline

Re: Cea increase??
 

"I will be fine."

Re: Cea increase??
 

"I will be fine." :)

Re: Cea increase??
 

"I will be fine!"

Re: Cea increase??
 

Lien....you are a inspirational angel!

I will be fine!

hugs,
jean

Re: Cea increase??
 

As others have said, tumor markers arent reliable for everyone, and can vary so easily....only if there is a definate pattern, should you begin to wonder. Thinking this is just a fluke, or a variance in the lab...besides, its still way within normal....maybe it was 2 last time and they accidently put in a decimal point!
as Jackie said...

I WILL BE FINE

Re: Cea increase??
 

the standard "normal" readings for CEA lie between 0-3, I think - so not to worry. things like inflammation elsewhere in the body (unrelated to cancer) can cause it to go up.

Re: Cea increase??
 

I'm beginning to think it's normal for Stage IVs to fluctuate a bit. I jumped up from 9 to 30 over that last month and have scans on Friday. During that time I was off chemo for two weeks and had eye surgery, and admittedly, had a lot of family issues which put my stress level over the top. I will be able to tell you all Wednesday if this jump meant anything or not. Here I go, Dorothy to the Great Wizard.
Karen

Re: Cea increase??
 

I will be fine.

Re: Cea increase??
 

I will be fine.

Re: Cea increase??
 

I will be fine.