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Hi to everyone. This is my first post, although I've been reading this website often. You are all so inspirational. I actually have a question about my mother.
My mom, Sharon, was diagnosed with Stage 1 BC in July 2001. The lump was less than 1 cm. It was the best case scenario, no nodes involved, etc. She had a lumpectomy followed by radiation. Nevertheless, in July 2002, it metastasized all over her liver. It was quite a shock and so unexpected, of course. She is her2 positive, so she started Herceptin plus taxotere. She was only able to take 3 rounds of taxotere because she then developed grade IV toxicity and was hospitalized for 2 weeks because of it. Then after about a month, she started Navelbine and Herceptin. The tumors all disappeared! It was amazing. Since April 2003, she's been taking Herceptin every three weeks as maintenance. She has a CT scan every three months and bloodwork every 6 weeks.
Here's my question. Since September of 2004, her CEA has been rising- 1.9, 2.9, 3.9, 5.6 and now 8.2. The lab's range says normal is up to 4. Her CT in Sept. was clean and she had a CT on Dec. 2nd, which was also clean. Her CA 27-29 has always been between 15 and 20. Last time it was 24.3. Still within normal. I don't know if that rise is significant? Three weeks ago, her doctor told her not to worry right now and wait and see--"it's too early". She's supposed to have a CT again in March. I feel so uneasy just waiting. Has anyone had something similar happen with their numbers? What was done? Is the CT what really matters? Could it be something other then breast cancer?
Thanks for any input.
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