I'm scared about Tumor Markers Rise..

sabpri · 01-05-2007, 02:46 PM

My Onc said she is not "concerned", but I am. My markers were elevated at diagnosis to 168, and fell throughout treatment, all the way down to 19 when I completed treatments, and have been within the range of 12-17 since finishing over the last year. My last check in September it was 15, and today it came back at 21. I know it is still within normal range, but I don't like that it has jumped higher than it's been since treatment ended.

I did have some sort of a flu bug the week before, with 3 days of fever. I am grasping at straws, but should I be concerned? My Onc says we will not do another marker test for 3 months, but I don't want to wait that long. I am suppose to see the Plastic Surg about reconstruction in a few weeks and I don't want to start that process if I am heading for a recurrance.

I am trying to remain calm, but I also want to be prepared for what I might be facing.

Thanks - Natalie

VirginiaGirl · 01-05-2007, 03:36 PM

Natalie
I don't blame you for being concerned, so much is unknown and unknowable. My markers have always been very low, but even small upward trends have been validated by scans. When is the last time you had a PET/CT scan? If your markers have been reliable in the past, give yourself a day or two to get some perspective, then I would trust your gut and push for what you want. We have to advocate for ourselves! Good luck and let us know what happens.

Becky · 01-05-2007, 03:37 PM

I am sure it is fine and 21 is not much higher than 17 or 19. Have the marker run again. If your onco won't do it, have the Plastic surgeon or your primary care doctor run it. Do it in a month (or at least let a couple of weeks go by). This will give you peace of mind prior to reconstruction surgery.

Big hug to you