First Herceptin treatment and CA27.29

[KsGal]

I had my first Herceptin this morning (loading dose), and everyone was right...No real side effects so far at all. Waiting until tomorrow to be sure, but I feel fine.

I wanted to ask, my doctor gave me my CA 27.29 results today, and to me they seemed abnormally low, unless I am confusing them with another test. My CA27.29 was 29. Isn't that awfully low for someone with metastatic cancer? Maybe these tests are not so accurate? Just thought it was strange.
Wanted to thank everyone for the reassurance and kind words...now onward to taxotere and carbo next Wednesday.

[CoolBreeze]

My oncologist, and most oncologists, only use those tests as a guideline. They are very inaccurate. If they jump, they might test for something going on. But, lots of people - including myself - never have changes in our CA tests no matter what is going on in our bodies. My liver function was always normal too, even when I had a) 3 large tumors and b) half a liver.

They can be indicators but they are no guarantee.

And, another word of advice. Doctors, radiologists, etc.. ALL make mistakes. And, some of those mistakes will be with you. So, get yourself a big four inch binder and get in the habit of getting copies of all your scans and radiology reports and CA tests and blood tests, etc. They are legally yours and it's easier to get them at the time then go back later.

I was told I had two tumors in the liver, until I found out they missed one and I had three. I had a few scary weeks there - is it growing so fast that I can't have surgery? Do I have seven now? But, it turns out a report was read wrong. I have good care but mistakes happen to everybody, and I mean every body. Most of them are mistakes that don't matter but every once in a while......so get your copies now and read them. You can't really ask informed questions if you don't get copies of your reports.

[yanyan]

CA27.29 at 29, that is a very normal reading. Maybe your cancer is not wide spread although you have mets in liver. The normal range is below 40, depending on the testing method. Did they also check your CEA? Anyway, a normal tumor marker test result sounds better than abnormal.

[ElaineM]

Please do not worry about a low Ca 27-29. Be thankful.
So many people have high Ca 27-29 results.
Cool breeze is right. All medical professionals make occassional mistakes. They are human beings.
Testing machines can malfunction. Our medical professionals do the best they can under difficult circumstances.
I get copies of everything !!!!!!! I have learned alot by reading them and looking up words I do not understand in a medical dictionary.
It something doesn't seem right to you question it and keep questioning it until you can an answer you can understand or a follow up test or procedure whenever necessary. Get second opinions when it seems the right thing to do.
One of my doctors told me that doctors work for patients and should address all patients needs and concerns. What a smart man he is !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nancy L]

Just an FYI---when I was first diagnosed with metastatic disease after four years of getting this test with no changes, I asked Dr. Slamon and he said this test does not work for everyone. After being metastatic for 3 years, my number is still in the low 30's. Just like mamograms, the CA27.29 is not perfect. Don't get a false sense of security and listen to what your body is telling you.

[KsGal]

I will definitely do that. I have to admit I first saw that number and thought...these people are crazy, Im just not that sick. Its difficult because I am still in the few weeks before I even start the bad chemo, and I am just doing the Herceptin. I feel fine...normal for the most part. Its difficult to realize to me that I am actually as "sick" as I am supposed to be. Seems surreal. Im sure it will set in quite quickly when I start the taxotere/carboplatin next week. Sure Herceptin lives up to the hype..Id like to get this under control for a while.