Spike in tumor markers

[Stephanie]

Has anyone had their tumor markers spike after starting a new regime, then had the markers come down because the drugs were working? My mom started Tykerb about a month ago, and her CA27-29 shot up 30 points. I'd like to think it's because the Tykerb is working beautifully and sending lots of dead cells into the blood stream (I've read this can cause the markers to go up). She's not due for scans for 3 weeks.

[SoCalGal]

My markers tripled after one round of carbo/gem followed by gem only. I almost feinted at this news. My onc said not to worry (yet) that sometimes it's because many cells die and "dump" into the blood stream. He said we need to wait at least 3 months on this regime before ruling it out. I just had treatment yesterday and he drew blood for markers. He said he's keeping the info to himself for now and I shouldn't worry. I asked if they tripled AGAIN what will he do? He wouldn't go there. Again, said try not to worry.
Hope this feedback helps. Many woman have told me on an earlier post that markers really only tell some of the story.
Sigh....

[Jean]

Flori,
My onc is not a strong advocte of tumor markers as he feels they are only a part of the puzzle. Glad to here that your new treatment is dumping those ugly cells out of your beautiful body....wishing you all the best!

Hugs,
Jean