marker up after 3 weeks of abraxane/herceptin

[HavahJ]

The marker is up 250 after 3 weeks of abraxane/ herceptin, can someone help my pessimistic upset?

[Believe51]

Markers are used to gauge what maybe going on in one's body and do not work for all individuals depending on the type of cancer. Take a blood sample for an example and give it to Joe Schmoe to read your markers. He comes up with 250 and then give him the same blood sample on the same day to re-read....it is 232! The same man, the same sample. Yes, your markers are rising and I do know that feeling of despair for we have lived this for many months!! Many things can alter that number also, like infections, dead cancer cells are in that reading, sometimes those markers go up before getting better, even caffeine can play a role.

So My Pessimistic Friend, please know that I am not saying you should not worry, I am saying that many things alter this number, some of those being good things. I am telling you that my husband has been in some terrible spots too since last March and his numbers have been rising since then. Not until recently has that changed. I know your fear, I understand the need to ask for support during this needful time.

Please give these drugs the time they need to potentially help you, for all you know, the numbers rising may be sending a good message. Try to remain positive because that has helped my husband and now my mother during their bc journies. This is not easy. It is fine to be down, to be scared, but try to change that since it can only help your journey for the good.

I pray that your rise in numbers is a sign of better things to come. I pray that you can muster the strength to try to stay calm and positive. You will be in my thoughts, all positive of course. And Havah, I want you to know that I have sounded like you do and that is normal. Please do not despair, hang tough. Now go get 'em the best you can and call us if you need us. I really know how you must be feeling, you do not have to have cancer to know that. We too have had a tough road and it is hard to stay focused and positive. Sometimes I make myself want to puke!! LOL!! Sending Love>>Believe51

[sassy]

Havah,

I can't offer any help with your numbers because I don't even have markers done. I can offer you my support and let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you are having a difficult time, and although we cannot take the worry from you, perhaps just coming here will help a little with your anxiety.

Know that we all care...

[chrisy]

HavahJ,

As you know I don't have "reliable" markers, but what Marie says is true - many things can cause them to fluctuate, sometimes including a postive reaction to chemo. Hang in there, give the Abraxane/Herceptin a chance to work. Abraxane is a great drug and I hope you will find this true for you.

[Mary Jo]

Dear Havahj,
You've been in my prayers since your first post on your cancer being in your liver and my prayers will continue. I pray you will open up your heart to the love and peace waiting for you.
I know this has been a very difficult time for you and I am so sorry for that. I like sassy, don't have tumor markers done so I don't know anything about them. Although what I do know (and the reason my onc. doesn't do them) is because they aren't very reliable. Many things can make the number fluctuate.
I offer you my love and support. Please know that I care.

Praying for God's Peace to surround you,
Mary Jo

[hutchibk]

From what I understand, markers can show heavy tumor load in the bloodstream especially when you begin a new aggressive treatment.... as the tumor dies or sloughs off as it dies, there tends to be more tumor material coursing around your blood. It is a good idea to not focus on the TMs at this time, and to rely more on your next scans for the real picture. I would guess that in another month or so, you might see them drop. But that is just my guess, I could be wrong.

Best of luck.

[Chelee]

HavahJ, My tumor markers were always consistent except once when I was on about my 4th or 5th treatment of TCH. It was the first time they shot up and I was concerned. But they went back down after chemo and have stayed down. I've heard of many other women having their tumor markers shoot up during chemo. You said your into your 3 week of this regimen...that's almost the same amount of time when mine went up on chemo. I can only imagine how difficult this has to be for you. But hang in there and keep us updated. I have a feeling your next TM reading will be much lower. :)

Chelee

[tousled1]

Havah,

Don't worry too much about tumor markers. My oncoloigst doesn't even do them anymore since mine are not reliable as a tool. Many women's markers rise when they start a new chemo. Try and relax and wait until you have your scan -- that's the reliable tool.

[chrisy]

HavahJ,
Some of the posts reminded me of what Dr. Rugo has told me when I ask about markers:

Forget the markers, the proof is in the pudding (meaning the scans)

Try and stay positive - and picture your next scans showing nice regression of disease!

Take care
Chris