Hi Ladies and supporters!
After reading several posts referring to different tumor marker tests, I am curious which ones you all get and how accurate your med oncs think they are. Whether on or off treatment. Seems to be some new test used in a few locations.
Maybe add the part of the country where you live.

I do well getting both the CA-2729 and CEA on and off treatment. The extrememly low number with the CEA gives me great comfort! I have that test every 6 weeks, with the other every 3 weeks when at my Seattle clinic for my "vitamin H" and Zometa.

My onc has always used the CEA on me; since first diagnosed it's the only one that's been elevated when I've had active disease, so it's been pretty accurate for me. He said that's how he decides which one or ones to use for a patient, but he doesn't rely on just that of course, uses it as part of the overall picture.
I'm in Corvallis, Oregon. Hello Seattle!
Hugs,
Lolly

I get the CA27/29 monthly. It's been fairly reliable for me, rising with disease progression and dropping when drugs are working. However, my counts are very high compared to many I've read on this board. But, again, it's the movement that's important, and it dropped significantly with chemo and when it began to rise a little, scans confirmed progression. I plan to inquire about the CEA next time I see my onc and see why I haven't had that one. Hope this helps!

The doctor does not do tumor markers anymore. It took him some time to realize they didn't work. They never moved out of the normal range. He said I never go by the book and I am the atipical patient and its a challenge for him to figure me out but he is doing a good job. That is why I will have skin biopsies done to see if the cancer is gone in couple of weeks. Hugs, Sandy

My onc has alwyas used the CA-15. He feels it is more accurate and newer than the CA-27.(?) I'm not sure if that is the same as CA-2729.

I also do not know what the CEA is. Will ask about it next time I see him.

We do the CA-15 at the 3 month visits. Do you do yours more frequently at your request, or is that what the Dr. is comfortable with?

Blessings.......Barb

As for your question about frequency of testing, it is my onc's wish that we have this schedule. My disease progressed so fast with major multiple mets to liver about 2.5 years ago that he wants to stay on top of it. I was only off first chemo for 6 months before it came raging back. Very high grade and aggressive. Without Herceptin I am pretty sure I would be 6 feet under. There was no getting Herceptin before stage 4 at that time, so had to wait for mets, which was not long!

Hi,
I used to get the ca27-29 and the cea. The dr did them every 1-3 mos depending on how I was doing. I have switched drs and this new onc uses the ca15 believing it is more reliable. I have it done once a month.
el