brain scan
 

I got the results of my brain mri. Everything looked normal and good. My tumor markers have gone up again. I think the doctor said they were at 184. I don't really know what that means. I haven't paid attention to the blood work. It has always been normal and that was enough for me to know. Now I have been taken of Femara and put on Tamoxifen to hopefully bring my tumor markers down. My PET and my liver mri also came back normal. I guess I have active cancer based on the blood work but it isn't visible on the scans. Is that because it is too small to see? My doctor said that it is normal for markers to go up while I am on Tamoxifen so it will be a couple of treatments before they can see if it is working. I still get Herceptin every three weeks. Has anyone received chemo based on tumor markers only? Or do you have to see it on a scan first before you get the chemo? Thanks for any words of wisdom. Sally

Tumor Markers
 

Hi Sally,

Wish there were more words of wisdom about these dang markers. It seems that tumor markers are a bit of a debate with some oncs using them frequently and some do not. Some believe they are not as accurate and others believe they may indicate something going on. Some gals have low markers and active problems....some gals have high markers and no problems....go figure !! My onc does use them and have just done a PET/CT because the marker is going up. BUT....the one used for me....CA 15....is checked each time I get a herceptin infusion and that has been every 3 weeks for the past 10 months. It jumped by 1/3 in 3 weeks and the onc immediately wanted some scans done. Also had a second HER2 serum test done. Have you had that done?? Will now try to wrap my brain around the waiting game we all play for the results. Best thing for you.....clean scans !!! YEAH !!! Hugs, Bonnie

Happy Holidays
 

Hi Bonnie, Thank you for the reply. It helps when you know someone is listening and responds. Wishing you health and happiness. Have a great Holiday and new year. We all have a fresh new year to look forward to and make the best of. Sally

Hi Sally,

I think I have seen some posts regarding this issue on the bc.org site.

Stay strong. There are many drugs they can give you with Herceptin that will knock mets back, if indeed this is what you have. Tumor markers can rise for many reasons, not only cancer.

Hugs,
Karen

Sally,

Well, I guess it's good news that your brain MRI is clear and that your scans were good. As for the tumor marker test - my oncologist doesn't put too much stock in them as there are too many things that can affect them. Perhaps after a few weeks on the Tamoxifen your markers will go back into the normal range. If it makes you feel any better my tumor marker was 15.3 (normal is below 35) when I was first diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. My marker continues to hoover around 15. My oncologist now orders the HER2 Serum test every 12 weeks. First one was 10.1 (below 15 is "normal") and my last one was 9.5. Wishing you nothing but good results.