worried
 

My tumor marker (HER-2/new ELISA) has been on the rise for the last 3 months - from 7.5 (in March) to 10.1 (in May) to 13.5 (in June).

Is there a reason to panic ?

Would appreciate views from other survivors who have been in similar situation and suggestions on how to proceed from here would be helpful as well.

Incidentally, I am also getting CA 27-29 monitored. During this same period it has fluctuated from 7.0 (in March) to 8.9 (in May) to 7.7 (in June). Not sure if this data is really useful.

Hi Julie,

Don't panic but keep testing. My onc doesn't test at all, waits for symptoms. From what I've read you know you have a problem if your scores skyrocket ie, 10 to 30.

I'm not in your shoes, so I hope someone who is can shed some light, Bev

My CEA tumour markers had gone down to 1.5 then jumped to 6.5 and then to 12.5. My doctor ordered tests and I had 3 very, very small spots in my lymph nodes, which my doctor jumped on immediately. I should be ending my 3 month round of taxotere added to my Herceptin. I just had a catscan yesterday and will find the results on Tuesday. I was really thankful that my doctor took notice immediately. She knew that my tumour markers seems to correspond with what is going on in my body. It was a far cry from the tumour markers of 273 that I originally had.

Julie,

My tumor markers were never a good indicator so I relied on my HER2 serum. My benchmark HER2 serum was 10.1 and gradually dropped to 6.3. When it rose to 9.5 I asked my oncologist for a scan even though numbers were still in normal range. It turned out we have lung mets.
I don't want to worry you, but I would ask for a scan. I'm sure it's nothing but better safe than sorry.