tumor marker testing?
 

Is there a recommended or "ideal" time span for having tumor markers done. I do the CA 27-29 which seems to be accurate for me. Because it was 11 points higher last time, I'd like to have it done again. Is 6 weeks ok? ma

I don't think there's an ideal time wait. You probably want to do it sooner than 6 weeks. Do it in 3-4 weeks. Try to do it first thing in the morning but DON'T have any caffeinated drinks prior to. I read that caffeine can cause the marker to increase.

I just got mine done (routine) and I am anxiously awaiting the results just because... no symptoms but I think everyone understands that every test is stressful - even the routine.

Love and hugs to you

Becky, thanks bunches. And I will not do my normal caffeine thing before hand! I'm hoping that is what shot it up the last time. ma

Every test is stressful...........for sure. I had my first CA125 test done because of abdominal issues. All checked out fine with exam and transvaginal ultrasound - now just waiting on the CA125 test. Ever since reading Brenda's post under my thread about her friend who went in and had ovary issues, all was fine but CA125 was 9000 I'm a bit on edge.http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin...cons/icon7.gif Of course I have aches and pains here and their (as I think we all do) and am thinking "hmmmmmmmmm, maybe cancer is everywhere." So, we'll wait.

Good luck to you Mary Anne and to you Becky. LOW, LOW, LOW!

Mary Jo

Praying for both Mary Anne and Becky to have low, low tumor marker tests. Waiting for results of any test are always stressful times.

My oncologist did TMs every 12 weeks but found mine were not at all reliable. HER2 serum test seems to be extremely sensitive for me so we get that done instead. Just had it drawn last week and keeping my fingers crossed.

when in question my onc. has done them 2 weeks apart but usually it is every 4 weeks. praying for low numbers for everyone. dorinda

Tumor Markers - Lingo in layman (should be laywoman) terms
 

I saw the thread, and I was hoping someone would be explaining the process of testing for tumor markers. My Oncologist has never broached the subject with me; therefore, I am not following and understanding the medical lingo here.

Still learning...

Louise

My CA 15.3 has been done every 3 weeks since I was DXed with mets 2.5 years ago.

Dear Ma,

I have my CA 27-29 tested every three weeks. Just to keep ontop of everything. Your in my prayers.

It all depends on how often you are in your oncologists office and what treatments you are on.

My oncologist uses both the cea and ca 27-29 tumor markers.
The thought is both are needed to better track the overall picture. I like mine done every few weeks. My very first treatment line was in a clinical trial so I am use to tracking myself this way, old habits die hard I guess.

Different Labs = Different results
 

I get my markers tested (CA15-3 and CEA) every 3 weeks when I go in for my Herceptin. Since I have been NED my CA15-3 seems to run anywhere from 19 to the high 20's. A couple of times it has gone above the normal limit, but dropped back down by the next visit. The CEA remains fairly constant at .9 to about 1.2. The couple of times my CA15-3 has gone above normal, we ran the Her2 Serum and that came back normal, so we didn't panic.

At one of my visits back in July, my CA15-3 came back at 13, the lowest it has ever been since we started tracking it! I noticed that the test had been performed by a different lab and mentioned this to my Onc. He decided to send my blood to both of the labs at my last visit, and lo and behold, one came back at 17 and the other at 25. So, FWIW, just thought I would mention this for those who track their markers with great angst, as I do!

Kim

I so appreciate the replies. I do pay attention each time to the CA 27-29 that they do. And I know that even though he gave me the "speech" about it being just one small piece of the puzzle, that it is important to him to watch too. I think that's why he has kept me on herceptin past the 1 year. Of course, I'd stay on it forever, if the insurance would agree! I'm just being grateful that they still are paying!
When it went from 30 to 41 last time, I took a large breath and decided to set my fears aside for a few weeks til it could be done again. I must confess to counting the days til the next time; so that I can have it done again. This time I will forgo the normal caffeine when I get up and be good! We'll see what happens.
It was the strangest thing because about 2 weeks before I learned of the last test, I woke in the night and the thought that kept coming was..."it's time to do more chemo"...don't know where that came from. Didn't cause me any anxiety, just noted it and decided to see two markers before having my 30 second come apart!
For now, I'll just believe it's the caffeine!
And to all who took time to reply, God bless you and may all your markers be normal and your days filled with sunshine. I've never wanted something so badly for someone else as I do for all of you to whip this darn ol' BC & to have a knock out peaceful, fun life!
Best wishes and thank you!