Colds, Flu, and Ca15-3 count
 

I'm presently on Xeloda, after being on herceptin for two years. I was taken off herceptin when my CA15-3 count jumped to 295 after a flu bug. I'm on holidays and I had blood work done this week, here in San Antonio. Also, I've had back to back 'cold, flu' and my CA15-3 came back at 518. Do you think that the flu can effect the test? The past counts have been steady at 160 to 180 range. Have any of you had a similar experience? Also I always end up with a dry hacky cough for weeks. Any and all comments are welcome.

Diana,

My oncologist had refused to give me any marker test because it is not 100% reliable. Now, after my third surgery on April 2nd, I wonder if I can get all the previous blood test result and see if
my recurences have been reflected by the high protein count...

But I believe if you are having a flu, those markers are definitely going to change because of your immune response to the flu.