Tumor Marker Numbers
 

Does anyone else get them? I don't understand them at all... some people get them, some don't... why? I don't remember what they are called but I know one has to be below 40 and the other below 5. Mine for the past few months are below (I finished chemo 3/17/11 and will finish herceptin 11/2/11)

4/6 - 24 & 2.3
4/27 - 19 & 2.3
6/8 - 15 & 2.4
7/20 - 20.5 & 2.4
8/31 - 14.6 & 1.9

When do they stop taking them and why are the numbers so across the board? Any input would be appreciated :)

Re: Tumor Marker Numbers
 

The reasons why there is such variation in whether or not others are doing tumor markers, and for how long after treatment, are because:

1. Tumor markers are reliable for some, but not reliable for others, and it is not certain why. That is probably due a combination of individual factors, whether it includes genetics, or age, or such things as a history of smoking, or having other concurrent health problems.

2. Some people don't have the money to pay for the testing or the insurance to pay for it.

3. Sometimes, additional tests that are just rough indicators can create high anxiety for those who want certainty that cancer won't come back. Doctors can offer it as an option to those who want it, but work with the patient's preferences. Thus, some patients have their doctors do the testing, but specifically prefer having the doctor to monitor it for them and do not want to hear the periodic results.

4. Some patients just would rather not have so much testing done, particularly because the results can be inaccurate.

Those are just a few reasons.

I remain NED so far, and the test results have stayed consistent for me. I haven't seen an oncologist for a long time now. My PCP still has a marker done for me once or twice a year, and I appreciate it.

AlaskaAngel