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Jade · 11-29-2007, 06:22 AM

I'm another one who has consistently high CA-153 (CA 27-29) results - they are always 37-40. My onc stresses that I shouldn't worry about this, that my 'normal' is at the high end of the range but it is normal because it is consistent. It's when the markers show a steady rise that there is cause for concern.
What I find unsettling is that the number actually went down to 27 while I was on chemo/herceptin, seemingly indicating the drugs were working, kicking cancer butt. So, what does it mean when the numbers climb back up to the high end of the range and remain there (15 months now)? Nothing, according to my onc. It's only when there's a steady increase that there's something going on. Adriana, I can't help with your drug decision either but I hope the tumour marker information will help.
Hope your day is happy,
Jade

11-29-2007, 06:22 AM	#4
Jade Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 72	Hi Adriana and Grace! I'm another one who has consistently high CA-153 (CA 27-29) results - they are always 37-40. My onc stresses that I shouldn't worry about this, that my 'normal' is at the high end of the range but it is normal because it is consistent. It's when the markers show a steady rise that there is cause for concern. What I find unsettling is that the number actually went down to 27 while I was on chemo/herceptin, seemingly indicating the drugs were working, kicking cancer butt. So, what does it mean when the numbers climb back up to the high end of the range and remain there (15 months now)? Nothing, according to my onc. It's only when there's a steady increase that there's something going on. Adriana, I can't help with your drug decision either but I hope the tumour marker information will help. Hope your day is happy, Jade __________________ *Dx Nov.04 - Stage 1, Grade 3, widespread high grade DCIS, Paget's disease of nipple, 8mm tumor invasive DC (ductal carcinoma), ER/PR-, HER2+++* *Nov.04 - left mast., clear margins, 6 of 6 nodes clear* *Feb.05 - began EC chemo, 4 rounds (every 3 weeks)* *Aug.05 - began Herceptin every 3 weeks for 1 year* *Aug.06 - ended treatment* *NED*