|
Good question, but I couldn't answer accurately within the poll criteria, so I'll fill in:
In both recurrences, it was appx. 4 weeks to dx. I had an increase in my CEA levels before both recurrences. First recurrence level went up to 20, second recurrence level went from <.3 to >.5. Not a very large increase the second time, but as my level had been rock steady at <.3 for over 2 years, I was immediatly suspicious.
My recurrences have been to lymph nodes, and each recurrence was signalled by enlarged and tender or painful nodes.
Yes, both times.
My onc currently only runs the CEA, as when I had my first recurrence the CEA was the only one elevated. It has continued to prove accurate, but if I show symptoms and the CEA doesn't show a rise, we'll look at other markers, as intuition and clinical signs/symptoms are a valuable tool also.
|