Scared and Confused

[eric]

Hi all,

My wife's (Caryn) tumor markers have been creeping up the past few months and when the last (CEA or CA27, not sure which) went to 6.8 (normal is 0-3) he sent her for a PET. After treament (gemzar/herceptin) for mets to liver and lungs, she's been NED since 01/05 which I am VERY thankful for. While the PET appeared ok, her latest marker jumped to 19 and the onc seems a bit perplexed. He's waiting for her to have her scheduled brain MRI although he doesn't feel that's related at all since it brain mets wouldn't usually effect these markers. She and I are very scared of her going onto treatment again, while I'm always petrified of the thought of losing her.

While I'm emailing to share my fears I'm also trying to understand why he was so quick to send her for a PET. Since this scan will only show activity that's reached a particular size, I was surprised that he didn't do a CAT and then a PET later on if necessary. I feel like he may just have to redo soon. I'm planning on asking him of his thought process, but was curious of everyone elses thoughts first.

I HATE THIS DISEASE!!!

Eric