Fluctuations in CA 15-3 markers after BI MX

[lk1]

Hi wonderful ladies,

Just wondering what is the significance of CA15-3 fluctuations after bilateral mastectomy? Would think since they are specifically used to detect breast cancer, and I've had bilateral MX, why this marker should even show at all? Even though in the normal range, the marker in it of itself makes me feel uncomfortable when fluctuating up and down even a few points.
Does anyone with a bi MX and free of recurrance still have numbers on CA 15-3 marker?

Thanks much
Laura

[Becky]

My onc does the CA 27/29 - same type of marker. Mine fluctuate between the normal range everytime they run it. 8,11, 21 (that was a yikes), 14 etc.

I am almost 7 years out - not necessarily out of the woods but out there and mine bop all around.

[michka]

Laura, CA 15.3 don't react the same way for everybody. Sometimes they don't even react at all even with mets. So if they fluctuate slightly it means nothing. HOWEVER, in my case I was always around 23 and then it went to 25 and then to 28 and 30. (I had them checked every month).Not much of a variation but the trend was bad and I jumped up and down until I got a Pet/Scan that showed mets in the liver. It was 4,5 years after diagnosis. So if there are just fluctuations, there could be different reasons, do not worry but if there is a trend, then have it checked. Hugs. Michka