Faslodex and ca 27/29

I have ER/PR+ breast cancer.  It's been a long road, many surgeries, hysterectomy, I'm 47.  I've been on Arimidex (I have bones mets and small tumor in the liver). Armidex now has failed and I've had my three loading doses of Faslodex.  My CA 27/29 went up another 43 point to 148.  Can Faslodex cause an initial rise in this number?  Please help.  My kids are only 8 and 6.

[japdip]

Many drugs and other factors can cause a rise in the tumor markers. I would discuss this with your Oncologist and get his/her opinion on the cause for the rise in your numbers. Scans would show any tumor growth as this of couse could also be the cause of the increase in the numbers. I'm not sure that a rise of 43 would be looked at as a serious increase at this point.   Regards .....

[japdip]

Many drugs and other factors can cause a rise in the tumor markers. I would discuss this with your Oncologist and get his/her opinion on the cause for the rise in your numbers. Scans would show any tumor growth as this of couse could also be the cause of the increase in the numbers. I'm not sure that a rise of 43 would be looked at as a serious increase at this point.   Regards .....

[Carrie1809]

Your posted response seems to have popped up twice, and I thank you for taking the time to write.  My oncologist's opinion differs from yours at this point.  A rise of 43 does seem to have caused enough alarm to warrant three MRIs this week--thorax, abdomen, and pelvis.  I'll know soon.

[japdip]

Double posts do happen now and then ... sorry about that. I believe I did mention scans being done .... I suppose MRI is OK too; it all depends on what the Oncologist prefers as a method of discovery. Best of luck with your upcoming MRIs ... keep us posted when you get your results.  Kindest regards .....

[bluebutterfly2222]

Just a point of clarification: That was not a "double post" by japdip.

Whenever a reply is selected as a "best answer," it is placed immediately under the original question. Then all the comments (including the best answer) appear below that, in the order they were posted.

I, too, want to wish you the best of luck in regard to your upcoming tests.

Regards,
bluebutterfly

[ncmichigan]

I just wanted to add that I'm SO sorry to hear about your cancer and mets.
I know a lot less than japdip and bluebutterfly about CA27/29, but I wanted to add my best wishes on the results of your MRIs. I can't imagine being only 47 and in your difficult situation. It sounds like you're a very strong woman and I can only hope that the test results are good for you and your children's sake. It sounds like you're getting good care and have faith in your oncologist and I hope that continues. I also hope you have a good support system around you to help you through your journey. Please don't give up hope. My thoughts are with you and please let us know how you're doing, if you wish---the people here do care.
Sending you a big hug from Michigan (        ),
nc

[Carrie1809]

Thanks for your lovely notes.  I didn't remember hitting 'best answer" but that explains the double post.  No problem.  And yes, I have a great oncologist and have obtained second opinions from five other hospitals including Northwestern and Sloan-Kettering.  They always concur with my oncologist. I guess I'm just looking for someone who has had climbing blood counts that reversed on Faslodex and could, perhaps, give me more hope. MRI #1 is tomorrow.  Thanks for prayers if you can spare some. --Carrie