CA125progressig like a rocket

[Lindakcc]

After we tried Gemza/Avastin with the recurrence at the beginning it was under controlled,dropped d inown to 32 but then within 1 month it jumped up to 282, and in 10 more days (while I was doing all the studies) it up to 797 , then we started another treatment, Doctor put me with Docetaxel alone with Avastin, 1 week after the infusion of Docetaxel, instead of going down, it jumped up to 1979, I am so frustrated and upset, am I going to die very soon? Doctor told me to keep on with the same agent for another cycle may be add something along with it, but I have to wait 2 more weeks for the second cycle, I'm worrying that it might be even worst than now, what should I do? Change to another treatment? keep on with it? How can I survive waiting for the next chemo? I think the doctor is being too relax at my case.  Please I need help, I need a second opinion.  Thanks very much.

[gah_70]

Dian is right about your CA125 rising while on Doxil.  That particular chemo actually works by causing the cancer to "explode" into several pieces which kills them.  However, if you have a CA125 done before all these pieces die, they are all secreting the protein a CA125 measures, so it will appear that the cancer is growing when it may actually not be.  That's a rather simplified explanation, and perhaps your doctor can give you a more tecnical explanation.  However, I'm not so sure I would discontinue it until I had another CA125 reading to see if it went down.  

I also agree about a second opinion.  It's never too late for that, and if you are not satisfied with your doctor, you owe it to yourself to seek another.  

Gail

[dian07]

I can certainly understand your being upset with your CA125 rising like it is.....I know I would probably be in a panic , too.
But, it is my understand that sometimes the marker rises before it goes down.  I don't know what to say.
You mentioned you think you need a second opinion....it might not be easy, buy you should ask for one!  Your oncologist shouldn't be insulted by your request, and, this is your life you are talking about.  Go for it....get a second opinion!
Peace.
dian