Fluctuating CA 125 during Maintenance Therapy

[baguba]

I ladies.  I guess I just need a little reassurance.  I finished my 6 rounds of taxol/carbo in October (for Stage 1 recurrence after almost five years), and my CA 125 was 6.  I started a years' maintenance program at the end of October and my CA 125 on November 27, before my second maint. treatment, was 4.5.  I skipped December treatment by 9 days because we visited our children in Fla. for the holidays, and yesterday had my 3rd maintenance treatment.  My nurse called with my CA 125 results which was taken yesterday and it is 6.3.  The doctor is very pleased and said this is all normal and because it is such a sensitive test it will fluctuate, and I may level out in the 4 to 6 range. She said not to worry, because it is not even a 2 point differential, and this is all very good. Last CT scan was done 3 months ago, and clean.  Am having next one done on January 26th. I know they are right, but as I mentioned above, just need a little reassurance.  Easy to say not to worry, but that is so hard to do.  Anyone out there who has had similar experience? God Bless us all for a healthy New Year!

[elizza]

Hi there.  My mom just went through the SAME thing and we were so worried. She had stage 3c ovarian cancer and had 6 rounds of iv/ip chemo.  She finished in September and started maintenance chemo in November (taxol). Before her first round of maintenance chemo, her ca-125 was 7.  After her first treatment it went to 11! We were so scared.  She had a second round in December.  Yesterday she went to the doctor, and got her ca-125 results back.  It is down to 5!!! We are so happy!  The doc said not to worry, that the ca-125 does fluctuate a little bit.  She said if its a steady rise each time, for a few times, they start to get concerned and begin to look more into it.  I am sure u are just fine!!! Good luck!!

[rmarie]

I belive we all fluctuate, with the CA 125, is the doubling and tripling that we have to worry about.  A number of things can affect the numbers, ie infections, but it is hard to stay calm.  I had labs done at a different lab that were higher and was ready to demand a retake, until I realized they may have had slightly different normals.  Good luck

[chickpea_and_me]

I just went thru the same thing.  During chemo my Ca-125 went down to a 8.  After I was done with chemo it was a 11.  My onc said there is a 3 point variance in the labs alone.  You have to look at the big picture and the trend.  I just had another done right before christmas and I was back down to a 8.9....

So it does fluctuate.  I think he said inflammation in your body can affect it too cause its sooooo sensitive.  

[baguba]

Thank you; sometimes we just need to hear positive reinforcement from others who have experienced similar results/symptoms, etc.

Elizza - great news for your mom!  May she just look ahead and get better.