CA-125

[ccg01964]

My wife (45) passed away four days ago in the hospital, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage IIIc after intensive chemos she went from 6000 count to 127 count she responded great and now she is no longer on this earth... my question to all of you is the CA-125 really a good indicator? obviously not in my case..

[milashka]

First off, I am very sorry for the loss of your wife. I was 42 when diagnosed and am 47 now so I can very much relate to what it's like to leave at such a young age. It hits home quite a bit.

In regards to the marker, you did not give enough information about your wife's situation so it is tough to say much about it.  OvCa diagnosis, treatment and response can differ greatly between patients and I think this is what makes this cancer especially hard to deal with.

My CA-125 was 970 before surgery and 283 after, and then it dropped to 19 - normal range - after the 2nd chemo dose. If 127 was the lowest count your wife ever achieved, while a great response, the marker never went into normal range, and while this does not need to be the end of it all, it is usually associated with a poorer outcome. But as I said, everyone is different and I don't know much about your wife's case, I just want to make sure this is not overly generalized.

I just can't believe we have not yet gotten a grip on cancer. There really should be a cure for this dreadful disease that is robbing us of more and more people at an ever faster pace, it seems.

[Memmers]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Jane39]

I am so sorry for the loss of your wife, such a young women.  I hope you find the strength to get through this difficult time.  This disease is such a horrible beast.  I personally don't hold much weight in this CA125, it gives so much false hopes and fears.  I again am so sorry.  I will keep you and your family in my prayers.  God Bless.   Jane

[jr1971]

My sincere condolences - this is a tough time for you and your family.

There are times when this disease makes no sense. The main issue is that no test or scan can determine your outcome. Test results that sound positive can be a mask. Like Marie, CA-125 is useless for my wife as are CT scans. For others CA-125 can be a very good early marker of recurrence.

I hope that you can come to terms with your loss. Everyone here lives and breaths this disease either as a patient or a carer so you will be well supported in all your questions.

[sarajefferson]

CA125 only indicates if the cancer is back or not..but not to what extent.  I am so sorry about your loss.  I am dealing with the same issue.  I am 31 my mother is 61 in the hospital now.  Talking about hospice.  This is a terrible ugly disease that has completley taken over my life for the past two years!  I hate that word.  makes me sick.

[marie3B]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  It sickens me that ovca has taken so many women from us.  The CA125  useless in my case.  If our country started a war against cancer maybe we could make some real progress to rid ourselves of a disease that takes our moms, our daughters, our wives, our friends and me.  Again I say I am very sorry this happened to your wife and you.  Marie

[silver&gold]

Firstly, I,m so sorry for the loss of your Wife. The ca125 is not always a good indicator for some women with OVCA. I will keep you in my prayers.

Angie