RIsing CA125 after 8 weeks Successful Chemo

Hi there,

My mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Stage III last year, with a CA125 marking of 3430. After surgery and completing 8 times of chemo (carbo/taxol), we were happy to see the results dropped to 7. However it is now the 2nd time we have gone for our monthly checkup, and unfortunately CA125 now shows 12 ( a rise of 5).

What does this necessarily mean? Does this automatically mean the cancer is returning?

THank YOu in advance, and I appreciate all the work that Medhelp has done here, provides us courage in times of need.

Thank YOu once again.

[crecco]

NO this does not mean that the cancer is returning as there are many things that can cause a slight rise like that. Possibly even natural fluctuation.
Her Drs may want to keep checking her monthly for awhile but most do not really begin to suspect a recurrence until the third consectutive rise, and still may not if it is just a very small rise.
Considering her CA level at the time of her dx, I would not be worrying just yet. She had a great response to the initial treatment.
  Chris

[jay3ho]

Thank you for your response crecco, I appreciate your opinion. You have my day, and provided me with a lot of hope and faith, thank you!

[jlock]

Chris is so right.  There are many things that can elevate a ca-125 test. They do look for a trend of upwards numbers and even then would probably not start chemo again.  They will probably look into a more difintetive test like a ct scan before diagnosing a recurrence.Since her numbers are so high at diagnosis I think her ca-125 is very sensitive,which means her numbers can go up very fast without showing any disease progression on a scan. My numbers were quite low before surgery and my ca-125 is not sensitive for me.  When my numbers start to rise a recurrence is on my horizon.  I have had 2 recurrences and both times the numbers were low like 82 and this last time 54. Good luck, and maybe you could ask for more frequent ca-125 tests since she has a rising number. (((hugz)))~~~Joanne

[Conquerer]

everyone is right but I would have another test soon.  Be sure your mom is well hydrated before her test and I personally go to the same testing site because they use the same company for all my test.  Variances can also happen when different labs read for the Ca 125.  My numbers changes but only 2-3pts  at a time.  I also am in the low single digits.  For me if my number went over 10 that would be 8 point increase.  So before you get crazy have the test taken again.  Me personally wouldn't wait a whole month. Also if this only two months out from chemo she could still be having effects from the chemo. It is so toxic and the body is trying to heal all its distruction.  Our healing process occurs by bringing white cells to an area and rebuilding healthy cells that can relate to inflamation (inflammation) internally in your body.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[jay3ho]

thanks for all your comments guys. We r going to see the Onc this saturday, and hopefully see our options and the extend of these results.

We realli appreciate everyones comments and suggestions, so if anyone has any other things to let us know we r very grateful.

But once again, thanks everyone, and good luck to us this saturday.

Cheers