Here it goes again...

[Lafnatitall]

Just received my CA125 today...it's almost doubled in the past three weeks.  I had a CT done three weeks ago also, but it was negative.  I'm 2 1/2 months out from my last chemo and my levels have not been lower that one over "normal" and that was a 36.  I can't see my oncologist until Thursday afternoon...so, thought I'd come to the experts on this...

Rhonda

[crecco]

My CA is a very good indicator for me that something is going on. But my onc goes by the same rule as others, 3 consecutive rises in a row. Then he will normally order a CT scan to see just what is going on, and it is then time to change chemo med again, as this usually means that what ever I am on, has quit working. I know that any kind of a CA rise is scary, but I will trade numbers with any of you any day of the week. Since my surgery 2 years ago, the lowest my CA has been was 157 and that was last year sometime. (while I was on Gemzar. I have since been on topotecan and now avastin/abraxane) When mine begins to rise, by the time we let it go the 3 times, it has usually jumped between 300 and 400 points. My biggest dream, is to be able to see double digits again.
  But then I guess it is so different for everyone. I have also heard that the higher the CA is, the more cancer there is in your body. But some how that just does not seem to fit as like Rhonda her CA was very low at dx and I have seen others with CA readings in the 10's of thousnds. The longer that I deal with this, the more that I understand why they say that the CA is just not an accurate measure. Since it seems to be different for each person, there is really nothing to base the actual numberson except the normal reading.
    Chris

[mariak]

Hi, I also just received my CA results. 31 after being off Doxil since March. It was 14 a month ago. My CAT scan was also good. I had the scan in May. Everything was gone except for a small lesion that was there previously. The report said it was a treated inactive lesion. I have to see the onc. in 2 weeks. Needless to say I'm discouraged and scared. I was 3C and had my surgery in Oct.'04. Thanks for any thoughts.

[onniebay]

I'm so sorry.  The good news is your scan was clear.  My CA125 went from 14 to 20.  It then went back down to 13.9.  My doctors says he only worries when there is 3 rises in a row.  I know it is easier said then done, but try not worry.  Please let us know what is going on.    

[Lafnatitall]

When I first started chemo, my number was 53...not too high, but I still have Stage IIIc.  Then during chemo it went from 53 to 27, then 34, then 35, and when I stopped chemo it was at 36. Our lab's 'normal' is 0-34,35.  Last month, my level was still 36...no biggie.  This month is is 53 again.  I made sure they weren't reading my age!!!  Geez, there's humor in everything.

So, the plan is to do a PET, since the CT showed negative.   If the PET is negative, we'll do another level in 3 weeks and go from there.  What's disconcerting is that I'm exhibitting symptoms...and like Donna said, her CTs showed negative also.  Just another 'nice' sneak attack from this disease!

Thank you for your encouragements...you can't really know how much they mean to me.  I'm always talking to my family and friends about my 'forum girls'...

Rhonda

[vegas2cr]

Ca 125 nightmares it gives me... April mine was 6.7 May 8.8 June 9.9.  There is nothing there.. we continue to watch...I did have a lesion in March that they cut  it out but I am all clean right now... My next transvaginal is Aug... but I will still have another ca 125 in July...Ct was clean and she my oncologist refuses to do anymore than 2 a year unless it appears to be an emergency...She really prefers the transvagainal ultrasounds that show sometimes more...

My trend is going up but I feel wonderful, and my oncoloigst said we will just watch.. Try not to make yourself crazy I know how hard it is not to... Ronni

[Brownie3321]

Ca-125 tests can be a total mess and completely inaccurate. My onc said to watch the trend, not the numbers. If your ca-125 has gone up at least 3 times in a row, then something might be up. Keep us updated, but don't worry yourself sick right now. With love, Deandra

[lucymullis]

How many ca125 draws have you had consectively that increased?  I am so sorry you;re going thru this.

[crecco]

Rhonda,
I hate to hear that. But if your CT 3 weeks ago was negative, then maybe something else is causing your CA to be up. I know that Thurs seems a long time but hang in there and I wish you the best of luck when you go. Please let us know what you find out. I am hoping for the best for you.
Chris