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slight fluctuations in CA 125

What is considered a reasonable fluctuation in CA-125 levels?

Thank you!
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Hello...After my operation, and 6 treatments of Taxotere/Carbo, my CA.125 dropped to 12.... but after about 9 months it was almost 400. The lowest in the 4 years since I was dx with Stage 4, apart from the 12... was 50. My Ca.125 is always in the 100s and generally 1000s. Currently it is over 6000, but I feel well, don't have any pain or discomfort and lead a good quality of life, with a good appetite too. My Oncol. tells me that we are all different, and so the numbers don't bother me much,as my Oncol. feels that if I am feeling fine, then there is nothing to be too concerned about.... but I would personally like to see the numbers much lower.
I think it's important that you don't stress about numbers though... stress doesn't help us.  Hugs...Helen...
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Avatar universal
I think you can see from everyone's answers that the CA 125 is unique for each person. Mine was 8116 prior to surgery for stage 3c. By the end of my primary chemo, it dropped to 16. At my 3 month check it was 36 and gradually rose to 200+ over the next 5 months. No symptoms, but a Pet Scan showed a recurrence and I started back on chemo in July. My CA 125 is now at 64 but has fluctuated between the 80s and 60s over the past 4 months. My doctor states that as long as I do not have symptoms and the scans improve or remain the same...he is not worried.  I guess this is just a long winded way of saying that the CA 125 is a different indicator for each of us and that it is only part of the puzzle. The other puzzle pieces are scans and symptoms. Hope this helps!
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Avatar universal
Yes, please don't compare these numbers to anyone else's.  Mine was 2,488 at dx, finally went down to normal (12.8) after my 6th tx and we all celebrated but within three weeks it was back up to 50 then 62 and I have a new test today, so we'll see.  "And yes my cancer is back............" as vegas2cr said, but I don't know where yet.  May your response be a better one.
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Mums was 512  when diagnosed, then went back to 12 after treatment where it stayed for 30 months, it then rose to 25 then 28 and then 60 over 11 months and her cancer was back in her liver. It is now 16 after 3 more chemo sessions.
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Avatar universal
Each person is so differerent as freshair pointed out.  For me.. Mine was 6 in November 2weeks ago 8.9 and yesterday 9.7 and yes my cancer is back..............
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Avatar universal
There's no rhymn or reason to CA125 levels. Everyone is different. What you really have to worry about is when they start doubling. Mine went up gradually after the first chemo.  Hopefully yours are saying under the 30 mark. Good luck.
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