Help with blood test results

[Birdlover]

Hi,
I would like some help with reading blood test results, as it can be very confusing.  I have some high readings and would like more info for knowledge and understanding.  

My Gamma is increased, it reads 2.6+
Report comment:  Gamma increased appears polyclonal on agarose gel, suggest quantitations of immunoglobulins.
Normal Gamma is .5 - 1.6


My Globulin, total is high at 4.6
Normal would be 2.0 - 4.5

My CA 27.29 is high at 65.1 in January 2007, it read 38.6 in November 2006.  I do not know what normal readings are for this one, they are not listed.

My doctor has ordered tests, I will have a CT scan of the chest and liver next week.

My history:
2000 breast cancer, 2.1 cm tumor removed from right breast, 11 lymph nodes removed, 1 lymph positive, 80% estrogen receptive, followed by chemo and radiation, I did not take Tamoxofen, I wanted children, ended up divorced instead

2005 breast cancer, 1.8 cm tumor removed from left breast, 2 lymph nodes removed, none positive, 100% estrogen receptive, followed by chemo and radiation

Genetic testing positive for BRCA2, followed up with oopherectomy, felt another lump back in the right breast, get a complete radical mastectomy 2006

I would like to understand the blood tests, cancer markers, and learn so I can be more educated in my condition, treatments, tests and follow up care.  Thank you for your help.

[ileensmith]

I AM IN REMISSION FROM BREAST CANCER. I JUST HAD MY DOCTOR APPT TODAY FOR 3 YRS FREE OF CANCER. MY DOCTOR SAID I DIDNT NEED TO HAVE BLOOD WORK DONE DUE TO THE FACT THAT I JUST HAD A CA DONE IN SEPT. MY LEVEL WAS A 4 AND I ASKED HIM WHAT DID THAT MEAN? HE SAID SOMETHING ABOUT A 38. NOT SURE WHAT A 4 MEANS. PLEASE HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND.  THANKS EILEEN S

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear birdlover:  The CA 27.29 test was approved by the FDA in 1996 as a tumor marker test for breast cancer. Unfortunately the test has turned out to be neither 'sensitive' nor 'specific.' That means that there are both high numbers of false negative and false positive results. So a negative result is not necessarily negative and a positive result is not necessarily positive. Many centers do not do this test for this reason. Further, there is no evidence that 'catching and treating' metastasis based on a blood test (before any symptoms) will improve survival or quality of life. When this test is used it is mostly in the setting of known metastatic disease to follow the value in response to treatment.  The CT scan will be a better test to help determine if there is disease in the chest or abdomen.  Regarding the gamma and globulin levels, you should discuss this with your doctor who can explain the significance of these values as they pertain to your situation. It is usually not a test that is evaluated as part of the management of breast cancer.