breast cancer Ca 27.29 test

[ladysmith105]

I am now 1 year no evidence of disease.  I had had the Ca 27.29 test done since 10/09.  Normal is below 38.  I started at 22, down to 18 in Jan.  and down to 14 in April.  Has anyone had a similar experience with this test?  My MD said don't worry it went down.  I am still curious why it went down.  My sentinel node biopsy was negative so it is assumed I had no metastisis.  I am a Stage I Tubular Carcinoma, estrogen +.  I took Femara for 6 months & had to go off due to side effects.  Started Arimidex just yesterday.
Warmest regards to everyone.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi again,

Just wanted to add that I hope things keep going well for you!  The low scores you are getting should be reassuring, as MA111 mentioned.

Best wishes...

[ladysmith105]

Hello Blue,
The first time my Oncologist did the CA27.29 test was 3 months after I finished radiation and it was also 2 months after starting Femara.  I was early stage I with no nodes. I also have a rare type of Breast Cancer, Tubular, which is very slow growing & rarely spreads so Chemo was not recommended.  Hormonal treatment was, as it is highly estrogen dependent.  Since the marker seems to be going down even after surgery & radiation was completed it made me think there are still cancer cells being destroyed while I am taking Femara.  I assumed that the cancer was removed with the initial biopsy/lumpectomy (with clear margins).  I then had a wide excision during the sentinel node biopsy just to be sure & those tissue samples were cancer free.  I have lost 50 lbs in the last year since my initial diagnosis; maybe that could have something to do with it.  I may never know but, thank you for being there!

[bluebutterfly2222]

As japdip mentioned, these tests are not often used except to measure response to tx, or unless you develop new symptoms after completing tx.  Some oncologists do recommend that they be done every 4-6 mths for persons at high risk for recurrence, but you would not appear to fall in that group.

I'm not sure why you are concerned about levels that are NOT elevated??

Best wishes...

[japdip]

These tests are so variable unless they are done during Chemotherapy they really aren't given to much attention. When tests such as these are lower than the norm it can be from several things ... even when they increase suddenly the same applies. Various drugs can have this effect on the values also. If your Oncologist isn't concerned then I don't believe you should be either. Many Dr.s seldom use them ... scans, Mammograms and/or the development of symptoms are used more often than the blood tests.    Regards ....