About those CA125 Numbers

[newlifegal]

Does anyone understand if there is a correlation between how high the initial CA125 number is and the prognosis of ovca?  I have seen very high numbers on women who have responded well with treatment.  Is there a higher incidence of recurrence if the number is high?  I've asked my gyn/onc these questions and I feel like he's danced around the answer; maybe there isn't an answer but I'd just like to get a feel for what you know based on your own experiences.  Thanks, Christa

[Pommie]

Hi Christa, I too wondered this as after 8 months my cancer has returned.  I had a high reading of 1200 plus when I was first diagnosed and it was agressive but the carbo/taxol worked really well and I went right down to 4 will excellent results.  I am seeing my Oncologist tomorrow (Friday) so I will ask her if the higher CA125 the more likely it is to return.

I was told right at the beginning of treatment that ovarian cancer will return, the question was when, and how long in remission which they couldn't answer.  Will keep you posted.

Carol

[newlifegal]

Thank,Carol.  I'll be interested in what she has to say.  By the way, I'm assuming that your numbers started to rise to indicate a recurrence?  Did you have any physical symptoms accompanying the increase in the CA125?  I'm a little paranoid about the whole recurrence thing because I didn't do well with the chemo and dread having to go through it again.  But I will; I'll do what I have to in order to beat this back.\

Christa

[Pommie]

Hi Christa, yes the CA125 did rise gradually - 24, 35, 59, 127 at the last count.  I got discomfort below when going to the loo almost like a dull ache so I had a CT scan done and the radiologist reported Diverticulitus (thickening off the bowel)but couldn't see any of the previous cancer but my oncologist was suspicious of that and said she was almost certain it was the cancer returning with the gradual increase of the CA125.  I am now feeling really bloated again like before - no real pain just uncomfortable.  I'm off soon to have another CT scan done so it will be interesting to see if I have ascites again (fluid in the abdomen).  I know its horrible living with the threat of this dame thing returning - but hey positive vibes and keep telling yourself you can beat this.  I know, I too am not looking forward to more chemo, but I will try anything to beat this.

Stay positive - Carol