Raise in CA-125

[Nat2]

Hi,

I havn't posted here for ages, I've been trying to get on with life and forget about cancer for a while!

It's been 5 months since I finished chemo (carboplatin) for Stage 1C OVC.  My last two CA-125 were 17 and then 15, I've just got my latest results and it is 25.  The Dr says not too worry that is in the normal level (which I know is around 35 - and some now say in the 60s).  I'm concerned about this rise - I did have a throat / cough infection when I went for the bloods and think maybe that could affect it.

I'm also now going for a trans v scan - which the Dr again says is normal and will be used as a base line for my remaining ovary.

Any thoughts or comments on this rise? Should I be worried?  He has made my next app. for 3 months with the scan inbetween.  I think if they were concerned they would have made the appointment sooner?  I hate this, I'm so scared and feel like I'm back and square one again - but don't want to overreact when there is nothing to worry about.

[JulieAM]

Hello--Your CA125 can also vary according to the phase of your cycle.  Since you still have an ovary, that could cause it to vary at different times of the month.  You might ask your doctor if it would help to get the test at the same point in your cycle every time.

[scoutshadow]

Wow good to see you back Nat, I was thinking of you just the other day.

I would say this - when the follow up starts all the niggling worries come back.  It's such a drag and you can't help yourself but that's how it goes.  You have done the right thing by putting the cancer on the back burner, but when it comes to the day of the scan the old nerves flare up again.  I'm sure the rise is due to something else.  If they were concerned they would have done something sooner.  

It's good to read that they are keeping a close eye on things.

[Nat2]

Hi Tybear,

It's nice to see some of the oldies are still on here!  Luckily I didn't loose my hair - so it's all still on my head!

I havn't had a ct scan - but going for a trans v on my remaining ovary.  I think I'll wait and see if that shows anything and then may ask to come back sooner for more bloods.

My CA-125 was 86 before op - 46 post op and went down to the lowest point of 15 three months post chemo.  I'm sure its nothing to worry about but of course I am - I guess I just can't let it consume my life, I'll have to try and carry on as normal.  Hope you are well, and thanks for posting.

[Tybear]

Hi Nat! Nice to hear from you again...I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. If you were sick at the time, then that's most likely responsible for the slight elevation. Did you have a CT scan done? Was the CA125 a good marker for you? If so, I might mention to my Dr to have it re-tested sooner than 3 months. If not for anything else, just to give yourself peace of mind. I can appreciate wanting to distract yourself from all this cancer stuff...I guess it just never really goes away, does it?! Frustrating...
Take care of yourself,
Becky
p.s. is your hair growing in nicely?

[Ang80]

My mum has had the same thing.

DX March 05, CA125 was 512.
Aug 05 to Jan 07 CA125 was 12
Jan 07 CA125 was 21.

We are worried but the Drs have said its within normal limits.
Mum goes for another test end of this month as her Dr said to wait 3 months.

Ang