CA125

[dian07]

To some women this will be a silly question......but it concerns me anyway!
My CA125 has been hanging in around 2.9 since my chemo back in 2005.  I was diagnosed IC in April of that year.  My mucinous tumour ruptured spilling malignant cells into the peritoneal cavity, thus the IC.
Anyway, I had the usual chemo and am now finishing up with my "every 6 mo" visits to the onc and gyn.
My question; my last CA came in at 7.....that is nearly triple what it normally is!  
I know there are many women who would gladly take a Ca1225 of 7, but is this something that should alarm me?
I landed in the hospital last June 25 with a bleeding ulcer.......I am being treated with Nexium.......could an ulcer cause the rising CA125?  Paranoia seems to be one of the side effects of this stupid disease.
Thanks for any reassurance you can offer.....in advance!
Peace.
dian

[milashka]

dian, thanks for your update! Wow - 5 years out - and who would have thought?

I consider myself lucky with the 4 years, and shouldn't get too greedy. I am quite worried and oh how I wish for a bleeding ulcer LOL!

[dian07]

Hey there, Miilashka!
I read your post the other day and can certainly understand your concern.  My increase was, in fact, due to a bleeding ulcer.   I hope yours in response to something else going on with you.
I had my 6 month check last month....and, it seems all is well with me right now.   You just never know what is going on with this stupid disease.
I am now 5 years out from my last chemo.  I am definately one of the lucky ones.....so far, that is.
I am in northwest Iowa and fall is in full swing.  We have had a very wet month so the farmers are having a rough time getting their crops out of the field.
My family is healthy.  Our youngest, Anthony, and his wife are expecting their first child.....we are all excited.  She is due the 20th of December.  
I hope this stuff straightens out for you.....it's easy to say "don't worry".....it's hard to do.
You are right, however, when you say you need to put this on the back burner for awhile...don't let the uncertainty ruin your holiday season.  I know this is really tough.....you will remain in my thoughts......I will be in touch.
Peace.
dian

[milashka]

dian - I remember you from when I was first diagnosed Nov 2005. I think we were both quite active on this board. Have you been in remission since?

My tumor marker just started rising as well. I know they often talk of doubling as being alarming, but I thought that refers to a smaller time frame - 4 weeks, not 6 months. I would say that you will need to have at least two more CA-125 to see if there is an upward trend - one number alone shouldn't say that much.

Mine went from 11-14-16-26 in 3-month intervals. I am worried now. I was sick with the intestinal flu or something like that a few days prior to my tumor marker, so I hope that was it, but gee, it sure has one wondering, and no, not a silly question at all.

Hope all will be well.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi Dian
not a silly question
it is probably normal flux from your ulcer. However I would suggest rechecking it monthly for a few months to to reassure yourself
best wishes