ca125 at 56 after IP cisplatin and IV taxol

[chelleburks]

In Oct.07 I was diagnosed with stageIIIC ovarian cancer.  My ca125 was 2300 pre -surgery.  I had an optimal debulking by an oncologist gynocoligist.  I just completed six rounds of IP cisplatin and IV taxol, I was unable to take the 8th day taxol.  My last ca125 was 56, it was done four weeks after my last treatment. I have not yet had my IP port removed.  My question is what could be causing my ca125 to still be above normal?  Could it be the IP port?

[junamgen]

Just as Judy mentioned ca125 can be influenced by so many factors.  It would be very reasonable to repeat it again in a week to see whether it still the same or not.  Then do it again after 2 to 3 wks.  It is important to find out the trend where ca125 goes(down or up). or to determind where is your bese line.  Hope it helps a little!

Peace

Jun

[JC145]

There are so many things that could cause the CA to be elevated.  Mine was 47 about 3 months post chemo and continually rose 8 to 10 pts. monthly with no evidence of disease (NED).  They thought it might be the port .. but that didn't make a difference in my case.  When the CA rose to  104 ? about 8 months post chemo, my MD started me on tamoxifen and the count has gone down steadily and is now at a normal level.  Don't know how long this will last, but it's been 8 months on the tamoxifen.  I haven't had a CT scan since 11/2/07, so I'm a little anxious to make "sure" I am still NED .. and not rely solely on the CA125.  Try to stay calm and have a CT scan done after you remove the port just to see what is or isn't going on.  Don't know if this helped much ... it is hard not to worry about everything ... the CA-125 is an indicator ... not a fact.

Judy C.