combination Taxoxifen & Premarin (0.625 mg) increase the CA125?

[HootyOvO]

Hello,

Dec 2002 I was diagnosed with stage1-2 ER+, grade 2 breast cancer. Treatment:  partial mastectomy, 24/35 lymph nodes removed and all clear except cancer in entranceway to 1st lymph node I had chemo, radiation, and then Tamoxifen for 5 yrs.

In Dec 2007 diagnosed (totally separate) ovarian cancer; stage 3, aggressive clear celled, totally hysterectomy, fatty curtain removed, specks (1/2 size grain of rice) in right diaphram. In Dec 2007 CA125 count was 874. I had two 2 types/chemo via I.V. plus peritoneal (port) chemo treatments Jan-May 2008 CA125 were averaging 14, 6, 5, 7, 5.

Nov 28/08  CA125 was ‘5’.

Jan 6/09, Due to difficulty with dysfunctional brain (no hormones) oncologist started 0.625 mg Premarin with Tamoxifen. I noticed a steady increase of hard bowel movements and bloating in my abdomen/pelvis.  

Feb 17/09 (43 days later) my CA125 count was 220. I am awaiting results of ultra sound taken on Feb18th and a CT scan on my abdomen next week.

Why would the CA125 count suddenly rise to 220 during the 43 days of taking the Premarin and Tamoxifen?

Thank you for your answer.
HootyOvO

[HootyOvO]

My ovarian oncologist wanted to give me the estrogen as he said my reduced brain function was the worst he had seen. However my breast cancer oncologist wanted to make sure it didn't impact on my previous ER+ breast cancer so she suggested also giving me the Tamoxifen as well.

Both of these oncologists work together.

I don't now if my ovarian is also ER+ but if it is, this was rather is stupid thing to do, giving me estrogen.

Thank you for your feedback as it is reassuring someone out there can help relate their stories to widen my knowledge about this.

Hugs,
HootyOvO

[Tybear]

I'm totally confused as to why your doctor would prescribe Premarin to you (estrogen) then put you on Tamoxifin (anti-estrogen) - would one not cancel the other out?
I know it's hard to not have hormones (had my hysterectomy at 26 and can't take estrogen) but knowing that in the past, you had an estrogen positive cancer, I wouldn't think it would be a good idea to be taking estrogen?
My only thought is that maybe, if your ovarian cancer is estrogen receptive as well (like mine is) that maybe taking the premairn stirred things up a bit. I'm just guessing here - it could also be totally and completely unrelated.
I don't know if being on something for only 43 days would be enough to have an effect on anything - this would be a good point to bring up to your doctor.
I wish you luck...it sounds like life has thrown it's share of challenges your way...
Becky