CA 27-29 numbers rising: Does anyone else have an issue like this?

I had stage 1B triple positive breast cancer in 2022 with two invasive masses. I had a lumpectomy, chemo with Herceptin, then 25 doses of radiation. Then I had a mastectomy with immediate DIEP FLAP reconstruction. Completed Herceptin infusion. And take tamoxifen. My first CA 27.29 was 28.39 and I joked with my oncologist that it should be lower since I just finished treatment (or so I thought). She explained that it would fluctuate and the inflammation and infection can affect the results. Every 3 months my count went down, little, by little. Until two years later it was 13.28. Then, this time it shot up to 24.68. Mine has never gone up. It has always gone down. I know it’s not over 38, or as high as most of yours, but what the heck? Also, since chemo, I’ve lost 65 lbs, w/o trying to, my lymph nodes are always swollen. Radiology has biopsied two that were benign. I’m trying not to freak out. My oncologist is on maternity leave. I don’t know the doc who is covering for her, so that feels awkward… I did call oncology and the nurse of course said that she would get back to me….that was a week ago. Should I continue to pursue this or wait on them to follow up since it’s not over 38?

Thank you so much for sharing this information. I'm also stage iv with mets to bones and liver (dx June 2021). I've been on a few treatments, with the most recent one being enhertu for a year now. All has been clear this past year, except for a stubborn liver met, that my oncologist and surgeon decided to cut out in June of this year. I live in Switzerland and have a treatment team there, but also have oncologist in Denver and SF that I see occasionally. I feel very blessed.

This morning, I just met with my Denver oncologist and he ran the CA 27.29 test and it was up slightly to 49 from 43 two years ago. My other doctors don't run this test. I was a bit nervous about this result, but after consulting with my doctors and seeing your post about how your number fluctuates and that you are doing so amazing with this disease, I am encouraged.

Thank you again for sharing.

I had blood work 4months ago and then just this past week. My CA 27.29 jumped 10 points in that time and is now out of the normal range...49. I had surgery in April and radiation in July of 2018. I have been taking anastrozole since last May. Has anyone else had this experience? Of course I am afraid. Can stress affect tumor marker readings? My doctor is sending me for a CT scan. Is this a “normal” occurrence?