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

mine just came in at 81 (was at 36 6 months ago), and I am terrified. I get this test every six months and its never been over 35. 38 is the high limit. I would have them test you again in 3 months. If still rising I would request a PET scan. My Pet scan is in two days.

@windyshores I am almost 5 years out and I get this test every six months. the high range is anything over 38. i went last week and my number jumped from 35 to 81. I have a pet scan scheduled in two days. They also found a nodule in my upper right lung which everyone assumed was scarring from radiation. Because of the jump in my CA27-29 number, my oncologist is now concerned that my breast cancer has popped up somewhere else. Ask your Dr. to run the test. what can it hurt?

@kblioce - I don’t know how to update my previous post but I did want to do so. As I posted in August 2024, my tumor marker had been going up for a while but my scans were showing no evidence of cancer. Well, in October 2024, my PET/CT scan showed the cancer had returned to my bones in my spine, ribs, sternum, humeral head, pelvis and another couple of places. I was put on Enhertu right away and have been taking it ever since (almost a year and a half). As of February 2026, all the cancer spots have resolved except for one stubborn spot in my pelvis. I’m feeling good even though Enhertu has caused more side effects than the Taxotere I took 11 years ago. Of course, I was in my 50s then so it could be I was younger and in better shape when I took it;) I am staying positive and praying that I will be free of cancer again soon. Never give up, Ladies! God bless you.

I am dealing with this now as well and unsure what I need to do. About ready to give up and not go further because I’m not getting answers (not because of the doctor, just because maybe the answers aren’t there). Diagnosed April 2023, IDC grade 2, stage 1 - nodes clear. Stated caught early, do surgery/radiation and ai but then positive oncotype added chemo. Initially ca 27-29 was 92, at end of chemo had dropped to 69. He was “happy with that” at that time. 2 months later, after radiation, still at 69 and started ai therapy. Did CT because it never dropped to “normal” and no evidence of tumor. Then it started up slowly, just 5 points so was told sometime this happens and as long as stable, just monitor. But within 6 months, back up to 87 so did pet scan and brain mri - of course no evidence of tumor and within 30 days, it went back to 69. Over the next 9 months, dropped to the 50s (52-57) and stayed there so he said complete remission and started 6 month rechecks. In December last year, it went back up to 90, 6 week recheck only dropped to 87 so again, pet scan and brain and again, no evidence of tumor. I was supposed to call and discuss options with him over the phone but haven’t because not sure I want to do more tests just to see if we can find something somewhere. I see him again at the end of this month so will discuss then but it may be decision time and figuring if I can live and survive mentally without going further. I guess I understand why there’s so much PTSD with this disease.

@mistymar sorry for what you're going through. Each situation is so different! I've never heard of chemo for stage 1, no nodes. Was there a particular reason given? It has to be frustrating. Sorry again.

@jmab because I was oncotype positive. It showed. Higher potential for metastatic disease so chemo was recommended to decrease that potential. Had 4 rounds of chemo.

I see...yes, that makes sense. Thanks for that reply. Hope you find some answers & clarity soon. Sending best wishes!