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Realistic CEA Perspective Needed

Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Aug 6, 2018 | Replies (17)
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@cherrieb

Had my first colonoscopy in 2016. One polyp was removed. It came up as cancer stage 1. Colon resection was done 2 weeks later. CEA levels are checked every six months, which have all been WNL. CEA level in 2/2018 was 0.5. This last CEA done 9/2018 came up to 3.0. Really worried and scared since this is the first abnormal level. I have seen my oncologist and CT scan and GI visit recommended. I have had mammo, transvaginal ultrasounds, chest xrays, CT of chest done all within the past year along with echcardiograms, stress tests and heart cath..all normal. Any opinions greatly appreciated.

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Replies to "Had my first colonoscopy in 2016. One polyp was removed. It came up as cancer stage..."
Jackie, Alumna Mentor | @travelgirl | Sep 17, 2018

@cherrieb I see you are a new member here on connect. I would like to welcome you to our community. I also had a stage 1 colon cancer diagnosed in Dec 2015. My Cea levels go up and down. I would not make yourself a nervous wreck. I think that is normal for it to go up and down. It could also be a messed up lab work. When was your last colonoscopy? I see you haven't mentioned that test above. I have had 2 since my resection. Now they moved me out 3 years. Cause my last one didn't have any bad polyps they said. Otherwise they watch people yearly who are polyp farmers with certain suspicious polyps.
Try not to make yourself crazy on just one test. Like I said, it could be a messed up test. And your worrying for nothing.
Wishing you the best.
Jackie

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Nanny23 | @nanny23 | Sep 18, 2018

What does CEA level mean? Is it a cancer marker?

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Jackie, Alumna Mentor | @travelgirl | Sep 18, 2018

@nanny23 and @cherrieb I found this write up about CEA Markers written by Mayo Clinic. It hopefully explains better than I can. But it is just a marker they use that may suggest a cancer has returned. I hope this is more helpful and @cherrieb gives you a little better peaceful mind...
https://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8521

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