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

Posted by sandyjr @sandyjr, Jul 1, 2019

My Ca 27.29 seems to be high....in the 40’s....and my oncologist says that that is probably normal for me. He checked the records from my first bc. Does anyone else have an issue like this?

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@trudygh

I was Stage 2 on Femera x 5 years. Off almost 1 year. Started having bad hot flashes and fatigue. Ca27-29 not abnormal but rise from June last year from 18.2 to 31.4. Also had CT that showed small nodes to be re-evaluated in 6 months CT was done in July.
Is it normal for Ca27-29 to jump thst much in a year?

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My oncologist and I agree that many factors can elevate our CA27-29 numbers, even what we’ve eaten and certain physical activity that took place the days prior to the test.

Therefore, we decided together to discontinue having this test done, and, instead, rely on my bloodwork, physical exams and yearly mammograms.

My oncologist felt the tumor marker was most helpful for those with late stage breast cancer so that they can monitor the effectiveness of treatment lines. ♥️

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@colleenyoung

Hi Trudy and welcome.

To help you connect with other members like @lisakinpa @jemma17 @lazomama @mssewest @cctoo, I moved your question about interpreting CA 27-29 results to this existing discussion:

– CA 27-29 numbers rising: Does anyone else have an issue like this? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ca-27-29-consistently-high-in-the-40s/

You may wish to read the previous messages to see that CA 27-29 is not used alone to monitor breast cancer. A single value is less important than how the results trend over time. Thus the test is generally used to monitor and notice whether there is a change in your values.

Were all your CA 27-29 tests done at the same lab? Where were the small nodes shown on the CT scan?

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yes always at same lab.
There is a stable 2 mm linear density in the medial right lower lobe on series 5
image 163. The branching and nodular densities in both lower lobes are again noted
with very much a similar configuration best seen for example on series 5 image 316.
This is associated with several very tiny nodules on the order of 1 to 2 mm. Suspect
benign finding but follow-up is recommended. Suggest 6-month chest CT follow-up. Thought maybe this was from Covid. This was my follow-up. Covid a year ago.
I have another CT end of November.
Just some weird stuff going on, Superficial DVT left arm with phlebitis x 3 (side of BC), severe hot flashes which I never had. I know lymphoedema can occur at any point but never an issue before. Left arm stays swollen with lymph node pain, but ultrasound was negative. Grrr just frustrating!

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@trudygh

I was Stage 2 on Femera x 5 years. Off almost 1 year. Started having bad hot flashes and fatigue. Ca27-29 not abnormal but rise from June last year from 18.2 to 31.4. Also had CT that showed small nodes to be re-evaluated in 6 months CT was done in July.
Is it normal for Ca27-29 to jump thst much in a year?

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That is not a big jump and still under 38 so in the normal range. Good to keep watching and asking questions!

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How reliable is CA 27.29 TOSOH cancer marker test for HER2+ Metastatic breast cancer reoccurrence? My latest test now is at 35.9. Is there a better test to detect a reoccurrence? I was at a 24 but it has been increasing significantly last 6 months.

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@rra815

How reliable is CA 27.29 TOSOH cancer marker test for HER2+ Metastatic breast cancer reoccurrence? My latest test now is at 35.9. Is there a better test to detect a reoccurrence? I was at a 24 but it has been increasing significantly last 6 months.

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When were you 24?

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@rra815

How reliable is CA 27.29 TOSOH cancer marker test for HER2+ Metastatic breast cancer reoccurrence? My latest test now is at 35.9. Is there a better test to detect a reoccurrence? I was at a 24 but it has been increasing significantly last 6 months.

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Hello,
there's a detailed discussion about CA 27.29 markers at: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ca-27-29-consistently-high-in-the-40s/

Not specific to HER2 +, but some doctors check it and some do not. Mine said she will check it (I have metastatic BC) but it's the scans that she focuses on. There are reports that stress, inflammation, diet changes, etc. might cause some spikes.

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@eku

Hello,
there's a detailed discussion about CA 27.29 markers at: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ca-27-29-consistently-high-in-the-40s/

Not specific to HER2 +, but some doctors check it and some do not. Mine said she will check it (I have metastatic BC) but it's the scans that she focuses on. There are reports that stress, inflammation, diet changes, etc. might cause some spikes.

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Thank you. I will check the site. I have not changed my diet but will check to see what this site has to say.

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Before my surgery I did a long list blood test. The nurse took 20 vials.

Here some of my results:

% CD3+CD25+ Lymphs ( 34.8 high reference interval 4.9-25.9)
Circulating tumor cell is 0 ( CTC per 7.5 mL of whole blood)
CA 125 ( 5.2 U/ml)
CA 27-29 (7 U/ml)
CA 15 -3 (8.2 U/ml)
CEA ( 1.1 )
Factor VIII Activity ( 185 high reference interval 56 - 140)
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy (24.1 Low ng/mL reference interval 30.0-100.0)

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Do you have know what means CD3 and CD25?

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My last one was 764! All scans and blood work good so not sure what this test actually shows. Hang in there

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