CA 15-3 cancer tumor marker

My blood test for tumor marker CA15-3 used to be in the 20-28 range. Last month it jumped to 59 and now after 30 days it is 101. Does anyone know what's going on. A Pet Scan was ordered but the wait is causing way too much anxiety

Welcome, @ampeltekian. You'll notice that I moved your post about the tumor marker CA 15-3 to this existing discussion in the Breast Cancer group.
- CA 15-3 cancer tumor marker: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ca-15-3-cancer-tumor-marker/

CA15-3 levels can be higher than normal with cancerous and non-cancerous conditions. I know this information can cause great anxiety. The wait for a PET scan is really hard. Members like @rraw @leeann66 @auntieoakley know this all too well and are here to support you through the wait.

I notice that you also ask "Is metastatic cancer treatable?" and "Does breast cancer spread to the bones in the absence of a tumor in the breast?"

Yes, there are treatments to manage metastatic breast cancer. It sounds like you have not yet received a confirmation that you have cancer. Have you had a mammogram or other imaging testing done to confirm that there is no lump?

Thanks You.

Yes I did have a routine mammogram as well as echogram in august a week before the CA15-3 markers blood test was done the first time and the result was 59. The second time was today and the result is 101.

Six months earlier, I also had an MRI.

Let me back up a bit here. Welcome to connect, we are all patients here and not medical professionals. Some are more or less educated than others, but never a replacement for a doctor who knows your particular medical history.
Cancer markers are one piece of a puzzle the doctors use to figure out “IF” you have cancer or not, but only one piece that can fluctuate due to other reasons. My doctor does not even test them because they are unreliable.
Waiting is the worst! We waited 6 months for a special PET scan for my husband. I try to be a patient and kind person but geez, this would test even the most patient saint. Lol
The best advice I have is to try and not make yourself crazy with asking “what if”. Try to breathe and if you can, advocate for yourself to get some answers.
You said you had a mammogram, and an MRI, 6 months before. Also you are waiting on a PET scan. Is this because you have dense breasts and get alternating screenings? Did you have a finding on your mammogram? Did you have a biopsy?

Had blood test on Thursday last week and my CA 153 is 30. What exactly does that mean. Does it mean l have cancer

My experience. Markers are an indicator not results. The only way to determine if you have cancer or not is a PET scan and consequently a biopsy, if PET show cancer.

For three years my monthly 15-3 markers were in the high 20's. Then a jump to 56, 101, 156 and 190. In retrospect the wait between 56 and 101 was unnecessary. I would have started my treatment a month earlier.

@ampeltekian did your oncologist do monthly markers after your initial diagnosis or were you stage 4? My docs don't do blood tests so there really is now good way to determine if cancer has recurred/spread.

My ultrasound is booked for next week Thursday. My anxiety levels are very high.

Post-mastectomy and being cancer free for almost three years my Oncologist had been requesting markers quarterly.

Once it went crazy we did them monthly three months in a row.

My Oncologist does not use the blood tests - said they are too unreliable.