CA 19.9 jumped up
From 48.5 to 69. I'm on dose 11 of chemo.
Just thought I'd share the depressing news. I'll talk to the nurse tomorrow and see what she thinks.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.
From 48.5 to 69. I'm on dose 11 of chemo.
Just thought I'd share the depressing news. I'll talk to the nurse tomorrow and see what she thinks.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.
I know seeing 48.5 go to 69 is upsetting, especially when you're already on treatment #11. But please don't assume from this one result that your chemo isn't working. CA 19-9 can move around, and the scan and the longer-term trend are much more important than one number.
Definitely talk with your nurse tomorrow. I would ask what your CA 19-9 has been doing over the last several treatments and when your next scan is scheduled. That will give you a much better picture of whether the treatment is working.
Try not to let this one number take away all your hope tonight. 69 is information—it isn't a verdict.
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7 ReactionsYea mines all over place. Can’t go by that
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2 ReactionsOnce you have been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, you as the patient should IGNORE CA19-9 unless your oncologist specifically references it in relation to something ELSE going on. Otherwise it is really meaningless to the patient.
CA19 levels are NOT a diagnostic test for PC. Most people with diagnosed Pancreatic Cancer have elevated levels, but the others have normal levels and still have cancer. People can have high levels yet be cancer free.
That is why it is used as an indicator ( a hint) when combined with other issues in your body that then makes cancer more probable, and they do a scan to see if there is a tumor and, if so, justify a biopsy for confirmation.
Your CA19 will fluctuate, and it can go down over a long period during recovery and then spike without cancer returning.
Give yourself a break from the unneeded stress. Focus on staying as active as you can, eat well, and keep wiggling your fingers and toes if chemo made them numb. Keeping your fingers and toes active will speed up recovery of blood supply and nerve endings once chemo stops.
Hope this helps.
[2 year survivor so far after Stage 2 chemo/radiation ]
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