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

I am CHEK 2 as well. I found out last September and decided to have a bilateral mastectomy...had that w/ reconstruction in July. The covid messed that up...made a big delay. The whole surgery thing was not bad at all. I had a difficult time mentally the second time I had BC and felt I would probably go over the edge if it happened again.

Thank you. I have actually found myself hoping it is in the breast instead of being metastatic which is a crazy thing to hope for! (Obviously my first hope is that it's nowhere!!!) But since I'm CHEK2 positive and still have one real breast that's a real possibility.

The first time I had BC in 2007, my tumor markers were ok. I did not pay so much attention then. I was stage 0 with no lymph node involvement. The second time I had it, my tumor markers were in the 40s. I had stage 1 invasive BC with no lymph node involvement in 2018. Lumpectomies both time. Only 2 times since then have they been in the 30s. I had a full body CT scan and nothing showed it...that was in May 2019. They seem to be fluctuating from the 30s thru the 40s this time. My oncologist tests me for them, but is not alarmed at all. I took tamoxifen the first time...this time anastrozole...which I may stop and go on tamoxifen in April. That is to keep my bones healthy. I cannot tell you not to worry because I would be too, but a friend of mine was told by her doctor that he doesn’t use them because they are not definite and only cause fear in the patient when they go up. This time around I am still concerned, but much more relaxed about it. I think going for the scans is a good thing either way. If nothing shows up then just relax. My doctor has told me that the 40s are the magic number for me. The CA 27.29 is not supposed to be used as a diagnostic in early stage breast cancers.

@lauren03
Hi, Lauren. Welcome to the group.

One of the reasons why my oncology group does not use tumor markers is that there has been no evidence to prove that they are 100% reliable for determining the presence or absence of cancer. Apparently, there are several circumstances, such as other health issues or disease, which can contribute to raised tumor marker levels. I realize that isn't a comfort to you... all of us are super sensitive to any news which may suggest a recurrence as we've been through too much not to be anxious... but let your oncologist do his work. It's so nice that it's "someone else's job" to make those determinations! Keep up with your self-care and do not hesitate to let us know how things are going. We're in your corner with this fight.

Hello, I'm new here but was hoping someone could help me. I am 11 years out from stage 2 breast cancer and I finished 10 years of Tamoxifen in November. Two weeks ago I had my first round of bloodwork since finishing and my CA 27-29 was a 40. I've always been in the 20s and 30s but I've also always been on Tamoxifen. I retested this week and was even higher, at 44. My doctor wants me to go back in 2 weeks for bloodwork one more time and if it's still high he wants to order scans. I can't really even put into words the fear and despair I'm feeling right now, but I'm sure most of you can imagine. So my question is - has anyone had this happen to them, specifically after stopping Tamoxifen, and it NOT progressed to stage 4? I do have a history of ovarian cysts but my markers have always been in normal range.

Sandy, I didn't have the marker #s back when I met with him. I'll see him Sept 9 after I have CT's done to check my mets and a new set of complete blood tests and tumor markers. Hopefully the numbers reduce in the 3rd month but I'm patient. You take care and have a nice weekend.

I am very glad you picked up this inquiry. Have you had an appointment with your oncologist? He will probably discuss it with you. It is very interesting that your numbers are so much different than mine. My oncologist says that these marker numbers change all the time. I think a lot depends on your type and stage of cancer. As I said, other than with the surgeries, my CA 15-3 has never been tested. If this is not concerning to your Dr, then it shouldn't be to you. Please continue to respond to this as time goes by.

So it sounds like people's numbers bounce around and no two people seem to have the same starting point or "normal". I got my test results back from last week and my CA 15-3 went from 58 to 71, but my 27-29 went down from 88 to 84.6. Being that these are small numbers either way they go, and the fact i've only been treated since June I'd like to think it's positive news. Anyone?

This is an interesting discussion. Tumor marker tests are one tool doctors have to monitor but they can have great change and variables. It's good to have another option in testing but again, a doctor has to be careful how it is used and interpreted. Case in point.......my husband has CA27-29 tumor marker indicator that has gone from the 40's to 177 in the past year. Granted, he has a cancer of unknown primary which the doctors are now assuming might be lung cancer. We were concerned (as the doctors were) that at 177 it shows a great deal of cancer activity in his body. We know that is happening for him..........BUT..........during our discussion it came out that several factors, in addition to cancer, could be affecting the test including his COPD, his use of inhalers and his vaping of medical marijuana (which is prescribed).
Certainly my husband has cancer and the tumor marker test is showing that but whether it's showing progression in the blood of his cancer, the doctors can't say. Finding the right mix of tests and procedures at the right time for each patient is a real 'art' and one that unfortunately is still a work in progress.
Hugs

This is the second time for BC with me and the only times I have had the CA 15-3 checked were when I had the surgeries (lumpectomy). It has been routine to have the CA 27-29 done for each appointment. The first time I had BC, my Dr just seemed to monitor me. The first oncologist I had this time around told me that the 40s was normal for me from checking my former records. That oncologist and I parted ways, and I went to a woman who was absolutely horrible. I had seen her once and she sent me for a nuclear bone scan because my blood work showed a two of the readings were outside the normal range, and also a full body CT scan because my tumor marker was 49. I insisted on having the test redone and 3 days later it was 41.8, but she still insisted. When I tried to ask her questions at my last appointment concerning the CT scan, she had her info all wrong and when I told her I had brought copies of my reports, she actually would not talk to me and ran out of the room. Oncologist #3 is, so far, amazing. I told him about the tumor marker stuff and he says he does not go by them as they change all the time. Also, if you read the comment that comes with your CA 27-29 that comes with your report it says “The CA27-29 assay is intended for use in monitoring: 1) disease progression and/or response to therapy in patients with metastatic disease, and 2) disease recurrence in patients treated previously for stages II and III breast carcinoma who are clinically free of the disease.” My cancer was stage 1 and so none of this applies and the CA 27–29 should not be used as a tool for diagnosing malignancy. Also, unnecessary tests are done that are expensive and that only frighten the patient. Also, it is my understanding that for the CA 27-29, the initial reading after surgery may be a bit high, but seems to decline after that. I really appreciate your response because it is good to hear of someone that also does not fit the slot doctors have put people in because it is easy and convenient for them. I also have gotten all my test results from the first time around and what I have so far this time so that I can understand and know what the doctor is talking about. You might want to do that. Doctors are not perfect and make mistakes and knowing what test results mean can help you in monitoring your own disease. Again, thank you for your reply.