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

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.

My CA27-29 has been a bit up and down but trending up . It
Was 41.5 6/21 a month after double mastectomy
was 36.3 12/21/21
It is now 53.5 01/19/23
Just got that result haven’t spoken to oncologist yet to see if he has ideas. Haven’t had the CA15-3 yet, imagine that may be next. Trying not to jump to conclusions.

Kudos to all that you are doing! I have made a concerted effort to improve my diet so it has a lot more fresh, organically- and locally- grown vegetables. I also cut way back on sugar after spending dozens of hours on Google Scholar reading the research studies on breast cancer. There seem to be a lot of studies suggesting that sugar is, if not carcinogenic exactly, a factor in providing a supportive environment for many cancers including breast cancer. And it can contribute to fat production and fat is, as an endocrinologist explain to me, an "estrogen factory" so, having had a lumpectomy to remove an ER positive mass, I'm trying to mitigate any estrogenic influences from poor diet on my part. I don't know how much of a difference it'll make with respect to cancer recurrence, but better nutrition can't possibly hurt and I do feel better and stronger so that's a big plus.

@tessspike Hi and thanks for the hugs. Diet is absolutely something that can be worked on and glad you brought it up. And exercise! But diet…I advocate a common sense approach which my docs - primary and cancer agreed on. I cut way back on sugar - medical opinion is mixed but hey those tests that require a glucose solution to help identify cancer cells is all one needs for affirmation that lots of sugar can’t be good for someone. I try to go more organic/ natural because growth hormones or lots of antibiotics possibly could contribute to cell growth or reduced resistance. I drink lots more water, seltzer and am mindful of my alcohol. And I take a variety of vitamins. I have lost weight slowly and carefully which has contributed to lower blood pressure . I am not fixated and can enjoy a steak or ice cream - this is a marathon, not a sprint for me. And I am probably the only person who did not lose weight on Verzenio or during 20 rounds of chemo - thanks to friends who made me gallons of soup. Hand in hand was exercise. I started walking the day after my double mastectomy and kept it up at my chemo treatments in the hallways and outside in the parking lot. Yoga and Pilates were two new exercises I started to help gain back flexibility and strength in my arms and to lessen bone and joint pain. And I swam - which I hate - but my surgeon said it would be good for my arms and lessen my lymphatic fluid build up. My husband is doing yoga and Pilates with me and surprise - his persistent back is gone. I have to learn to live with my cancer and my docs are realistic that it will probably come back at some point. All I can do is be at my best - bloodwork, physically, spiritually and mentally. I hope to positively impact what I can control/influence and then let the docs or the rest of my team do their part. Good luck to you as well!

Have you had a virus recently? My son had blood work done and it showed platelet clumping. It was repeated for the reason you stated and came back the same. He was sent by his pcp to a hematologist and he was then diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia. It’s a weird blood disorder which is thought to sometimes be caused by a virus. I’d ask about that when you see your oncologist. Best wishes and prayers

During my last blood draw the tech had trouble too and it showed 'platlett clumping' (I can't spell that, dang).....that can be a sign of lymphoma and as a breast cancer survivor I was very worried too. My doctor said that the bad blood draw can cause that. Good that you're going for another blood test Tumor marker blood tests can rise and fall with inflammation too I believe (as can results on PET scans be inflammation only and not cancer sometimes). The inflammation can be from something else (a virus etc). It's certainly not an exact science but just another tool.

Hope you continue to do well. Have you tried other non conventional ways yet like diet? There are books talk about how other patients miraculously have radical remission after changing diet. God bless you and many hugs to you!

@tessspike. Good for you for being on top of your numbers. I am a big advocate on this site for tracking all your numbers on a chart for two reasons: 1) it helps a patient to know what is going on with their body & 2) to see trends. In your case, absolutely the knee replacement surgery can impact numbers. It might be helpful to track all your numbers a bit further back to day one. Maybe talk to your doctors to get a sense of when you can expect the surgery impact to lessen or request /look at your other numbers to see if the inflammation/surgery is reflected elsewhere. Docs like to see trends and like you pointed out, backup with scans, how you are feeling, etc. Fingers crossed for you. I am going on my 4th year as a MBC patient and have rebounded really well from when my initial meds stopped working 18 mos in. 2nd meds didn’t work but this third round seems to be doing the trick!