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

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

Jump to this post

@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!

Jump to this post

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.

Jump to this post

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.

Jump to this post

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.

Jump to this post

Yes, my numbers don't fall within the specific guidelines. My oncologist ordered scans of my entire body and found nothing. I do have some lymphedema, so she thinks that may influence my numbers. She finally decided that she wouldn't worry about the numbers.

Jump to this post

Hi @mamabea You posted that your numbers do not fall within guidelines...do you mind me asking you 'range' that they fall in? Mind do not either (high 30's to 40's). However mind jumped 13 points within 4 months. My doctors assistant ordered a CT scan and I am scared. I am 3-1/2 years since BC diagnoses. Thank you in advance...anyone else with info much appreciated.

Jump to this post

Hi I am new here. Breast Cancer 3.5 years ago. Stage 1 Hormone Positive/Her Negative. Lumpectomy with Radiation. On Amidex for 3 years. My oncologist told me he does not normally do the CA tests but, his assistant saw me once when he was Out of Town and ordered one. Mt doctor was alittle annoyed because he says they are not reliable and can go up and down causing undo stress and un-necessary tests. Since then my number has gone up and down from high 30's to mid 40's. My last one jumped 13 points to 52 and another intern ordered a CT scan. I am so upset and stressed about my cancer coming back. Anyone else have this and it turn out not cancer related?

Jump to this post