Connect
Worried about rising CEA levels
I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009. At that time they removed 1/3 of my colon. We did blood screening through the Mayo clinic and they came back that I had a predisposition for polyposis. The cancer had not gotten out of the colon area. Over the next 7 years I was having regular colonoscopies and the doctor removed polyps every time. He recommended that I have the reminder of my colon removed and attache the small intestine to the rectum. That surgery was done January 2016. Up until this surgery was done my CEA levels were in the 3-4 range. This past April I was in to my oncologist for my check-up and my level has increased to 6.1. We redid the test again in 6 weeks which was yesterday and they have increased by 0.3 to 6.4. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem? I have had my mammogram done and it is clear, I don't have any more colon so it can't be colon cancer, I had a hysterectomy when I was in my 20's so that rules out ovarian cancer. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Colorectal Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Hi Diane
I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in jan 2015
My oncologist orders my blood work to be done every 3 weeks and always includes the CEA test as well
This number makes me very nervous but it is really only another tool and I have found other things can cause it to rise like a dental infection or even a sinus infection so I try my best not to get too anxious when there is a spike upwards
My oncologist tends to rely more on scans and blood work and my overall well being and keep me grounded to not get too excited
However a steadily increasing trend does merit attention
Keep us posted
Stay positive
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsWe'll be thinking of you on the 19th, Dianne. Of course, it may take some time to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. You may not get an answer on the 19th itself, but hopefully shortly thereafter.
Thank you for your help.
Mine hadn't gone over 3 until I had the remaining colon removed. That is why I was questioning. I am hoping it is just something small causing this spike. Thanks for your help.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsNo but his office called today. They are going to schedule me for a CT scan just to rule out the presence of any cancer. I am scheduled for my flexoidoscopy on June 19th.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@colleenyoung @diannechildress My CEA has been staying between 1.7 and 2.4 since my colon cancer was removed b on 1/16. I was told they check the CEA as a marker but it really is not a good indicator of cancer. ..
I wish you the best sorry I couldn't help with any additional information.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi Dianne,
Welcome to Connect. I'm tagging a few other members who may also have experience with fluctuating CEA levels. Please meet @travelgirl @martid @ilene1 @soul @brglight @nannytart @bush @sallyg @starrlight and @joannem.
As you probably already have researched, increasingly CEA levels can mean many things. Here's some info from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cea/tab/test/ which states "Increased CEA levels can indicate some non-cancer-related conditions, such as inflammation, cirrhosis, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, rectal polyps, emphysema, and benign breast disease."
Dianne, have you had an appointment with your oncologist since receiving the results of this latest test? The CEA test is only one piece of the puzzle. Your doctor will be able to give you a fuller picture of what is going on. When do you have your next appointment?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions