Had colon cancer and now CEA is rising: Scared

Posted by segerfan @segerfan, Apr 26, 2022

Colon cancer 10 year and now raised CEA
Just had a colonoscopy and it was fine. Went for my yearly check up and CEA is evaluated to 7. no weight loss, no loss of appetite. I am under a great deal of stress, family, marriage lose of a grandchild. Went back to vaping. Doctor is going to do a ct scan. I am scared to death.

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amariewilkinson | @amariewilkinson | Apr 11, 2023

Stress alone can make things be off. Try to meditate and breathe even just 5-20min a day. It’s hard. I’m learning but so worth it. Stand barefoot in the grass/dirt. Juice lots of carrots and celery and garlic. Learn about all the anticancer foods that also help with energy, stress and so many other things. You’ve got this! Fear is a liar. God bless!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 11, 2023

In reply to @mary4elpo "Yes having scans done again next week, thank you for the advice." + (show)

I’m sure you’re nervous. We’re here if you need support. I’ll be interested to hear what you learn from the scans. Focus on the now. 🙂

mary4elpo | @mary4elpo | Apr 11, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @mary4elpo, I can imagine that gettting mixed result of a clear colonoscopy with rising CEA..." + (show)

Yes having scans done again next week, thank you for the advice.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 11, 2023

In reply to @mary4elpo "Had colon surgery a year ago, current body scans and colonoscopy showed no sign of cancer..." + (show)

Hi @mary4elpo, I can imagine that gettting mixed result of a clear colonoscopy with rising CEA levels is concerning. I moved your question to this existing discussion:
- Had colon cancer and now CEA is rising: Scared https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/colon-cancer-10-year-and-now-raised-cea/

I recommend clicking the link and reading the posts from the beginning. You'll also be able to connect with other members like @segerfan @lisag03 @amariewilkinson @ruchibsq and others.

CEA levels alone are not enough to detect cancer. Has your oncologist scheduled additional testing?

mary4elpo | @mary4elpo | Apr 10, 2023

Had colon surgery a year ago, current body scans and colonoscopy showed no sign of cancer but my CEA level is 12 .6 ,anyone ever experience this?

segerfan | @segerfan | Dec 26, 2022

After CT scan was clean Dr has no more concerns. I go back to once a year visits.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 25, 2022

In reply to @ruchibsq "Hi, I was diagnosed with Colon cancer stage last year 12/23. My surgery was done on..." + (show)

Welcome @ruchibsq. Seeing CEA levels fluctuate can be unsettling. I moved your message to this existing discussion:
- Had colon cancer and now CEA is rising: Scared to death
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/colon-cancer-10-year-and-now-raised-cea/

You read the previous posts and see that @segerfan had a similar worry and luckily found that cancer had not returned.

CEA or carcinoembryonic antigen (as well as other markers like CA27-29) plays a role in diagnosis, monitoring response to therapy, early detection of metastasis and determination of recurrence in patients with colon cancer. But CEA alone doesn't tell the full story. As a member said in another discussion "Tumor marker tests are one tool doctors have to monitor but they can have great change and variables." "People's numbers bounce around and no two people seem to have the same starting point or "normal.""

You're also right that results can vary from lab to lab. Further monitoring will tell if this reading is an anomoly or needs further testing. Was your oncologist concerned about the changes in CEA?

ruchibsq | @ruchibsq | Dec 24, 2022

Hi,
I was diagnosed with Colon cancer stage last year 12/23. My surgery was done on 01/11/22 since then I have been following with Blood test every three months. My CEA level after surgery was 0.9 03/01/22. Second CEA 1.2 06/01/22 Was done by Labcorp. Third CEA 1.0 09/01/2022 was done by Emory and the recent one was done at Labcorp 12/19 CEA ‘1.9’. Does this level vary by labs? I am currently having an external Hemorrhoid pain and irritation and little bit of bleeding. Does anyone know if Hemorrhoid can be one of the reason for CEA to increase? Or what are the chances of cancer coming back? Sorry I am just scared.