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Rising CEA levels after completion of chemo and surgery

Posted by brigsuri @brigsuri, Sep 20, 2023

Hi, I underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma, my team thought it was T1 but upgraded to T3a post op with 5/27 lymph nodes positive.
I received 8 cycles of FLOT and underwent a recent normal CT chest abdomen and pelvis as well as normal EGD

However my CEA has trended upwards and I am scheduled for a repeat colonoscopy to look for another primary

I was going to ask my oncologist to order a PET scan.
Any thoughts on rising CEA levels please

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nrocpop | @nrocpop | Sep 21, 2023

I am really not knowledgeable about the CEA levels, but I do want to tell you that I hope you get what you need whether that is a PET scan or not. I know you have been through a lot, because my husband has gone through all the same things you mentioned and more (chemo-radiation for six weeks after the 8 FLOTs). I commend you on your courage, as I know it must have taken a lot to go through FLOT and gastrectomy. I am going to say a prayer for you right now. Wishing you healing and wellness.

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1 reply
brigsuri | @brigsuri | Sep 21, 2023
In reply to @nrocpop "I am really not knowledgeable about the CEA levels, but I do want to tell you..." + (show)
@nrocpop

I am really not knowledgeable about the CEA levels, but I do want to tell you that I hope you get what you need whether that is a PET scan or not. I know you have been through a lot, because my husband has gone through all the same things you mentioned and more (chemo-radiation for six weeks after the 8 FLOTs). I commend you on your courage, as I know it must have taken a lot to go through FLOT and gastrectomy. I am going to say a prayer for you right now. Wishing you healing and wellness.

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Thank you, wishing you and your husband the best and a cure!!

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 2, 2023

Hi @brigsuri, 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.”

Along with @nrocpop, I'm tagging other members who have experience with gastric cancer like @davidday1965 @sonic997 @jake264 @edgar23 @juand @rhonda1964, who can add their thoughts and support.

brigsuri, when is your next colonscopy?

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brigsuri | @brigsuri | Oct 3, 2023

Hi Colleen,
I underwent an EGD, colonoscopy, CT chest abdomen and pelvis and PET scan in the last 2 weeks and they are all normal!!
I am a non secretor vis a vis CEA since levels were normal at time of diagnosis
My oncologist wants to repeat CT chest/abdomen and pelvis in 3-4 months
Appreciate your kindness
Suri

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