Signatera results: Does the increase mean cancer is back?

I am in the same place, and waiting for the results on my 3rd test done Saturday.
I learned you can have a Signatera medical person call you and answer any questions you may have.
650-446-4657
Good luck😘

Good suggestion, @cjay. Were they helpful answering your questions at Signatera?

@varg4258, I can understand that this increase is causing you concern. But more testing is needed to see why. The CT scan is the next step. I know waiting until the end of month must seem like an eternity. How are you doing? How do you keep your mind calm?

My 4th Signatera test results just came back, and for the first time since my resection surgery it’s a positive result of 1.02
I have my first CT scan (since my treatment ended) next week.
Trying to stay calm and positive until the scan results come back, but of course that’s difficult.
Does anyone have any experience similar? And what happened after that positive test?
🤞🙏

I'm sorry, I can't remember if you had chemo or not and when it ended.

In my case, even though the surgeons said they "got it all", I still had chemotherapy. I still had a "hot spot" in the area of the surgery which showed up on scans and in my CEA test about 6 months after I stopped chemo. Demoralizing, to say the least! It took about a year later for it to be knocked out by the chemo - apparently there are residual benefits to chemo as well as the debits. My next scan is late this month.

At one time, I had found a guide to understanding Signatera test results, but now can't find it. If I remember correctly (and I may not) that's a very low number.

There is reason to be concerned, but probably not to be fearful. Lag effect of the chemo leaving residual stuff still around can result in a positive result, and lab tests all have some margin for error/false positives and false negatives.

All the best.

Thanks rj.
I had 12 rounds of chemo after the tumor removal, and that ended August 23.
I have a telephone conference with a Signatera genetic counselor Wednesday evening, so I’m sure I’ll get more information then.
My concern is that my previous tests have been negative, so for this positive now must mean new tumor cancer cells have developed. I know it’s not good - just want to know how bad.

Do you think I’ll need the port put back in?🤨

If the oncologist thinks more chemo is necessary, then another port install would be indicated.

The oncologist may want to wait until the next scheduled scan and next Signatera test - that's what they did with mine when my CEA test bumped up.

All the best.

Thanks! And all the best to you also😘

Yes I have lots of Signatera info. After my resection my signatera test went from zeros to .03, .06, 1.1, 4.2. My cancer spots did not show up until this time with a 1/4 inch spot on my lung and a 1/2 spot on my liver. I did cryoablation to remove the spots. This procedure is a lot less invasive than radiation or surgery. My signatera went to 15 and we found a couple more spots that were also cryoablated. After this they put me back on chemo and my signatera is back to zero. After 8 treatments, they want me to continue 8 more to hopefully knock out any residual cancer cells that may have been left behind. The unknown is just scary with cancer. Knowing that cancer is coming back with the signatera tests is quite stressful. However, the signatera tests have been very helpful finding cancer spots very early to eliminate and keep from spreading elsewhere. Feel free to message me if you would like more detail or have more questions. It sounds like our cancers are similar but I have a year or so more experience dealing with this stuff. Stay positive! Reid

Thanks Reid! Stressful and disappointing along with a side helping of fear.
How long after your last treatment before the Signatera results started to register in the positive? I was hoping for an easy, breezy cancer-free block of time. Way more than the 4-6 months I got. The thought of having that port put back in scares the 🤬 out of me.
I’ve never heard of cryoablation, so thank you for that. I’m meeting with my oncology team Monday after they get the results of my 6 month scan Friday.
Did you go back in FOLFOX? Were you able to continue working? (I’ve only been back to work since December 1, after 11 months on medical leave.)
Insert anguished cry here.
Carol