Increase in CA125: What should I watch in addition to CA 125?

Posted by mharrill11951 @mharrill11951, Jan 24 9:03am

For the first time in 8 months my CA125 has increased from 4 to 5. I know that the number is low, but since it is my first increase since chemo, it is hard not to worry. I had seven rounds of chemo, complete hysterectomy, and am now on Avastin until June 2025. What should I watch besides the CA125 number? Thank you.

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sistermarcy | @sistermarcy | Aug 7 3:54pm

I’ve had several Signatera ctDNA tests, all showing no cancer recurrence.
Thanks for the suggestion.

sistermarcy | @sistermarcy | Aug 8 9:06am

In reply to @rachelmg21 "Request Signatera ctDNA/liquid biopsy test (it’s under prescribed by GynOncs) It’s a better marker for OvC..." + (show)

I have already had three Signatera blood tests with my tumor and no cancer presence…I am a conundrum 🙁

mtstack | @mtstack | Oct 31 4:57am

CA 125 before first infusion was 50.
Yesterday before second infusion it was 90.
I know that CA 125 isn't necessarily a reliable marker for endometrial cancer but is this considered a "flare" or more than likely, my cancer might be progressing?

mtstack | @mtstack | Oct 31 5:38am

In reply to @denisestlouie "I wouldn't worry about slight increases. These test look at your current levels and they do..." + (show)

@denisestlouie
Can I ask how much yours fluctuated?
I was pleased that my baseline was 50 as I'd read about other patients levels in the thousands.
I was stunned this morning (before my second infusion today) to see the CA 125 increased to 90.
Maybe I'm chemo resistant?

juliea55 | @juliea55 | Nov 1 7:04pm

Try not to worry. My Signatera numbers increased quite a bit before falling. Someone posited that was because the chemo killed off cancer cells, resulting in more cancer cells circulating before their removal. I have to wonder if the same thing can happen with our CA 125 numbers. As well, all kinds of inflammation can affect your CA 125 numbers, so give it some time.

Denise | @denisestlouie | Nov 7 5:07pm

In reply to @mtstack "@denisestlouie Can I ask how much yours fluctuated? I was pleased that my baseline was 50..." + (show)

@mtstack mine usually stay around 6 to 8. I had one readying that was 23. We didn't do any about it. That was while I was receiving chemotherapy and my level was checked two of three weeks. The next test it dropped to 7. Who knows what caused that spike

mtstack | @mtstack | Nov 8 6:59am

In reply to @denisestlouie "@mtstack mine usually stay around 6 to 8. I had one readying that was 23. We..." + (show)

@denisestlouie

Thanks for replying, Denise.
How have you been?

Denise | @denisestlouie | Nov 10 7:09am

In reply to @mtstack "@denisestlouie Thanks for replying, Denise. How have you been?" + (show)

@mtstack that's a good question. I completely the first line adjunctive chemotherapy in Dec 2024. I'm currently cancer free and receiving a targeted therapy. I'm healthy in every way except I know I have had an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. If it weren't for that knowledge I would be great

All I can do is take care of me. That's what I'm doing
Denise

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Nov 10 9:05am

In reply to @denisestlouie "@mtstack that's a good question. I completely the first line adjunctive chemotherapy in Dec 2024. I'm..." + (show)

@denisestlouie This is so good to hear. You've shared your cancer journey here and I know you were and are an advocate for yourself. And yes, I'm with you on that knowledge, "All I can do is take care of me. That's what I'm doing".