Stage 3b, FOLFOX 12 rounds, 3 negative signatera but turns positive

@myjmyjiggers1 - I’m so sorry to hear about your challenging journey with colon cancer, and I can only imagine how frustrating it must feel to discover that the CEA test didn’t predict your recurrence. CEA has been found to be not that sensitive in detecting some right side CRC. Your experience with Stage 3c right-sided colon cancer—and now facing it again in your vaginal cuff, pelvic nodes, and left oblique—shows just how unpredictable and tough this disease can be. It’s completely understandable to wish you’d known about other testing options, and I admire your strength in sharing this to help others. A relatively new line of testing, CTDNA is becoming more available and is very useful in detecting recurrence as well as following adjuvant therapy. Would you like more specific information which you could discuss with your doctor? Would you mind sharing your CEA numbers, when was your last surgery? Do you know if a tumor tissue sample was retained (as this is required for several types of CTDNA tests).

I am researching it as we speak and going to ask my Dr about it. My CEA’s range from right before surgery July of 23 at 1.9. Right after surgery 1.6 September. Up to 3.1 in Oct then 1.9 in Dec of 23. They stay in the 1.7 range til Nov of 24 when we found the bleeding tumor in cuff, at 2.3. Stying in the 2.8 range since.

@myjiggers1 - that's very commendable to take these proactive steps. As your research has probably shown your numbers are all within the normal range for non-smokers. CEA is not always produced by all types of cancer... Your tests like Oncodetect and Signatera have demonstrated a better ability to detect recurrence and effectiveness of adjuvant therapy. Please keep us informed of how your meetings go with your doctor!

I am basically undergoingthe same! My oncologist ordered a ct lung and liver biopsy for next week. starting back on first oral Xeloda aka Capaecitabian pending biopsy results I had/have stage 3b colon with one tumor removed last May 6.4 cm with 2 positive lympnoids my scans were clear until March 2025 after Oxaliplatin and Xeloda chemo for 6 months. She ordered a petscan when last CT with contrast showed these growths. and it was confirmed in lung and liver so thats why biopsies were ordered Ill keep you updated Has your oncologist suggested a biopsy?

I am in a similar situation but my Signatera has been negative and normal CEA. Scans showed 10mm nodule in lung and a few smaller ones. Pet Scan could not rule out inflammation on the 10 mm, all other nodules were benign. My oncologist says he’s 95% certain it’s cancerous. I am going to see my radiologist for this one and just monitor regularly for any others. I had recent Covid and the flu prior to this scan so am not certain I am in agreement with my oncologist. I do not like that he is pushing systematic chemo again for one lung nodule. I am against more chemo as recent studies are coming out that it may very well cause recurrence of more aggressive cancer. I am all about giving my body time to heal and do its job. Chemotherapy will cause my body to have to fight harder. I am relying on God these days more than ever as he created my body and he is the one who knows how to heal it.

You mention that recent studies are coming out that chemo may very well cause recurrence of more aggressive cancer. As someone that has been on chemo for three years, I am very interested in reading those studies. Where can I find them? Thank you.