Are CA15.3 tests standard after 7years

@Milly21 I saw my oncologist yesterday and my ca15-3 are fairly stable and acceptable it does a yoyo between 32 and 39 which she said it isn’t always accurate for metastasis as it can be elevated due to infection. Which I had one due to my prolapse ring. A dose of antibiotics the marker dropped back down to 34. Last month I had a full blood work up, and  everything was as expected. This old age as well as the cancer is the pits. Between Gyno’s, gastro’s the pathology and oncology i always seem to be seeing one specialist or another. At least physio is finished just got to keep up the exercises he has given me Got to keep the muscles from shrinking. I’m looking forward to retirement then I only work when I want to. Not because i have to. 79 days but who’s counting. 

I've got this listed on my blood test slip from oncologist to have done shortly.   I haven't seen him do this before.   I would be happy if it was done every year.  

Yes I was wondering if they are elevated it means you have stage 4 always, but maybe they can be elevated for other reasons too

@Milly21 my oncologist did the blood test at my 6 mth mark. Then again when at a checkup i mentioned a niggly  back ache that would come and go. I was sent for further scans and the blood tests. I get them regularly now to check my treatment is working. 

I was stage 2 grade 3 at diagnosis.
My Oncologist does my bloods inc Ca 15.3 every time I see him.
Was 12mthly, now 6mthly as I have Zometa every 6 mths.( to increase bone density)
No bad changes so far, except for my bones. I'm on Exemestane.
I guess our starting points vary. And each Oncologist varies also.

Hi @Milly21

I seriously wish that MY GP would run these tests on me at least yearly ..... as it is them being proactive in spotting stuff before it might become a problem!

Sadly, the fact is that up to 30% of us (early stage, successful surgery, Rads/and or/chemo & Tabs) .... may go on to develop Stage 4/Mets ..... and they do NOT know who or why this may occur. 

But the GOOD news is that 70% WON'T go on to develop Mets .... so let's dwell more on that. xx

There are huge advances going on in the BC diagnostics areas - and if they can pick up on anything EARLY, that has GOT to be a bonus.    So ... look at it that your Onc as being VERY PROACTIVE on your behalf xx

take care, all the best & have a great Xmas - as your Onc looks like a good one! :)

He never said there was a problem