I had a blood test last Saturday in readiness for my 1st anniversary checks and scans. I got a call back yesterday to visit my GP.I tried to be positive l and hope he just wanted to discuss my vitamin D or calcium levels (yeah, right!) but as soon as I walked into the surgery he said that my tumour marker was up from last time.When I was diagnosed on 20 July they were 35, down to 25 in January for my 6 mth blood test, but back up to 36 this week.He asked whether they usually fluctuate but I haven't had enough done to have a pattern yet. He said it may be nothing but wants to be cautious. I was already booked in for a mammogram and ultrasound Friday 18/8 anyway and an appointment with my cancer surgeon Tuesday 22/8. Depending on the results next week, I'll go back to my oncologist for further review. I didn't need chemo or radiation last year as I had a mastectomy with clear margins and clear lymph nodes (grade 1, 13mm IDC)I feel OK and am just trying to keep a calm and logical head at the moment, but the fear is lurking just under the surface. I don't want it to bubble over! I've heard that tumour markers can be unreliable...Just when I hit 12 months and thought I could relax a little, another kick comes out of the blue. And even if everything is fine this time, how do I ever trust my body and not think about the cancer coming back. I thought it was just the anniversaries which were going to cause anxiety! I think this has just hit home that I am going to worry forever! Jane xx

Tumour markers are not a very reliable diagnostic tool. Ten years ago my much loathed oncologist used to request them and it literally used to make me feel sick. In the end I stopped having the test and sacked the oncologist. The lovely guy I'm seeing now says (imagine a Cuban accent) 'No, no tumour markers. They make everyone crazy.'There are, of course, situations where that test is really useful but, thankfully, it seems to have fallen out of fashion now. Primarily because it is so unreliable. If you have a look through here you will find stories of women with colds having their markers go through the roof, people with high scores tested and probed and zapped and found to have no detectable cancers. On the other end of the scale, I had a whopping great tumour recurrence and my markers on diagnosis were well within normal range.This shit is so stressful, Jane. Hang in there and wait until your oncologist has their two bobs worth. If it is doing your head in, or likely to, make an appointment to see them anyway--it is their department. Good luck with the rest of it, it's a jungle out there, we just have to do the best we can. Marg xxx

thanks so much Marg, you have made me feel much better. I just needed a logic kick - big breath and tackle whatever is waiting head on. Not much choice is there :) Jane xx

Okayyyy. I don't think I have ever had tumour markers done? What sort of test is it? I was under the impression it had to do with metastatic cancer, am I wrong?

Hey Jane, I've never had a marker level done and like Marg said, and from what I've learnt about them they can fluctuate with colds, flu etc. I wouldn't be stressing about them, sounds like your gp is just erring on the side of caution. I think it's great he's being that cautious - doesn't really help your nerves much though. Big hug lovely, all the best. Xx

@Unicornkisses, it was just one of the tests he ran in my blood test along with hormone levels (which were really low!).I believe it is just a possible indicator that there may be breast cancer somewhere. Having had breast cancer before, I now have a 1 in 6 risk of it returning in the other breast, though this is a little reduced by taking a hormone blocker.Thanks @Socoda, I wish I'd never had the bloody thing done and just waited for my ultrasound next week. Hug gratefully taken! Jane xx

Tumour Marker up!!!! | BCNA Online Network

22 Replies

Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
thank you all so much for your support. @Zoffiel, I think my ovaries well and truly packed it in around 10 years ago when I was 46! I'm taking Arimidex so I figure removing my ovaries and getting rid of the the tiny amount of hormones which may still be leaking out won't make much difference! Peace of mind is worth everything for all of us, isn't it. Jane xx
Zoffiel
Member
9 years ago
I'm so glad you are feeling less stressed, Jane

Ovary removal, pah, piece of cake compared to a lot of the other stuff. Mind you, if they are still doing their stuff, the last step into menopause is a doozy. Worth it in the long run if it is being advised for you, one less thing to worry about in the future. I had mine out at 'The Reject Shop' as I call GVH and had minimal issues--disolvable stitches give me the irrits-- so if you have a reputable surgeon you are on the right track. Good luck. Marg xx
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Great news - considering what you've been through previously! Good idea to keep a check on bone density
Take care
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Good morning everyone, just an update. I had the pelvic ultrasound and bone density scan. No call back for the PU so I am going to assume all is OK there but I will follow up with my GP.
My bone density has gone backwards a smidge but when I saw my surgeon last week he wasn't too concerned. Another scan in 12 months but I need to start jogging/running as opposed to all the walking I do. He also wasn't overly worried about the tumour marker. I'll have another blood test in 3 months to compare but my levels may naturally run high. Breathing a bit easier!!!
What did come up again was ovary removal so I'm seriously considering having this done early in the NY while my husband is on school hols.
I've read a lot of posts about it so am not concerned, just worried about the surgery itself. I've had a lot of abdominal surgery and keyhole may be hard if there is internal scarring.
Anyway, I have the names of some good surgeons so I'm sure they must have operated on worse than me.
Hope it is a lovely weekend wherever you are and that you are all going OK. Jane xx
Afraser
Member
9 years ago
Ditto. I am in the jittery stages before my 5 year test!
June1952
Member
9 years ago
Good news Hopes_and_Dreams.
I had heard of the tumour markers test but my oncologist has never ordered any for me. I figure if she thought it was necessary she would order one - so I am guessing she sets no trust in it.
My now annual scans etc are coming up (3 years since my mastectomy) and the scanxiety is setting in but what will be will be, eh ?
Keep well. Summer :-)
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Go you good Jane!!!!!! \o/
Hulos
Member
9 years ago
Thats great news,..xxx
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Great news - and yes scanxiety is real! Woo hoo!
primek
Member
9 years ago
Great news.