Forum Discussion
HELP WITH BLOOD TEST RESULTS PLEASE - and general happenings in our home in two days
I got called into GP on Wednesday for results of tests they said. But as I couldn't see my normal GP saw the newbie to the practice. Anyway he told me that the bowel cancer screening test had given a positive result and I would need to have a colonoscopy. Irony of this part is that at a meeting recently of the G C Primary Health Network Adv Council they did a presentation on the new Bowel Cancer Screening Kits a they are now being sent out every two years to everyone over 50. Previously had been sent out every 5 years. I said it was weird as I had never had one. So I rang the 1800 number and they said I had a kit posted out in 2005 but it was returned - so my file is closed. Anyway I went on and "re-enrolled myself" ordered a kit - Voila! Positive result within four days of posting back.
Now here on the Gold Coast we are hosting the Commonwealth Games and so LIFE here is on halt for the two weeks - No surgeries or procedures till after the games. No specialist appointments - Lots of GP's closed till 10/4 minimum. So getting to see a gastroenterologist won't happen till 19/4 for me.
Meantime hubbie has had diarrhoea for 3 weeks losing 8 kgs and after a lost of pushing finally. had an ultrasound with diagnosis of diverticulitis - No further action. But I won't be happy till he has a colonoscopy to ensure theres nothing more sinister going on. Have friend currently in palliative care after similar diagnoses but turned out to be bowel cancer last April, then found it in her liver, vagina and she's had massive chemo, radiation, surgery and its not good. So I rang specialist back and booked us both in same day - like a COUPLES RETREAT. I do believe some people go away weekends for a couples retreat when they have colonic washes etc, so we are being very hip. May do this every second wedding anniversary. lol.
Anyway I came hoe Wednesday feeling deflated, miserable and skin WHY ME? why me AGAIN! Ive seriously had enough of health issues, minor heart surgery, hip replacements, major pulmonary embolism (Drs error after totally hysterectomy), Brin/pituitary tumour, macular hole in one eye and macular crinkling in other eye, breast cancer surgery 1 April last year - now this!!!!!!!
Now here on the Gold Coast we are hosting the Commonwealth Games and so LIFE here is on halt for the two weeks - No surgeries or procedures till after the games. No specialist appointments - Lots of GP's closed till 10/4 minimum. So getting to see a gastroenterologist won't happen till 19/4 for me.
Meantime hubbie has had diarrhoea for 3 weeks losing 8 kgs and after a lost of pushing finally. had an ultrasound with diagnosis of diverticulitis - No further action. But I won't be happy till he has a colonoscopy to ensure theres nothing more sinister going on. Have friend currently in palliative care after similar diagnoses but turned out to be bowel cancer last April, then found it in her liver, vagina and she's had massive chemo, radiation, surgery and its not good. So I rang specialist back and booked us both in same day - like a COUPLES RETREAT. I do believe some people go away weekends for a couples retreat when they have colonic washes etc, so we are being very hip. May do this every second wedding anniversary. lol.
Anyway I came hoe Wednesday feeling deflated, miserable and skin WHY ME? why me AGAIN! Ive seriously had enough of health issues, minor heart surgery, hip replacements, major pulmonary embolism (Drs error after totally hysterectomy), Brin/pituitary tumour, macular hole in one eye and macular crinkling in other eye, breast cancer surgery 1 April last year - now this!!!!!!!
Twenty four hours later my hubbie came home after appointment with GP to follow up a skin spot he had cut off on Tuesday. He's had heaps of sun spots burnt, cut off over the years - from years of being an English/Scot sitting outdoors on plant machinery trying to get tanned ?? Bapow. It was a melanoma - and Dr had put hubbies name on the list to have looked at AFTER THE GAMES! So I managed to phone around to find out it was only Grade 1 and was called SURFACE Melanoma and phone around again tofind the earliest the plastic surgeon can do anything is 9th MAY - But we have to book that as that's the earliest for Grade 1 melanoma.
One thing about hubbies melanoma shock brought me back to basics of whats important AGAIN and took my mind off my bowel test.
So, when new Dr gave me the referral for the colonoscopy he also gave me the results of blood tests ordered by oncologist, endocrinologist & GP. He didn't tell me anything about them - SO I decided I needed to check them out -
So I read my ALP levels are high again/still. ALP suggest Liver or bone issues.
CA15.3 are high at 35. and the comments beside that are:- CA15.3 levels are elevated in 40% of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer and 85% with metastatic breast cancer. In mot, but not all patients levels parallel the clinical course. Elevated levels are also documented in some patients with liver disease and with other malignancies (ovary, lungs) and possibly in other conditions.
CEA is at <1.0 and says tumour markers are normal. Urate is marked High.
TSH is high (Thyroid Function).
Anyway when I Dr Googled the CA15.3 & high ALP both mentioned liver disease or bone issues - suggesting to me that maybe this wretched bc has metastasised to bones and/or liver. AND the most frustrating part is due to these DAMN Games I can't see my GP or find out any more info till April 11th. The ten days seem like its too long., As normal Im imagining all sorts of bad news. Hoping someone on here ha knowledge of these blood test results to make more sense of them. When I see the CEA is normal it gives me hope - but ............
Sorry for long story - but these past two days have overwhelmed me and I hope you all don't mind me sharing whats bothering me today.
Heading off to cook fish and salad and look forward to Easter eggs on Sunday.
One thing about hubbies melanoma shock brought me back to basics of whats important AGAIN and took my mind off my bowel test.
So, when new Dr gave me the referral for the colonoscopy he also gave me the results of blood tests ordered by oncologist, endocrinologist & GP. He didn't tell me anything about them - SO I decided I needed to check them out -
So I read my ALP levels are high again/still. ALP suggest Liver or bone issues.
CA15.3 are high at 35. and the comments beside that are:- CA15.3 levels are elevated in 40% of patients with non-metastatic breast cancer and 85% with metastatic breast cancer. In mot, but not all patients levels parallel the clinical course. Elevated levels are also documented in some patients with liver disease and with other malignancies (ovary, lungs) and possibly in other conditions.
CEA is at <1.0 and says tumour markers are normal. Urate is marked High.
TSH is high (Thyroid Function).
Anyway when I Dr Googled the CA15.3 & high ALP both mentioned liver disease or bone issues - suggesting to me that maybe this wretched bc has metastasised to bones and/or liver. AND the most frustrating part is due to these DAMN Games I can't see my GP or find out any more info till April 11th. The ten days seem like its too long., As normal Im imagining all sorts of bad news. Hoping someone on here ha knowledge of these blood test results to make more sense of them. When I see the CEA is normal it gives me hope - but ............
Sorry for long story - but these past two days have overwhelmed me and I hope you all don't mind me sharing whats bothering me today.
Heading off to cook fish and salad and look forward to Easter eggs on Sunday.
12 Replies
- Thanks @sandrami - your endocrinologist sounds wonderful. I will be seeing Dr Richa at the heart centre in Arundel on the Gold Coast, who has apparently just gone into private practice. If there is any doubt I will definitely ask for Dr Lee's name and number! (By the way, my CA15.3 is also 35! My MO says being in the 30's seems to be my normal and is not concerned.)
- @Michelle_R yes the waiting is the pits! As KATH said there are many reasons our blood levels are high or low or just changed. I have an endocrinologist in Brisbane I see every six months since pituitary/brain tumour in 2000. Thyroxin levels, prolactin, cholesterol, liver function, sugar etc are sorted through increasing or decreasing meds usually but I’m not Dr Googling anymore as all roads lead to bad news!
Yes to our perfect results. The endocrinologist I see is Dr Winifred Lee - Wickham Tce in Brisbane. She lectures other med students and other new endocrinologists and my pharmacy & GP were very impressed with her and she’s been fantastic with me. Even have her mobile number. Le s know if u want her number. Meanwhile enjoy Easter and as there’s nothing we can do maybe read or do something to take our minds off it all. Xx - @primek - you have put my mind at rest too. I am also waiting for 'after the games' to see an endocrinologist due to sudden high ALP levels (from 95 to 144). Have lost 3.5kg since New Year, and have also stopped Prolia, so the bones will be affected as well. Maybe that will be all it is I hope. I sympathise with @sandrami - the waiting is always the worst part. Hope you both have a healthy and relaxed Easter. Here's to our good results!
- Oh and sudden weight loss when you have a fatty liver raises your liver enzymes as it releases the fat...so since you have over hauled your diet that could contribute too. Mine skyrocketed after chemo and weight loss (on optifast to get off all the weight I put on) but has levelled out. My ALP remains very slightly raised which they believe is my arthritis as it's been like it all the way though treatment and after. Have a lovely break.
- @primek. Thanks KATH. Yes given I can’t get any results till I get them im doing fairly well at switching off. Off in van today with grandkids so that’ll be fun. Fatty liver has come up In the past, as has pre-diabetes and I’ve cut back on Sugar fat, carbs, and processed foods. I’d already cut back on all those but went even further. If nothing else I’m losing a bit more weight. 5kgs would be good but 10kgs would be fantastic! Trying to eat everything as fresh & natural as I can get. Im glad to hear that test doesn’t mean much. Thank you for putting my mind more at rest. Happy Easter KATH. Xxx
- Interesting your Dr is even doing ca15 as its an extremely unreliable test and not at all diagnostic in bc. They use it for women who have metasteses but even then it is not reliable.
ALP can be raised in many conditions but if course our brain thinks it is cancer...where as more than likely it is a reflection of gallstones, fatty liver or hypothyroidism. An elevated TSH may mean that your thyroid isn't working as well as it could be...but it is easily treated. So deep breathe. These things happen and doesn't necessarily mean the cancer is in your bones. It could just mean you have a bit of arthritis too.
I've just had my colonoscopy and waited about 9 months so don't be surprised you aren't rushed in. Other than visible blood I had no issues, so low priority. All was well.
Biggest concern I have is hoping you have 2 loos as both doing the bowel prep might make it challenging.
Take care. Kath x - Not to downplay your concern but a CA15 score of 35 is nothing to be overly concerned about. Also I am metastatic and unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it, if you are metastatic the wait wont make that much of a difference regarding testing and treatment. It took my Onc 5 months to get me on the right treatment after diagnosis and my prognosis never changed in that time. Hang in there, your answers will come.
- Giving you a big virtual hug @sandramj
I feel your pain re the Commonwealth Games. I was diagnosed in early December. Two weeks later almost everyone disappeared. There were so many delays, unecessary confusion... I felt abandoned. Horrible.
Love the couples colonoscopy treat! Glad there's some humour in the maelstrom.
Hang in there. K xox - Dear @sandramj , Out here in Western NSW the Commonwealth Games are not on the radar. Cricket scandals and NRL are higher profile. It is obviously affecting life in Gold Coast greatly! Best wishes for your coming appointments and results interrpretation, and your couples retreat!
Hope your fish and salad is yummy. We can't decide - salmon curry or fish laksa for tea tonight.
And have a great time camping - Enjoy your break. I must admit that the thought of a happy evening chez you with two lots of prep fluids is horribly funny!
