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Debbie_J's avatar
Debbie_J
Member
13 years ago

So Frustrated

Saw my surgeon today for my 6mth check up. I asked him about cea 15 cancer marker test, as my GP has done them 5 times since 2011. Since the first test which was 18 it has now gone up to 24, which is still in the normal range. My question was because it is going upas is it an indication that there is cancer activity. Told me he did not know, and any how if it was you would not want to know as it would be secondary and there is no cure for it. I could not believe his attitude. I see women everyday fighting to beat secondary cancer and will not give up. Some Dr's have no idea. Just makes me so mad.

10 Replies

  • Debbie_J's avatar
    Debbie_J
    Member
    13 years ago
    It is so hard , when you can not get answers. What upset me more was his attitude, that if it comes back you do not want to know, like you have no hope. I said to him, but if you pick it up early you can be on top of it. Was told it makes no difference in the end. Taking away hope is not right. I know if I ever got secondary I would be fighting to the last, like so many other women. We will never give up. I am going to look around for a more positive Dr. Thanks so much. So glad we have each other for support. Big hugs to all. Xxxxx
  • Debbie_J's avatar
    Debbie_J
    Member
    13 years ago
    It is so hard , when you can not get answers. What upset me more was his attitude, that if it comes back you do not want to know, like you have no hope. I said to him, but if you pick it up early you can be on top of it. Was told it makes no difference in the end. Taking away hope is not right. I know if I ever got secondary I would be fighting to the last, like so many other women. We will never give up. I am going to look around for a more positive Dr. Thanks so much. So glad we have each other for support. Big hugs to all. Xxxxx
  • Sorelle1969's avatar
    Sorelle1969
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Debbie,sorry you have been placed in this position, it's all very uncertain. My tumor marker went from 24 to 75 in October last year. My onc sent me for bone and CT scans, he also said they can be very unreliable. Unfortunately mine were correct and it was discovered that I had lung and liver met. After having a complete meltdown,I now relize this is not the end by a long shot. I did 12 rounds of chemo and I'm stable and I'm living a pretty much normal life. I have never had any pain. I'm feeling fantastic at the moment. Everyone's different, you need to go and see your onc and demand answers and scans so you can rest easy. Hoping everything turns out ok Regards Sorelle x
  • Sorelle1969's avatar
    Sorelle1969
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Debbie,sorry you have been placed in this position, it's all very uncertain. My tumor marker went from 24 to 75 in October last year. My onc sent me for bone and CT scans, he also said they can be very unreliable. Unfortunately mine were correct and it was discovered that I had lung and liver met. After having a complete meltdown,I now relize this is not the end by a long shot. I did 12 rounds of chemo and I'm stable and I'm living a pretty much normal life. I have never had any pain. I'm feeling fantastic at the moment. Everyone's different, you need to go and see your onc and demand answers and scans so you can rest easy. Hoping everything turns out ok Regards Sorelle x
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi ladies, just to add to this, I understand that these tumour marker tests will be used if metasteses are present, as they can show how things are progressing. My oncologist doesn't find them to be very accurate when early breast cancer has been diagnosed. He said other examination techniques give him a better picture at subsequent follow up appointments. If mets were suspected, various other tests, as well as these tumour marker blood tests would be used to chart progression. I was happy enough with this explanation, but maybe other doctors do things differently. Love Chris xx
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi, I recently asked my oncologist about having this blood test, as I also understood that it can be an indicator of cancer activity if it becomes raised. My oncologist was most against this test, as he said it was very inconclusive, and caused more problems than it solved. He said the levels can go up when there is nothing wrong, and can remain within the normal limits when something is there. It may well be useful for other cancers, but when used for breast cancer he thinks it isn't worth the effort. He told me that recent research in USA has proved this to be the case. I was happy with this explanation. Love Chris xx
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi, I recently asked my oncologist about having this blood test, as I also understood that it can be an indicator of cancer activity if it becomes raised. My oncologist was most against this test, as he said it was very inconclusive, and caused more problems than it solved. He said the levels can go up when there is nothing wrong, and can remain within the normal limits when something is there. It may well be useful for other cancers, but when used for breast cancer he thinks it isn't worth the effort. He told me that recent research in USA has proved this to be the case. I was happy with this explanation. Love Chris xx
  • KimH's avatar
    KimH
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi thereCan someone tell me what a CEA test is please?
  • NaturalBel's avatar
    NaturalBel
    Member
    13 years ago

    Shaking my head about how you have been treated.  I am amazed at how much we are left to deal with on our own back.  I find that my questions get hurried through, and a lot of the time I feel like Im annoying by not understanding whats going on.  I think that they take it for granted we have remembered every word we are told, understood the diagnosis, and can get our heads around all the information.    There is definately peace of mind created via communication, understanding, and clear explanations.  Shame most of the time we have to work it out for ourselves and lets be honest, we just need our questions answered so we understand!