CEA

[billmc]

My father CEA was 3.2 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. It is now 2.1. Oncologist said either this was a very slow growing tumor or he was one of those people where a CEA cannot be used as a marker. He was stage 3A with 1 node showing microscopic cells. This concerns me a little. Keep fighting all. I will keep you in my prayers.

[Jen Blaire]

When I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer, with 2 nodes involved my CEA was <0.4. After surgery and every other time it remains the same. So yeah sometimes it just isn't a indicator. So I insisted on a PET scan, which can be an indicator, and it was negative, that is after surgery. So request that for peace of mind, because I feel it is my only indicator anymore.

[Carol Connell]

Hi Bill, I am a 63 year old female with stage IV CC with mets to the
Liver and Lung. I had 2 feet of my Colon removed Aug 2004. My CEA
was 37 at the time of surgery, 6 months of chemo brought it down to
3.1. I have been off chemo for 6 months and now I am 6.6. The Dr.
said mine was a slow grower but I opted to start chemo again next
week. Your father's CEA is in the normal range (0-5) so don't worry
needlessly for the time being, I know that is easier said than done.
Keep reading this site for help and encouragement and make sure
the doctors stay on top of this. We have a wonderful couple on this
board and the young wife has the type cancer that does not show
her cancer's activity. We will all add your family to our prayer list.
Carol