CEA question again~

[Bostonzj]

I know the CEA question has been discussed millions of times, and I really should not worry about this..but..
I had my 3 months check up yesterday, CEA 0.9, last time in Nov last year was <0.5, my CEA history is below:

08/2014 <0.5 (post surgery, no CEA checked before surgery)
09/2014 <0.5
12/2014 <0.5
03/2015 <0.5
05/2015 <0.5
08/2015 0.6
11/2015 <0.5
02/2016 0.9

i am very nervous about any tiny elevation of CEA, does anybody have similar experience? Can small elevation mean any problem? Any input is appreciated! Thank you!

[Andrea1976]

I would say no. Please ask your oncologist? You are almost done with the 2 year mark!!! Good for you!!!

[JDinNC]

Your numbers are great...I wouldn't worry.....you are within the normal range. Mine always ranges between 2.1 or 2.2....I think the normal range is up to 4.0 before you need to start worrying. Others will verify this, I'm sure.

[Deb m]

My husbands bounce around all the time, 5 years now, and he has remained ned since surgery over five years age. His lowest was 2.4 and he has gone as high as 5.7. As time goes on you will see a pattern form and you won't get so anxious over these little up's and down's. Try not to worry, I'm sure it's nothing to be concerned about.

deb m

[Nik Colon]

Your numbers are great...I wouldn't worry.....you are within the normal range. Mine always ranges between 2.1 or 2.2....I think the normal range is up to 4.0 before you need to start worrying. Others will verify this, I'm sure.

Afaik...<2.5 nonsmoker, <5.0 for smoker. But, as always, not always accurate. Mine was 4.9 when diagnosed stage 4. Yes, smoker

[Nik Colon]

I know the CEA question has been discussed millions of times, and I really should not worry about this..but..
I had my 3 months check up yesterday, CEA 0.9, last time in Nov last year was <0.5, my CEA history is below:

08/2014 <0.5 (post surgery, no CEA checked before surgery)
09/2014 <0.5
12/2014 <0.5
03/2015 <0.5
05/2015 <0.5
08/2015 0.6
11/2015 <0.5
02/2016 0.9

i am very nervous about any tiny elevation of CEA, does anybody have similar experience? Can small elevation mean any problem? Any input is appreciated! Thank you!

Way better than me, the lowest I was was 1.2 right after surgery, then above 3 since. I know some look at the previous numbers and amount of increase tho. You could ask your onc.

[Bev G]

Changes to the right of the decimal point are virtually never anything to worry about--within the built in lab error. Subtle changes greater than that are usually nothing to worry about. You have a fantastic prognosis as a stage I. Please try not to worry about it.

[Andrea1976]

I agree with others. I just head mine measured for the 1st time and also 0.5.

[Bostonzj]

thank you guys! I appreciate your reply! I actually talked to my onc, and asked if we can do another retest in a few test, she said no worry, any change within normal range (0-2.5) will be no concern. So I will wait another 3 months to check it... hope it's just nothing...
I am now close to 2 year mark(1.5 year) , but I am even more nervous, hopefuly the next 6 months will be no change at all

[dianetavegia]

Mine has jumped around also. From 2.1 to 2.8, up and down all the time. It went to over 3 when I had walking pneumonia and didn't know it. I had bad sinuses and a sore throat when I had the blood drawn. My CT showed the pneumonia and my CBC showed infection so my onc sent me to my GP for meds. Three months later it was down .8 or .9.