The Colon Club

I feel so foolish. I've been NED for eight years and my CEA went from 1.0 to 2.0, which is normal and no big deal, right? I know this, and yet I can't let it go. I keep worrying despite the fact that I know it is normal. So, here's my question: have you experienced a fluctuation like this? Am I right that I shouldn't be worried?

My CEA # moves around. I can go up some, then go down some, never the same #. Many things can effect your CEA. What they are looking for is an upward trend. If your next results jump to a 4, you might want to be concerned then.

Lee

My CEA always jumps with each blood test. However, the highest CEA I've ever had was 2.6 and that was while I was on FOLFOX. After treatments were over, I have ranged from less than 0.1 to 1.8. It has, for the most pat, been between 1.4 and 1.8. Two weeks ago, it was 1.5. (I get my blood work done every 6 weeks) My oncologist is not worried at all. At 2.0, you are still "normal." See what you're next reading is, and if you are worried, discuss it with your doctor. For now, enjoy your Memorial Day !!! Andre

I have a similar situation. I personally think that trend can be an important factor and did go back to see my oncologist. I was diagnosed stage IIIc in 2005, have been NED since surgery. CEA prior to diagnosis was under 1. During chemo it went as high as 6, but by a year after chemo it was down under 1. (Increase CEA during chemo is expected, which is why some doctors do not measure CEA regularly during treatment.) In the past three years, however, my CEA has progressively gone up from under 1 to 1.4 to 1.8. (I get tested yearly, primarily for my own piece of mind.) My oncologist is not particularly concerned about the increase, but suggested I retest in 6 months. If it is still going up, they plan to do a pill endoscopy. (CEA can be affected not just by chemo, but by the numerous things, like the test lab.).

What were you CEA numbers when you were first diagnosed? Mine was 25.6 and is currently down to 4.6 but I have had it below 1.5

It was 4.0 when I was diagnosed, so not very high. Having said that, I've calmed down considerably, and I just have a little nagging worry at the back of my mind now. Not a big deal--having a little worry at the back of my mind is nothing new! I will, of course, be very interested in my next result six months from now.