Postby weisssoccermom » Sat Mar 03, 2018 4:32 pm
First of all, PLEASE try and calm down....although I know that's a whole lot easier said than done.
Secondly, try and get a copy of the test results and make sure that the different labs are using the same test. There are two different tests that each have their own different sets of 'NORMAL' and you can't compare one to the other. So, one test (example the Seimens/Bayer) has a different set of normals than the ROCHE test does.
For example, a 0.3 in one test does not equate to a 0.3 in another test. It's not at all uncommon for different labs to use different testing methods. So check that out first before you get all upset.
Finally, a slight variation....as long as it is within normal limits doesn't necessarily mean anything. My CEA has jumped from a low of 0.5 to 1.9 and back. Other factors affect CEA. If, for example, you had a very bad cold or lung infection (distinguished between just a normal cold), then your CEA could have and likely would have been affected. Inflammation is known to affect CEA. Now, please don't assume that if you just have a 'normal' cold that that is something that affects CEA....it doesn't. The two most common things that affect CEA are SERIOUS lung issues (bad attacks of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, severe colds.....SIGNIFICANT respiratory inflammation) and SIGNIFICANT GI inflammation...(examples>>>> inflammation after GI surgery, inflammation from serious infections in the GI tract, diverticulitis as opposed to, for example, a 24 hour stomach bug).
Try and calm down and remember that it is NOT uncommon for CEA to fluctuate. Honestly, with either test, your CEA is so low and well within normal limits that it's likely to be nothing. As for scans every 6 months, that's not at all abnormal....even for someone with a stage I. In addition, they are likely watching those lung nodules and honestly, wouldn't you rather have the doctors err on the side of caution than not? You should also check with your GP that their lab didn't change their testing.....when I had the same thing happen to me back in 2007 (that's when labs started changing), most docs didn't even look (and I doubt that they do now either) which test was being employed. So ask for copies of the reports from all your testing and especially from the same lab....see if the testing has changed. If you find out that it has....relax...it's NORMAL.
As for no chemo after stage I.....honestly, that's the standard of care. Most stage I's, unless there are some negative prognostic factors...DO NOT HAVE CHEMO so you're again, being treated normally. The statistics for a stage I are high enough without chemo and the risks of long terms effects from the chemo just don't make sense or outweigh any minute benefit chemo may have.
Again, try and relax. Your doctors sound as though they are being cautious.....watching those lung nodules....and following all the standard of care processes without adding any other complications into the mix.
Dx 6/22/2006 IIA rectal cancer
6 wks rad/Xeloda -finished 9/06
1st attempt transanal excision 11/06
11/17/06 XELOX 1 cycle
5 months Xeloda only Dec '06 - April '07
10+ blood clots, 1 DVT 1/07
transanal excision 4/20/07 path-NO CANCER CELLS!
NED now and forever!
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