CEA Levels

[Rikimaroo]

Yeah I got constipated when I was on FOLFOX had to take stool softener but I think the damage was already done to by booty hole. The 2nd time I did FOLFOX I had ileostomy it was not a problem, just the side affects of oxi (which sucked). I read FOLFIRI is not as hard as FOLFOX, but I might have some trouble if I either have diarrhea or constipation with the ileostomy reversal, dealing with that is already annoying, things have got a lot better, but not there just yet. I guess Imodium will be my best friend. I already take two at night before going to bed, might take a stop on the Metamucil.

Will ask the nurses/doc. I really hope I can beat this thing and the tumor becomes resectable at the local spot.

[Beckster]

Mike...reference range is the same...the type of testing assay changed.

I think that it would concern me then. The same thing happened to me and it eventually went above the normal range and the oncologist ordered a CT scan which found nothing. It later went down. I'm pretty sure that the rise in CEA was due to a big increase in exercise. But it bothered me until it went back down to normal (after ending the big increase in exercise). I wish that we had a list of things that caused it to rise.

It's really low now, about 9 months out.

I just got back from the onc...he was not concerned about the .6 increase in my cea. He said that if I took the test 3 times in one day, it would be different each time. He thinks that it increased from the antibiotic for my sinus/tooth problem. Apparently the antibiotic that my dentist put me on plays havoc on the intestines.

[NHMike]

I just got back from the onc...he was not concerned about the .6 increase in my cea. He said that if I took the test 3 times in one day, it would be different each time. He thinks that it increased from the antibiotic for my sinus/tooth problem. Apparently the antibiotic that my dentist put me on plays havoc on the intestines.

That sounds plausible. I think that all antibiotics that aren't topical mess with the GI system. The listed symptoms are usually GI things.

[Rikimaroo]

At the office to begin folfiri here we go folks

[stu]

Hope it all goes smoothly .
Thinking of you ,
Stu

[Koreysue]

At the office to begin folfiri here we go folks

Thinking of you!
Korey

[Rikimaroo]

Thank you ❤️

[Punky44]

You got this!

[stu]

Hi Rikiramoo,

How are you getting on with your treatment ? Hope you are tolerating it ok .

After not too long a wait mum phoned yesterday . Despite her CEA remaining high her scan was clear . Given it went up when her blood clot arrived I think it’s connected . But only guessing really . Once we see her oncologist we can chat it through .

I know people search when they are concerned and given she is ten years into a stage 4 diagnosis I think it might be of interest to future readers .

We are learning all the time about the implications of so much treatment . However she still is looking good given the amount she has endured .
Stu

[claudine]

Good luck with Folfiri Rikiramoo! My husband had his second treatment last Friday. So far side effects seem to be mostly tiredness the day after the chemo pump is removed (he keeps it for 46 hours), and acid reflux; he's starting to lose his beard... Big clump came off in the shower this morning. But his CEA levels dropped from 58 to 17 after only one cycle, so we don't care about hair loss!

[Rikimaroo]

Hi Guys,

Things have been moving along. CEA went from 22.9 to 16 after first treatment. I just did 2nd one Wednesday. yeah I am mostly tired and nauseous. I actually vomited for the first time since being on this cancer journey. I hate the feeling.

I tried some marijuana which I never touched in my life and it seemed to have calm me down and helped with the nausea and sleeping. I really hope and pray I can beat this thing, it is rather frustrating seeing it come back.

Stu - hope mom bloodclot clears, I had one of those and it was while I was on avastin. I am taking avastin again and didn't get it this time. We stopped it last time. Maybe Avastin is the trump card I missed out on last treatment and it will do it.

Plan is to 4 rounds for Folfir then PET Scan, and possibly SBRT to lungs and pelvic. and then maybe more chemo after for mop up as I suggested. I hate chemo so much!!! It is so unsettling. Also My hair is starting to fall out, so yay again, I think it will thin out like on Folfox.

[Pyro]

Go Avastin! Watch your blood pressure though. I had never done the weed before either, I was scared of the devils lettuce, but it helps tremendously. Nobody in my career field (now retired) would believe what a stoner I’ve become.

[Buxton]

CEA checks make me incredibly nervous. My number is up, but has stayed basically the same for 4 months. My CT and PET in august 2018 were clear. My onc says that great that there was no big change in 4 months.
My dr. doesnt offer much about the cause of elevation. I’ve looked up a lot of stuff about it, and it does seem that there are reasons it can be elevated that are not cancer related. Stomach ulcers, gastritis, tooth decay, thyroid issues, etc.
I know it’s hard not to worry.
Korey

Yes, these blood tests are very stressful! I went through 5 years of regular CEA tests etc and they were all ok. But every time, the nerves surfaced, even up to the last one in November. Now it's starting again, as I have to have PSA tests for prostate cancer after radiotherapy. If there are any ways to deal with this anxiety, I would love to know. Apart from alcohol and tranquillisers that is! (I don't drink and the Lorazopan is for dentist appointments.) I try to keep busy, breathe deeply etc and have even seen a councellor. She said to live in the 'now,' but of course sometimes 'now' is waiting for the nurse to ring with the results.

[O Stoma Mia]

... If there are any ways to deal with this anxiety, I would love to know. Apart from alcohol and tranquillisers that is! ...

Stress Reduction Programs (old post)
https://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59711&p=474430#p474430

[stu]

Glad to see that CEA trending downwards . Always nice to know it’s doing its job . Hope it continues in the same way .
You sound as though you have a good plan drawn up .
Take care,
Stu