My PCP‘s office faxed my lab results…
Last Friday (Nov 20 2009), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #7. I’ve been having pretty good results to-date, some ups some downs…
This blood draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers) AND for the 3 month test, which include the EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) and the HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)… The standard monthly tests come back fairly quickly, but the additional HER2 and EGFR are sent off and they take longer to get results back.
* April 15, my baseline CEA tumor markers were 63.1 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter). This is High, as Norm is 0.0-3.0 ng/mL.
I honestly don’t know how high “really high” is, but – in my internet searching – I read one gal talk about the mid-200′s, so I guess my high is not That high, but It’s High To me.
* June 03, my 2nd draw CEA tumor markers were 35.9 ng/mL
* July 03, my 3rd draw CEA tumor markers were 12.8 ng/mL
* August 27, my 4th draw CEA tumor markers were 3.9 ng/mL
* September 18, my 5th draw CEA tumor markers were 3.3 ng/mL
* October 16, my 6th CEA tumor markers are 3.2 ng/mL
* November 20, my 7th CEA tumor markers are 2.7 ng/mL
2.7!! A .5 DECREASE from last month and That Puts Me Into NORMAL Range! Normal!!
As always, I’m unsure, but this (CEA: The Test) continues to answer Some of my questions…
Still hoping that this all means Something Good… Something that will be reflected on the PET scan results… Still waiting on them.
My Other Numbers as of November 20 2009 blood test results:
* CA-125: 11 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35)
a 1 point INCREASE – up from 10 U/mL from October’s draw, I’m not sure how to feel about this… I’m not happy, but don’t know whether to be worried or not as it is still well within the normal range, in fact is very low normal range. But another increase Does worry me.
* CA 15-3: 21 U/mL (Reference @ <32)
a 5 point INCREASE – up from from 16 U/mL from October’s draw; I’m still within the normal range, but am getting higher and its scary.
* CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 27 U/mL (Reference @ <38)
a 3 point DECREASE – down from 30 U/mL from October’s draw. Good to see it down a bit, especially since last month as an 11 point increase! I’m still within normal ranges, though I am in the high end of normal now.
The CA 27.29 test is used to monitor your:
- Response to treatment
- Status of your cancer
- Possibility of early recurrence
I am still dealing with this cancer
Still fighting for my life
I can Not become complacent and forget this is
My Life.
Stress… coming at me from all around these days.
Again… chill out.
Again… easy to say.
I am so scared. Never stop being so scared.
Visualizing my Dragons
my Warrior Dragons
Breathing fire,
Burning each evil cell
Burning, burning, burning
Into ash.
Burning Burning Burning Each Evil Cell.
Tags: Blood Tests, Tumor Markers
Thanks for the updates on your tests, it was great catching up with you the other day. I am REALLY looking forward to having you at Chez Miller, really, really. Will send you the info on the ornaments I am making, they are very cool. Just checkin’ in to let you know I luv ya….