Tumor Markers | Team Denise!

Tag: Tumor Markers

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Test Results – Tumor Markers #9

My PCP’s office called with my my lab results…

Last Friday (Jan 22 2010), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #9. I’ve been having pretty good results to-date, some ups some downs, some increases, some decreases – all within acceptable margins…

However, I’ve had a lot of unexplained aches and pains, especially breast and bone pain, and been battling stress and depression which I was – am – sure effected my health. So I’ve been Very scared of these results…

Very Scared.

This blood draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers).

* 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 were 3.2 ng/mL
* November 20, my 7th CEA tumor markers were 2.7 ng/mL
* December 18, my 8th CEA tumor markers are 2.8 ng/mL

* January 22, my 9th CEA tumor markers are 3.1 ng/mL
This is a .3 INCREASE from last month, and puts me just above the normal range…

Dr. Khan has reassured me that this small increase is nothing to be concerned about, so I will TRY not to worry… Yah, right.

As always, I’m unsure, but this (CEA: The Test) continues to answer Some of my questions…

My Other Numbers as of January 22 2010 blood test results:

* CA-125: 12 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35)
a 2 point DECREASE – down from 14 U/mL from December’s draw… I am well within normal range.

* CA 15-3: 16 U/mL (Reference @ <32)
a 4 point DECREASE – down from from 20 U/mL from December’s draw; I’m well within the normal range.

* CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 27 U/mL (Reference @ <38)
a 4 point DECREASE – down from 31 U/mL from November’s draw. This decrease makes me very happy!

The CA 27.29 test is used to monitor your:

Response to treatment
Status of your cancer
Possibility of early recurrence

With all the aches and pains I’ve been having
With all the stress and depression I’ve been fighting
I’ve been Very Very worried…
But these results help ease my mind.

Taking a breath
Relaxing
Destressing
Its all good…
It Will Be Good.

Visualizing my Dragons
My Warrior Dragons
Burning

Never Stopping.

Tags: Tumor Markers

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Coping, Dr. A. Khan, Dr. L. Deleon, Results, Stress, Tests, happiness, tired | 2 Comments »

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Test Results – Tumor Markers #8

My PCP’s office faxed my lab results…

Last Friday (Dec 18 2009), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #8. I’ve been having pretty good results to-date, some ups some downs, some increases that I am concerned about…

This blood draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers).

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… I can’t help but be cautious cuz the other shoe always falls for me. Always.

My Other Numbers as of December 18 2009 blood test results:

* CA-125: 14 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35)
a 3 point INCREASE – up from 11 U/mL from November’s draw… I’m not happy, but am still well within the normal range, in fact is very low normal range. But another increase Does worry me.

* CA 15-3: 20 U/mL (Reference @ <32)
a 1 point DECREASE – down from from 21 U/mL from November’s draw; I’m still within the normal range.

* CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 31 U/mL (Reference @ <38)
a 4 point INCREASE – up from 27 U/mL from November’s draw. These increases scare me, though I am still within (high) normal range.

The CA 27.29 test is used to monitor your:

Response to treatment
Status of your cancer
Possibility of early recurrence

Try and relax
Don’t stress the body
Don’t stress the mind
Don’t think about not having a job, Mr. Sack, the total and complete devastation of all my hopes and dreams.
Just don’t think about it all.
Yah, right.

I am so scared. Never stop being scared. Never stop reaching out… to find… no one

Visualizing my Dragons
my Warrior Dragons
Please don’t stop burning.

Please.Don’t.Stop.

Tags: Tumor Markers

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Coping, Dr. A. Khan, Dr. L. Deleon, Results, Stress, Tests, scared, tired | 1 Comment »

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Test Results – Tumor Markers #7

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

Posted in Results, Stress, Tests, frustration, scared, tired | 1 Comment »

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Test Results – Tumor Markers #6

My PCP’s office faxed my lab results…

Last Friday (Oct 16 2009), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #6. I’ve been having Very Good Results to-date, however this time we see some increases that make me a bit uneasy…

This blood draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers)…

* 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
3.2 = a .1 DECREASE from last month – this is acceptable and getting closer to normal!

The CEA numbers are still dropping and I’m pleased with that, though they are dropping in smaller increments… I’ll feel better when I’m within the “normal” range. I Still I wish I was confident with just how much this meant, but this (CEA: The Test) continues to answer Some of my questions…

Still hoping that this all means Something Good… Something…

My Other Numbers as of October 16 2009 blood test results:

* CA-125: 10 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35)
a 3 point INCREASE – up from 7 U/mL from September’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.

* CA 15-3: 16 U/mL (Reference @ <32)
a 1 point DECREASE – down from from 17 U/mL from September’s draw; I’m not going to stress 1 point since one point variation is acceptable and I am well within the normal range, in fact in the low end of normal.

* CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 30 U/mL (Reference @ <38)
an 11 point INCREASE – up from 19 U/mL from September’s draw. To me, this is a Huge increase and concerns me a great deal. 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’m not sure how I feel about these CA 27.29 numbers… while I’m Very Glad they are still within the normal range, the increase scares the crap out of me. What scares me so much is that “if your CA 27.29 levels rise, it may indicate that your cancer is progressing or spreading.” Is this increase enough to be concerned about? However, “some non life–threatening conditions may also cause CA 27.29 to show up in your blood (ovarian cysts and benign conditions of the breast, liver and kidneys)”, and I DO have Fibrocystic Breast Disease (a “benign condition of the breast”), so That is something in itself to consider… On The Other Hand, I DO have a malignant condition – cancer…

I guess I’ve been “so used” to the good results, to the numbers dropping so dramatically, that this change has really hit me, has reminded me of what I am dealing with, what I am fighting, what is on the line here… my life.

Cancer is what I am dealing with

My life is what I am fighting for

My Life is what is on the line

My Life.

Stress… yes, Lots of stress. The stress is beating me down.

Both Dr. Deleon and Dr. Khan have advised me to wait and see what happens next month before I become overly concerned. Dr. Deleon also mentioned that stress can cause tumor markers to rise slightly, and this whole situation IS FREAKING STRESSFUL. PLUS, I Have cheated on my diet and had some sugar in the past 2 weeks that I should NOT have had… which could be another factor.

So… chill out.

Easy to say.

I am so scared…

Bottom line – we are Hopeful that the PET / CT scan next month will show what is going on, and hopefully will show as much progress as the previous PET / CT scan!

Breathing…. and

Visualizing my Dragons
Still visualizing their Riders,
Still visualizing my Dragons breathing fire,
Still visualizing their Riders wielding their lasers
Burning the tumor,
Burning each evil cell
Into ash.

Burning Burning Burning Each Evil Cell.

Tags: Blood Tests, Tumor Markers

Posted in Dr. A. Khan, Dr. L. Deleon, Results, Stress, Tests, frustration, scared, visualization | 4 Comments »

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Test Results – Tumor Markers #5

My PCP’s office just called with my lab results…

Last Friday (Sept 18 2009), I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #5. I’ve been having Very Good Results to-date…

So these are the results of the September 18 draw… this draw was for the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers)…

On 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.

On June 03, my 2nd draw CEA tumor markers were 35.9 ng/mL

On July 03, my 3rd draw CEA tumor markers were 12.8 ng/mL

On August 27, my 4th draw CEA turmor markers were 3.9 ng/mL

My CEA numbers from the September 18 draw are 3.3 ng/mL

3.3!! Still going down and Almost Normal!!

Norm is 0.0 – 3.0 ng/mL; levels higher than 3 ng/mL are not considered normal, But I Am Getting Close!!

The numbers are still dropping and I can’t help but be excited! I Still I wish I was confident with just how much this meant, but this (CEA: The Test) continues to answer Some of my questions…

Still hoping that this all means Something Good…

Please Please mean Something Good…

My Other Numbers as of Sept 18 2009 blood test results:

CA-125: 7 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35) – a 1 point INCREASE – up from 6 U/mL from August’s draw; 1 point is not much to fluctuate or to be a margin of error, so I’m not going to stress 1 point, since the August number was an 11 point drop from July’s draw.

CA 15-3: 17 U/mL (Reference @ <32) – a 1 point INCREASE – up from from 16 U/mL from August’s draw; again, I’m not going to stress 1 point since the August number was a 17 point drop from July’s draw.

CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 19 U/mL (Reference @ <38) – a 9 point DECREASE – down from 28 U/mL from August’s draw!

I’m Really Pleased with the numbers!

This does NOT mean that the cancer is gone, but it DOES mean that I am responding to the treatment favorably! And we are Hopeful that the next PET / CT scan will show as much progress as the previous PET / CT scan!

Still visualizing my Dragons with their Riders,
Still visualizing my Dragons burning the cancer,
Burning the tumor,
Burning each evil cell
Into ash.

Burning Each Evil Cell.

Tags: Tumor Markers

Posted in Emotions, Gene Therapy Drugs, Results, Tests, happiness, hope | 9 Comments »

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Understanding Tumor Markers

Another good and interesting site with info that is helping me to understand about tumor markers…

What do tumor markers really tell you?

Tags: Tumor Markers

Posted in Information, Tests | No Comments »

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Test Results – Tumor Markers #4

I COULDN’T WAIT TIL THIS EVENING TO POST THIS!!!

Last Friday, I had the bloodwork drawn to track my tumor markers. It was draw #4. I’ve been having Very Good Results…

I now have the results of the August 27 draw… this draw was for both the monthly tests (most specifically my CEA Tumor Markers) AND for the 3-month tests, which include my HER2 and EGFR Numbers…

On April 15, my baseline CEA tumor markers were 63.1 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter)

On June 03, my 2nd draw CEA tumor markers were 35.9 ng/mL

On July 03, my 3rd draw CEA tumor markers were 12.8 ng/mL

My CEA numbers from the August 27 draw are 3.9 ng/mL

3-POINT-FREAKING-9!!!!!!

Norm is 0.0 – 3.0 ng/mL; levels higher than 3 ng/mL are not considered normal.

3.9 is Pretty Freaking Close To Normal!!

The numbers Just Keep Dropping! I can’t help but be excited!! Still I wish I was confident with just how much this meant, but this (CEA: The Test) has answered Some questions…

I’m Still hoping that this all means Something Good… Please mean Something Good…

My Other Numbers as of Aug 27 2009 blood test results:
CA-125: 6 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35) – an 11 point DECREASE – down from 15 U/mL from July’s draw
CA 15-3: 16 U/mL (Reference @ <32) – a 17 point DECREASE – down from 33 U/mL from July’s draw
CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 28 U/mL (Reference @ <38) – a 12 point DECREASE – down from 40 U/mL from July’s draw

I’m thinking those numbers are looking Pretty Dang Good!

More Numbers from the tests I take every 3 months:
I’m not sure about what are good levels here, but this is what I’ve got…

EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)
From August 2009 draw – 39
From April 2009 draw – 86
A drop of 47

HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)
From April 2009 draw – 2.8
From August 2009 draw – 8.0
An increase of 5.2, is this good…? I’m thinking an increase can’t be good… and such a large increase, more than double…? I DO know that I’m HER2 negative, and that’s a good thing to be. But can you go from negative to positive…? Would that increase be an indication?

Still vizualizing my Dragons with their light-saber wielding Riders!

Rich – I know that you’re a nurse…
Molli – you work for MD Anderson..
Either of y’all have any input / insight…?
PLEASE…?

What Is HER2, How Is It Tested, And Is It Tested On Invasive And Non-Invasive Breast Cancer?

Is your breast cancer HER2+? Further your understanding of HER2.

Read about HER2 and the importance of knowing the tumor’s HER2 status.

Tags: Sodium Phenylbutrate, Tarceva, Tumor Markers, Xeloda, Zolinza, Zometa

Posted in Emotions, Results, Tests, excitement, happiness, hope, joy | 35 Comments »

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

August 2009 Bloodwork

So… I can stop being frustrated over my bloodwork, for now.

Had my August Bloodwork done today (this morning) – Finally!

Was done at North Cypress Medical Center, Outpatient Lab. The staff was very nice… Angelique was the tech and tried to be gentle, but she had to take 6 vials, and by the 4th, it was getting just a bit… uncomfortable. I can see a nice bruise there now and a raised bump at the site. It’s bit tender too… wah wah wah *lol*

I should have results back next week, and be able to compare to last time.

YAY!

Tags: Tumor Markers

Posted in Tests | 2 Comments »

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

Tumor Markers #4 – Where O Where…?

I am Sooooo freaking frustrated.

Every month I’m Supposed to get a Blood Draw to check my tumor markers. While some Drs don’t put much meaning into the markers, others do… and my #3 results were good. Any good news as far as I’m concerned, right? And it’s been kind of exciting cuz the numbers have been going down. Again – any good news…

So… each month, before my Zometa infusion, I’m supposed to get a draw for my CEA, CA-125, CA 15-3, CA 27.29 (see CA15-3) numbers (total of 7 tests). Also, every 3rd month, I’m also supposed to get a draw for Serum HER-2, Plasma VEGF and Serum EGFR (total of 3 tests).

At my last infusion (#3) I had blood drawn for what I Thought was my monthly AND my 3 month (3 tests).

And I’ve been waiting the results.

Waiting.

Come to find out, there was some mix-up with what tests were supposed to be run and all that was run was the 3 for “3rd month” and not the monthlies. Seems I didn’t make the schedule and tests clear to my Primary Care Physician (PCP) and I guess he thought the last set were a one-time run or something…? I’m not sure, but ends up that only 4 tests were run when it was supposed to be 9. Plus the “3rd month” tests” have to be sent off to Virginia (???) and don’t get back for 2 weeks. I’m guessing that this will all cost me more than the $ I was told… just How much more, I don’t know, but I’m guessing more…

So now I have to get myself back to the hospital and get the blood work done “again”.

Gotta hope my Dragons are Still Protecting Me…

Gotta Hope.

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Tags: Tumor Markers

Posted in Dr. R. Taylor, Tests, frustration, tired, venting | 4 Comments »

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Tumor Markers #3

At my infusion last Friday, they pulled some blood for the “regular” blood work I’m supposed to have to track my tumor markers. I’m actually supposed to have the tests run every 2 weeks, but it’s too expensive for me, so I only get it done about every 4 weeks.

On April 15, my baseline CEA tumor markers were 63.1 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter)

On June 03, my 2nd draw CEA tumor markers were 35.9 ng/mL

My numbers from the July 03 draw are 12.8 ng/mL

12.8…

FREAKING 12.8!!!

Another HUGE drop – a 23.1 Drop!!!!

12.8 is still “high”, but Not As High – norm is 0.0 – 3.0 ng/mL and levels higher than 3 ng/mL are not normal.

Still I wish I was confident with just how much this meant, but this (CEA: The Test) has answered Some questions…

I’m just hoping that this all means Something… Something Good… Please mean Something Good… I don’t want to think I’m going through all this for nothing, only to have the rug pulled out from under me in the end. Mr. Sack pulled the rug out from under me. Seems like I always get the rug pulled out from under me, and I’m Tired of it.

I’m gonna go ahead and be excited anyway cuz Dr. Deleon sure was excited!

My other numbers:
CA-125: 15 U/mL (Reference @ 0-35)
CA 15-3: 33(c) H U/mL (Reference @ <32)
CA 27.29 (see CA15-3 above): 40(e) H U/mL (Reference @ <38)

I’m thinking those numbers are looking close-to normal, but I don’t have any others to compare then to, so these will be my baseline…

I’m going to have PET/CT scan #3 the 2nd week of August, So we should have some idea of “what is what” then… Just Hoping it’s better than PET/CT #2…

Til then my Dragons are Still Protecting Me! And Their Riders are carrying light sabers!

Tags: Cliff Grimes, Clifford F Grimes, Clifford Grimes, Dallas, Mr. Sack, Tumor Markers

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Emotions, Gene Therapy Drugs, Medical Procedures, Results, Tests, hope, scared | 21 Comments »