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Overwhelmed1203 
10:00am, November 19, 2009
Hi All
Well I checked in with the doctor today. I feel I received good news. My blood work and tumor markers are "normal". My markers were 19. I'm not sure 19 of what, but the doctor said they need to be under 38. Does anyone have any other input or knowledge of what the markers are all about? Anyway, because the doctor considers this to be a good count, we will wait another 8 weeks before performing any scan and mammogram. Eight weeks from now will place me at the one year mark and the doctor felt that would be an appropriate time to do repeat scans.
So I guess I am "doctor-free" for eight weeks. I won't know what to do with all my extra time!!! All I know is that I need to enjoy and not worry. Right now I am away, not free, from my cancer.
I'm beginning an exercise program and support group. So hopefully everyday will be a little better.
Please share with me any information you can about breast cancer tumor markers.
I hope everyone is well and I pray for you all every night that the Lord may hear what you are in need of.
Love to All, Chris
Comments
The whole tumor marker number thing is way overrated. My doc scared me speechless when my markers were at 40 and he said they were slightly elevated.
I went online and researched and found some people had marker numbers in the hundreds and thousands and did not have cancer. It's all specific to you and can be affected by how recently you had chemo or ob any meds you are on.
My test that came out at 40 was taken too close to my last chemo. They retested two weeks later and my count dropped to 36. 3 months later it was down to 26.
A low count doesn't mean you don't have cancer, as some cancers (like brain cancer) do not elevate the marker count. A high count doesn't mean you do have cancer either.
What it all means is that, if you are tested over a period of time (say every 3 months for a year) and your markers have consistently been under 38, which is considered normal, and they all of a sudden spike to 200, the docs will need to start testing to see if something is going on that would explain the rise in your markers.
As long as your markers stay under 38, the oncologists generally do not feel they have to do full body scans, MRIs, or other tests looking for cancer because they are comfortable that your marker count indicates you are cancer free. The test is important to take regularly, as the blood ttest is a less expensive test than the scans, etc. and gives you an ideae, over time, of what is normal for you. Plus it gives the doctors a cue as to when they need to start looking cloer for possible recurrences. Also, if your numbers run high, it clues the docs to possible changes in meds that would benefit you.
Keep in mind the marker is only one tool in the chest. It is more important to keep track of how you feel (journaling can be a big help)and of any changes or unusual signs in your body. Remember that YOU are the owner of your body and likely know more about what is normal for you than anyone else, professionals included.
I hope this helps. 19 is a GREAT number, by the way. Keep it up.
- Diane
dande10277
Diane, We are so lucky to have you with us on DS. You seem to do a lot of research, (I just don't have the energy to that right now) and offer great advice. Thanks for being my friend. Have a terrific day, Chris
Overwhelmed1203
I am glad you number is low, and according to your doctor and Diane, that's a good thing. I hope you continue to received good news in 8 weeks. I have no knowledge of the number system to which you are referring. None of my doctors have every mentioned a blood test, but maybe it is because there were no cancer cells in my lymph node. Glad to hear you are motivated to start an exercise program and a support group. You are a survivor!
2DanceAgain