Re: CEAs still rising...../Sharon

October 26, 2005

In a message dated 10/26/2005 3:08:44 PM Eastern Standard Time,

strege@... writes:

My CEAs continue to rise. 6 months ago they were 3 and I had a PET

scan, nothing found, 3 months ago 9, another PET scan same results,

last week my CEAs were up to 15.7 so I am again having a PET scan. My

thoughts are that the PET scan will again show no sign of cancer but

fear that they are missing something. How do I deal with the feeling

of dread that I have had the last 6 months? Despite what the PET

scans say, I continue to think that they are missing it. By the time

my cancer was originally diagnosed, my CEAs were over 200 and my colon

cancer had spread to one of my ovaries, my appendix, and 10 of the 12

lymph nodes they had removed. I underwent surgery and 8 months of

chemo. I thougth that was the hardest thing I had ever done but this

looming sense of waiting for the other shoe to drop is driving me

nuts. I am at the point that I no longer care for my job (I once

loved it)and I am ornery all the time.

Am I overreacting? Is there another test that my onc should be doing?

Should I not be concerned with rising CEAs?

Everyone on this board has always been so supportive, I am really

reaching out for that support now.

Sharon

Hi Sharon!!!

We do have lots of questions in our minds when dealing with this disease...

I'm hoping you can put your trust in your doctor who is treating you...if

you have any questions that he won't/can't answer, you might want a 2nd opinion

just for your own peace of mind.

I've read numerous times on this board how CEA's are not necessarily

reliable source for indication of cancer...I know this doesn't help, but just

reminding you of all the previous posts regarding CEA's...maybe read some of

the

old messages??

I'm sending Glenn over to you....he's a little more than ornery, but figure

you two could battle it out together...LOL Not making light, believe me,

just lightening the mood....we all know what the " waiting game " can do and how

it can make you feel and wonder and question....and almost drive you off the

brink of sanity!!! Do something nice and relaxing for yourself....you

deserve it!!!

Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle

Caregiver to Glenn

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