Not to be confused with one another, although both are a way of surveillance!
There is a blood test called CEA that measures the level of CEA in the blood. CEA stands for CarcinoEmbryonic Antigen. CEA, a protein found in 70% of cancer patients, is released into the bloodstream from both cancer cells and normal cells. When found in higher than normal amounts, it can be used as a tumor marker for colorectal cancer. The normal range is less than 2.5 ng/L. ; greater than 10 ng/L indicates extensive disease and greater than 20 ng/L metastatic disease. Usually your blood does not get checked for this until you have colorectal cancer already. My levels have been anywhere from 6.4 ng/L to 11.3 ng/L. and during chemo the levels went up and down like a yoyo, so they were unreliable. This last month the level has been finally trending down. I take that as a good sign. Fingers crossed! With chemo behind me, I will be checked once a month from now on.
I'll be back in about a week with a light hearted story. We can all use one from time to time. Keep well! SanTeh!
Fingers crossed for you!!
ReplyDeleteYes, you are a survivor. You’re going to make it through. I just listened to the song. Also love the results you’re getting. Maybe you’ll have a feel good summer. Maybe you’ll go camping.
ReplyDeleteGwen J.
I am absolutely thrilled to hear this news my dear sister-in-law! My smile is as wide as this room. xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh it's Sharon again. I do not seem to be able to comment using my Mac Air but can on Ross' PC so I will use his from now on.
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear you’re making good progress Irm❤️❤️❤️❤️Neil
ReplyDeleteThis is all really interesting stuff (and you make it easy and enjoyable to understand). Look forward to your posts(((-: Always wishing you the best! Thanks for your “Savvy” posts on Chemo and other tidbits of information and humor. (((-:
ReplyDeleteS&M (((-: