Why did my CEA levels spike during FOLFOX for colon cancer?

Yes. I spiked to 27.6 and has come down to less than 2.0 for the last 3 months. Reticle cancer discovered Oct 2023. Had 25 radiation doses and 6 chemo treatments. Approaching 9 month check up and indication is in remission. I did not do surgery.

Wow .. that's fantastic 💜!! Thanks for the encouragement... I've already had the upper right colon cancer surgery for removal of a mass with the removal of 44 lymph nodes, 2 being cancerous. I was scheduled to have a follow up abdominal, lung scan on September 29 but they might move that up if the antigen level doesn't come down.

Get them to pull forward. Waiting two months wears on nerves. Results basically in one day. Did you have scan and MRI so they have a base line?

Don't get it. I Just got back from back from my oncologist. I was on Folfox chemo. We did a pet scan because I was experiencing lots of side effects. The pet scan showed a great deal of improvement. I have colon cancer so the tumor in the colon shrank the lymph glands improved. Had a legion on my liver that was gone. So. He put me on a maintenance dose and removed the fol fox. Just had another pet scan. Everything got worse. New spots the liver has a legion again. Etc. He told me from the beginning that there is no cure for me and I would be on Chemo forever. I see alot of other people have had surgery and or radiation. These were never suggested to me. Everyone keeps saying I should get a second opinion. I think he knows his stuff but I seriously feel like I'm a factory patient. 2 minute visit....your worse do this good bye. Any input would help. Thanks and stay well.

Cancer treatment requires confidence in one's self and, critically important, one's care team. Either you're not feeling confident to ask questions or your questions aren't being answered with clarity and some concern for your feelings. You're describing conveyor belt treatment and deserve better. Me? I'd ask anyone you trust who's had cancer for a recommendation. If you have the Nextdoor program/app in your area, or anything similar, ask online for oncology recommendations. You'll definitely get them! At the very least, get a second opinion and not from an oncologist in the clinic/group you're currently using in case "quick, fast and in a hurry" is their standard to cover their patient load. You're worth more than 2 minutes!

CEA levels can sometimes fluctuate during chemotherapy treatment, and there can be various reasons for these changes that are best discussed with your oncology team. They'll be able to review your complete medical picture and explain what this means specifically for your treatment plan. Many community members have found it helpful to write down questions before their next appointment to make sure they get all the answers they need about their lab results and treatment progress.