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A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ben Lomond, CA
January 10, 2022
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with elevated CA-125 levels after treatment and surgery, with many describing how their numbers initially... Read more

Members shared their experiences with elevated CA-125 levels after treatment and surgery, with many describing how their numbers initially rose post-surgery before dropping with chemotherapy, though several experienced a gradual climb that signaled recurrence months or even a year later. Several members emphasized the importance of pushing for CT or PET scans when numbers rise, as elevated CA-125 often indicates cancer too small to initially detect, and shared that recurrences appeared in areas including the lungs, spleen, lymph nodes, and abdominal fluid despite sometimes still-normal CA-125 ranges. A recurring theme was the need to trust your own body, advocate fiercely with your medical team for frequent monitoring, and understand that ovarian cancer often returns because cancer cells can spread through the lymphatic system even after surgery removes visible tumors.

A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

My CA-125, after 6 rds chemo and surgery and 2 chemo rds after surgery my CA-125, was at 4. That was Dec 2021. I was in remission until September 2022, when my CA-125 went to 10. I had a CT scan and it was clear! In December 2022, at my quarterly my CA-125 went to 103, my CT scan the next day showed it had returned and it was in my spleen. Treatment to started Jan 3, 2023, by the time I had my treatment my CT-125 was over 300. My Dr told me I’m sensitive to this testing and that’s a good thing. Numbers are dropping and I have 4 treatments left @ which time they’ll do another PET scan. I would push for either scan. Positive vibes coming your way!

May 15, 2023
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

Agree ladies. I knew I had a recurrence when my CA-125 slowly began climbing from 4 to 26 over a 6 month period. I started to feel bloated as well. I called my oncologist and told him I just knew it was back. He ordered a CT scan, and yep, there it was. Had more chemo in second half of 2020 and have successfully been on the PARP inhibitor, Zejula (100 mg) for 1 year. Yes, I have side effects from that, gastro and sleep problems, but fortunately my platelets are normal. Life goes on! 🙏

January 11, 2022
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

My sister's never went down. Always over 300. After finishing chemo jumped up a nd sure enough, had a reoccurance. The doctor stalled on getting a CT scan. Push to get it checked out!!!

May 14, 2023
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

Keep on, keeping on Dawn. You got this. I hope those numbers start to plummet 🤗
Kick that can er to the curb ☺️

January 7, 2023
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

CA-125 was 17,331 at diagnosis. After three rounds of chem was done to 65. Had surgery and the number went up to 211 after the surgery. After two more rounds of chemo it’s down to 55. I have one more round of chemo and possibly more if the CT scan and numbers are not where they need to be. I am forever grateful and thankful for my Dr and family. We are strong and can continue to fight whatever the outcome.

January 6, 2023

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A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
South Bend, IN

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