Hi Macca and thank you for posting.

Good to hear that mums cancer numbers have reduced. It's difficult to know exactly what cancer markers they mean, but I know that the CA 15-3 is often associated with secondary breast cancer, and the expected range is under 30. I don't know which of the results you have been given might be this one but it is right to say that zero isn't expected. Here is a link to this blood test.

It might be a good idea to ask your mums team or specialist nurse (CNS) for more detail on the bloods. Or you could even get a copy of them where the ranges will be present too. This might help you understand them better.

Secondary breast cancer can be a bumpy road and being told that the cancer is now incurable can be hard to process for both you and mum. I have placed here some information from Breast Cancer Now, the UK's main breast cancer charity, on secondary breast cancer that may be useful to you.

Take care Macca, and if you want to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9 till 5, Monday to Friday.

Sarah.