Cancer Research UK main site

CA19-9 increasing during chemo

Bread62
Offline

I’m worried because although my husband had Whipple surgery in March and has been on chemo since May his tumour markers are increasing. The consultant says he thinks it’s just inflammation and has confirmed this in a letter but I’m just worried because it’s creeping up every week. He has a CT scan in two weeks so I’m hoping that’s ok- has anyone else had this at all?

  • Offline

    Hello Bread62, 

    It's reassuring that the consultant thinks it's just inflammation and that he even confirmed this in a letter but I can understand why seeing it creeping up every week would make you a bit worried. Hopefully the CT scan in 2 weeks will shed some light on what is going on. 

    I hope that you will hear from other members of our community who also noticed a rise in CA19-9 during chemotherapy and that they will be happy to tell you what caused this rise in their experience. It won't be long now until you get full answers following the CT scan - keep us updated if you get a chance on what the CT scan results reveal. 

    Our nurses are available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm so don't hesitate to give them a call and talk things through with them. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Thank you Lucie

    I’ve probably used terminology that people might not have come across -plus we’ve been checking my husbands bloods for the last 5 months on his weekly visits which is how we know - but I realise some people may not be aware of the marker ( and I appreciate it is an unreliable one) or may not ask for their results as the nurses just say “ your bloods are ok to go ahead this week” unless you ask for details.

    It’s up again this week. He’s only one more infusion left after today and the scan soon so fingers crossed  

    Thank you for your reply it was kind of you to come back to me. I’ll let you know how we get on.

    Jackie

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.