CEA of 17 / Having a colonoscopy this week!

I’m having a colonoscopy on Thursday. Naturally feeling nervous about it. I have raised CEA marker of 17 and I’m a non smoker. My CA125 is slightly raised too at 37. Also my Gamma GT is 88. I had a FIT test that was negative. Has anyone had a CEA of around this score? What was your outcome? Good or bad? The waiting in limbo is the hardest. Looking back I’ve had several symptoms, blood when wiping sometimes but put this down to piles, had mucus a few weeks ago, bloated stomach, backache, tiredness and pain in my groin area. Had a scan on my ovaries last year due to CA125 level, this found a small fibroid, which was okay. Trying not to think the worst bit it’s hard. 

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  •   Thank you for your thoughts. 

    Update- had the colonoscopy today. The prep  before hand wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. The procedure its self was okay too. I bit painful at times but managed with light sedation. Found it fascinating watching it on the screen!

    Had good news in that nothing was found in my bowel. Not quite out of the woods yet though. I’ve got to wait a month to have another blood test to check if the CEA marker has changed due to it being significantly high at 17. If no change, I will then have a CT scan on chest, abdomen and pelvis. A bit gutted I’ve got to wait this long and as I’m still a bit anxious. I’m going to ask if I can have it sooner as I am lucky enough to be covered by private insurance.

  • Things are seldom as clear cut as we might like but it's definitely a positive that nothing obvious was found.  Wishing you well. 

  • Thank you for your reply and well wishes. 
    my consultant has confirmed I can have the CT scan sooner, so I’m happy about that. Take care and wish you well also.