Raised CA125

I had a raised CA125 reading of 69 back in March 2021. The result was not shared with me and it looks like it was missed at the GP surgery. When I went in for chest symtoms (not Covid) to see an advanced nurse practitioner recently, she spotted the result then on my records and left to speak to the GP who order a repeat test. The repeat test is now lower at 37. Which is only 2 over "normal range" but they have referred me for an urgent internal ultrasound and was told on the phone by the Dr to prepare for all results.  I thought the number coming down would have been positive but it's terrified me that they are telling me to prepare myself and then hospital phoned only 2 hours later to book me an appointment which is now booked for next week.   I am hoping they are just being thorough and am happy it's moving quickly as they missed the initial result but I have PTSD which makes matters even more scary and I'm panicking myself.  I wondered if anyone can give advice on the two figures being different, if lower is better and why they would be acting so fast?  

  • Hello Ghe3104, 

    Welcome to our forum!  I think your gut feeling is right and that they are probably being thorough which is a good thing and it's great that they are moving so quickly. It's definitely not a bad thing that the repeat test shows a lower reading but as it's still a little above the normal range they probably just want to investigate things properly. 

    It must be really hard for you at the moment as you are waiting to find out more. Try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be. The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator