Had right side hemicolectomy a year ago year scan was clear but marker have gone from 4.8 to 11 i was diagnosed with rhematoid arthritis 2 weeks ago could that have risen my marker i can feel a lump on the left side of bowel but do get constipated the team are going to discuss and come back to me
Hello Jkee,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Helen, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
Welcome to the online community. I see that you have joined one of the forums and made connections with other contributors. I hope you are finding the community to be warm and supportive.
You mentioned that your CEA marker has risen recently and you are concerned. You also mentioned a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. I am sorry to hear this, you certainly have a lot going on.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition and blood tumour markers, such as CEA, can sometimes show an increase as a result of the condition, even when a cancer is well controlled.
I am glad that your bowel cancer team is aware of the new symptoms you mentioned and hope they can help resolve them as soon as possible.
I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.
The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.
Best wishes, Helen
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref HM/GH
