I Have earlier in May had a recurrence of bowel cancer in my small bowel and stomach tissue or removed offered adjuvant chemo just finish 4 rounds my cea was 15 when I had Cancer it is showing 6.7 after Chemo thought it would be 0 can Chemo rise your Cea levels
Dear Jkee,
Thank you for getting in touch with us, and welcome to our online community. My name is Annerose I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support line.
I am sorry to read that you had a recurrence of cancer, and I understand you are having adjuvant chemotherapy. I hope you are coping well with your chemotherapy and it’s great to hear that your CEA levels have come down to 6.7 after 4 cycles of chemotherapy.
Normal ranges of CEA levels can be from 0 to 2.5. I understand you might be disappointed that the CEA has not fallen to 0, but the levels have significantly decreased, which often means that your treatment is working.
It is natural that you may be worried about the CEA results, and it is important that you are able to express your concerns and get support. It is important that you have a discussion with your team following your treatment and about your concerns about the CEA levels, so your team can tell you what it means and how successful it has been.
Have a look at our tips for talking with the healthcare team and use this to best prepare you for this consultation.
I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.
Best wishes and take care,
Annerose (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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