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Tumour Count raised

ekimjo
  • 2 replies
  • 44 subscribers
  • 158 views

I had a bowel cancer removed successfully last November and went on to start a 6 month course of chemo in February of this year. My tumour count at the start was 2 but rose to 5 during treatment. Chemo finished in early August and a CT scan revealed there was no signs of infection left. I had a routine blood test a week ago as part of my 5 year plan and that has revealed my tumour count has risen to 10. I am due a follow up colonoscopy as part of my 5 year plan on the 22nd November.

I am beside myself with worry now about how this rise could happen. Can you help please.

Mike

  • Hello Mike,  

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan. My name is Helen; I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.  

    I was sorry to read how alarmed you are feeling because of a rise in your tumour marker blood test. Understandably, any rise in your tumour markers can cause a great deal of anxiety for you and for those close to you. 

    Do try to remember that the levels can rise and fall just like any blood test. That one-off increase in your tumour marker is not necessarily a sign of the cancer returning. As you said, your levels rose during chemotherapy, but other factors can increase it, including smoking, infection, or inflammation.  

    Mike, are you able to call your colorectal nurse specialist to see if they plan to repeat the test before your colonoscopy? That seems one way to settle your mind.    

    Also, do consider giving us a call; it can be helpful to speak about your feelings and often means that sense of complete overwhelm feels more manageable by talking things through.  

    Wishing you all the very best and do keep in touch of it helps.  

    Helen 

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

    You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8 am - 8 pm) or send us an email.  

    Ref:  HM/IY 

  • in reply to Helen M - Macmillan

    Thank you for your helpful reply Helen. Having only had my latest blood test a week ago, it is unlikely that a repeat blood test would be carried out before next Saturday and my Colonoscopy. I feel good in myself and was sure my tumour count would have dropped, not increased, hence my anxiousness.

    My regards to you.

    Mike

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