Cea levels

hi FiveO   I think it’s pretty standard surveillance. 

I hope it all comes back clear!

best wishes 

cerysm 

Are you having a scan because of your CEA level, or just a general 6 mth scan following your Op? 

After your Op, you are followed for 5 years. Usually every 6 mths at first, which involves CEA Blood Test & CT scan. After two years (if in remission,) the same two tests are then annually.

Normal CEA levels range from 0 - 5 On the high side if you are a smoker.

For the past seven years, my CEA levels have been either 5 or 6.(When I was diagnosed, it was 10) My Colorectal team were never concerned with these numbers. 

Post op my CEA was 4 and remained so for nine months. I am not a smoker although I did smoke socially about 5 years ago.

On my 4th appointment it was 5. I had another test a month later and it remained 5. I started feeling a bit funny like a fever without the temperature and they gave me a CT scan which came back with 2 lung nodules. PET scan confirmed activity in both nodules.

That's interesting. 

I also had 2 lung nodules one year after my Op. but had no symptoms. These were picked up on my follow up CT scan. 

CEA levels seem to be different for everyone. My team have always said that my levels are 'my normal.' (& I am a smoker.) 

I wasnt scheduled for another CT scan until 2 years after the op but I kind of pushed for it when I saw CEA had risen and felt like I jad some weird feeling which I can only describe as feverish but no raised temperature.

Since I got a CT scan I feel normal apart from when my brain plays tricks on me and I think every slight discomfort anywhere in my body is the cancer spreading

How were your lung nodules treated? & are you clear now?

Not clear.

Had CT on 6 June,

PET of 12 June,

met with colorectal consultant on 6 July and he referred me to lung team (reckons I can have surgery for the 2 nodules - 6/13mm),

had lung function test on 13 July (struggled a bit with that due to poor technique - I am 48 and can walk out and do 5km in 30mins right now so I believe lungs are fine)

Appointment with lung consultant/specialist tomorrow.

I'm very sorry to hear that. However, Court mentioned on here once that her mother had surgery for lung nodules, & that she recovered from the Op. very quickly. 

Also, you sound 'super fit,' which will be very beneficial for your recovery.

Lots of best wishes.