Hi, I was diagnosed in Jan 2024 with bowel cancer, 3cm tumour in right colon with suspected liver mets. Had 3 months chemo upfront, right hemicolectomy surgery. Both successful. 2 out of 42 lymph nodes had cancer cells but I didnt require any further treatment. I was on a watch and wait for 2 years with my liver mets and they havent changed and now suspected to be benign. Which is great.
I am being monitored every 6 months - last CT in Feb was all clear. My CEA at the time of diagnosis was 1.4 so either a nonproducing or low producing cancer. It remained consistently between 0.8 and 2 for about 18 months, over the last 6 months its gone from 1 to 2 to 2.6 to 4.1 to 4.9. I am obvs very worried. I have asked for a CT now to check.
I am confused as my original tumour wasnt CEA senstive so would it be a recurrence?
I have mild diverticular disease in sigmoid.
Also had 2/3 months diarrhoea from a magnesium supplement (which I didn't realise affected me so badly!) so may have some residual inflammation.
Anyone had experience with odd CEA increases?
Thank you
Thank you for responding. Im worrying as mine seems to be an upward trend. But also confused as at diagnosis CEA was 1.4. Thanks for the factsheet Ill take a read. 
