CA 15-3 test

It’s part of my monthly blood tests because I’m on two years of taking amebaciclib as an adjuvant therapy.  Oncology monitor those on this drug and ca153 is only I element of many in the blood test.  I’m not sure but I think it’s a cancer marker and I assume if it rises it could denote the existence of cancer cells.  But it’s confusing because it doesn’t necessarily mean cancer is  present or a recurrence.  I don’t understand the science behind it.  X

I had this test done during chemo and it was over 40 and I was terrified. The chemo nurse was very relaxed and said it wasn’t a concern. When I saw my oncologist she said she didn’t know why they done the blood test as it’s not something they use. She said there is a long list of things that could cause the result to be higher and she wasn’t the least bit concerned. I’m still a bit anxious  but hoping it’s ok.xx

Thank you so much, TEG72! What you said sounds really reassuring! I hope everything is going to be fine for both of us! We are so easy to scare, but that's very understandable! Wishing you all the best! xx

Yes I just wanted my result to be in the normal range but as I said the oncologist said she wasn’t one bit concerned and doesn’t even know why the chemo unit did the test.PG we will both be ok as u say but it is scarey when we don’t really understand things like the specialists do.xx

Hi Lana65. I hope you are doing ok. Did you speak to your bc nurse about your concern over the ca1 5/3 level?  I hope you don’t mind me asking but as I said in previous posts, I don’t normally see my blood results.  However today I checked my gp records and my last hospital blood test results were there for the first time.  The ca 15-3 test said abnormal with no further action.  My mind is now racing with fear about the word abnormal!  Hoping all well with you. M x

Hi Mibby,

I didn't speak with my oncologist about the test, but I will be having a blood test on 23rd February and if it's abnormal again I'll ask. One of the ladies here mentioned that her ca 15-3 was also abnormal after her chemotherapy but it gradually got back to normal. My oncologist didn't mention anything the last time we spoke which was a week ago so I decided it would be OK to wait for a while before I ask. She is very thorough and if something was wrong, she would have told me. No further action sounds reassuring to me though meaning it's kind of normal to be abnormal at this stage. Don't worry too much about it. xx 

Than you so much for replying.  I was dreading a sleepless night tonight but what you’ve said makes me feel better.  It’s a devil of a journey at times, we have so many bumps in the road to deal with on the way.  I agree, our oncologists would follow up if there was a problem, I keep telling myself why would they do these tests without chasing up. They wouldn’t.  Have a good night. Take care. M x

Hi Mibby,

I hope you are doing well! I was going through the posts about CA15 3 and noticed that you mentioned you were on Abemaciclib. I am on my second cycle of Abemaciclib and my CA15 3 went from 16 to 20. Is this kind of fluctuation to be expected whilst on the drug? Any further information about that will be greatly appreciated! Best wishes,

Lana xx 

Hi Lana65

im doing ok thanks.  I spoke to my wife oncologist about my ca-153 being elevated to 33 and she told me they are not concerned about it so I must not worry. I’m not sure if it’s Amebaciclib that causes it to rise because it’s a cancer marker.  I’ve heard that it has to rise to the hundreds before they get concerned, but that’s only someone’s opinion and not from a doctor.  Also it can rise for other reasons than cancer.  Please do not worry about your level because it is very low.  I’m doing fine now on Abemaciclib now that it has been reduced to 50mg. I’m not doing so well on Letrozole, I have vaginal dryness very sore and aches hips. But I personally feel it is worth the pain.  I don’t want cancer to return. 
I wish you all the best with your treatment. Kind regards. Muriel x

Oops not my wife.  Please ignore my typos. X