Ca125 Test Eleveated

I am a ovarian cancer survivor. Now I just got out of the hospital, telling me I have fractured ribs, plurisy and bone cancer. Then the doctor discharged me. I would not sign the paper. Now I have a ca125 level of 21 and the oncologist since a month ago will not take a blood test till june 17th. I am so upset I do not know anything but that he has his reasons. What are the ranges with this cancer 125? HELP!

Hi: For the CA125 to be considered elevated it is #35 or larger, so I do not think you 21 is considered elevated. I am not sure that this is a standard number, however. How long have you been a survivor? I, too, have had it for 1 1/2 years now. My number was 80 and I have monthly checks. Hope all is well with you. I did not think ovarian cancer went to the bone? Maybe I have a lot to learn. Keep in touch with your doctor or get in contact with Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Betsy

My ca125 was at 3,500 after my first chemo (taxol and carboplatin) after 8 treatments in 3 week intervals ca125 was at 105, My oncologist started me on Doxil and after first treatment ca125 was up to 168. A ca125 of 21 is normal and the body is supposed to be able to deal with anything up to ca125 of 30 to 40. Doxil isn't doing much for me except make me miserable for 3 weeks. I won't find out what the second Doxil treatment did for me until after I take the third treatment. I would rather find out before the 3rd treatment and then not take it if the ca125 went up again after the second. If anyone has any recommendation as to what the next course of chemo could be, I would appreciate an email to this board. I am a very active 67 year old and play tennis whenever I can (sometimes 5 times a week) so I can take whatever is available. I just hate the burning in my hands and feet with this Doxil and blistering in several places on my body and inside my mouth. The taxol and carboplatin gave me neuropathy and that is why I was changed to Doxil but I don't tolerate it as well as the other. Hope to hear from someone. Anita

Hi Jeanie,
I just discovered in April I have fallopian tube cancer (which is very rare). I ask for this test because someone had sent me an email saying that if his wife had had this blood test yearly she would still be alive.

I was told I didn't need it as I had a healthy
female exam.

I have since gone through radial hysterectomy and now am taking chemo.

My test came back 832. The doctor told
me the high in the range is 35.

Sure hope this helps.

I have delt with Fallopian Tube cancer (ovarian cancer) since January 2001--2 relapses. I have blood tests for CA 125 every 8 weeks. Anything below 35 is considered normal. I have had experience with my tests being below 35, and had a return--my blood work each time was rising, but still below 35. I recommend that you get copies of all lab work and ask questions about any change--even while you are on chemo. I just saw a naturopath doctor today and wish I had gone when I was diagnosed in 2001.

Hello Sigrid,

I know this message is coming rather late since the time of your posting.

I have been on Doxil x 5 treatments now at the CTCA. I didn't develop the hand foot and other assorted rashes/blisters until the 3rd treatment. My local MD gave me a shot of steroids about one week after I came home (Solu-Medrol) which didn't really help that much. This last treatment on 11-18, at CTCA they gave me an IV of Decadron followed by steroid tablets (something they said they thought they had been doing all along, but had not). This has helped tremendously! I do wear those little white gloves though constantly and also use the A & D lotion and utterly smooth. So far, so good! Maybe some stronger, driving gloves or gloves that golfers wear would help? Maybe you're already getting the steriods?

Hope this helps and blessings to you on your healing journey! I wish I had enough energy to play tennis! That is awesome!

Kathleen W.

I was told the range for CA 125 is 1-35
I had my 6th and last chemo on Sept 24, 2005
and mine is now 10.