CA19-9 Elavated Tumor Markers

Thank-you for any advice tou may have regarding my numbers from the CA19-9 tests. I am 49 years old and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Jan of '09, I went thru the Whipple surgery in Feb of '09 and then started my Gemcide chemotherapy in April of '09 which I had all but the last two of the infusions due to the doctor explaining to me on Aug.24th that my CA19-9 was 247 in July 30th and climbed up to 600 something the end of Aug. I had a CT scan on Aug 24th and nothing showed up, my doctor explained to me that I am in a "holding pattern" and for me to come back on Sept 28th to have another CT scan repeated,if something then appears I then will start more of a aggresive chemo and take a chemo pill as well. I have decided to visit The Mayo Clinic in Rochester,MN to get another opinion. Please,if there is anyone who has my same situation,please respond with much needed advice!

I have my Mayo appointment for Sept.22.

Thank-you in advance,

Denise

Hi Denise,

My husband had Whipple surgery so I speak from the experience of caretaker.

Have you had radiation and 5 FU prior to Gemcitibine; radiation is considered the standard of care now.  Also, since you are having a second opinion, I would suggest going to one of the institutions that is known to be outstanding in diagnosing and treating pc: M. D. Anderson in Houston, Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Virginia Mason in Seattle or Columbia in NYC.  (Dr. Robert Fine of Columbia is known to be especially excellent in the area of treatment.)   These hospitals are well-known to be in the vanguard of research and treatment of pc.  Mayo Clinic is a good hospital but is not known for its' treatment of pc.

I would also suggest your dropping in on the Johns Hopkins online pc support board; there are both patients and caregivers who are happy to share their considerable knowledge as well as listen when you need to vent and they will support you well.  It is also mor active than this board.  No doubt there is someone there who shares your exact history.

Good luck and Godspeed.

Joan L

Dear Joan, Thank-you for your response to my situation. No, I have not had radiation, only the gemicide chemo. I will check out the John Hopkins pc message board. The doctor I will be seeing at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Robert McWilliams had his residency at John Hopkins. I feel confident and have been positive attitude during this season in my life.

GodBless,

Denise