C19-9 result

My dad has his first C19-9 and it came back as 41.9. I know the normal range is up to 37, but what does 41.9 mean in comparison within the abnormal range? How high can the level go? This test was done after 1 cycle of chemo (3 weeks on 1 week off). He will start radiation and F5U for the next 5 weeks. A "lesion of concern" was found on his liver which they will also target with radiation. Any info would be helpful- it's so hard to figure some of this language out being a "newbie" to all of this. Thanks.

 

On 10/20/2009 Periwinkle1 wrote:

My dad has his first C19-9 and it came back as 41.9. I know the normal range is up to 37, but what does 41.9 mean in comparison within the abnormal range? How high can the level go? This test was done after 1 cycle of chemo (3 weeks on 1 week off). He will start radiation and F5U for the next 5 weeks. A "lesion of concern" was found on his liver which they will also target with radiation. Any info would be helpful- it's so hard to figure some of this language out being a "newbie" to all of this. Thanks.

 

Hi Periwinkle,

Was the CA 19-9 result of 41.9 his very first test ever?  If so, that's pretty good.  This test result can go into the hundreds of thousands when abnormal.  However, it is the trend up or down that is really important.  

There is so much to learn about pc and a good place to start learning is the website for PanCan.  If you contact them, they will send you a pack of information about pc.  You will then be in a better position to know what questions to ask of the doctor.

You might also wish to visit the online pc support group of Johns Hopkins.  It is a very good site for info, support and also a place to vent.  There are both patients and caregivers who are happy to share their knowledge.

Good luck in your quest.

Joan L

On 10/20/2009 Joan l wrote:

 

On 10/20/2009 Periwinkle1 wrote:

My dad has his first C19-9 and it came back as 41.9. I know the normal range is up to 37, but what does 41.9 mean in comparison within the abnormal range? How high can the level go? This test was done after 1 cycle of chemo (3 weeks on 1 week off). He will start radiation and F5U for the next 5 weeks. A "lesion of concern" was found on his liver which they will also target with radiation. Any info would be helpful- it's so hard to figure some of this language out being a "newbie" to all of this. Thanks.

 

Hi Periwinkle,

Was the CA 19-9 result of 41.9 his very first test ever?  If so, that's pretty good.  This test result can go into the hundreds of thousands when abnormal.  However, it is the trend up or down that is really important.  

There is so much to learn about pc and a good place to start learning is the website for PanCan.  If you contact them, they will send you a pack of information about pc.  You will then be in a better position to know what questions to ask of the doctor.

You might also wish to visit the online pc support group of Johns Hopkins.  It is a very good site for info, support and also a place to vent.  There are both patients and caregivers who are happy to share their knowledge.

Good luck in your quest.

Joan L

Thank you so much for your message! Yes, it's his first test - so I guess we don't have anything to compare it to as of yet. Thanks for explaining that. Also, thanks for the PanCan and Hopkins info/sites- I will look into that. It's wonderful to have this type of support networking in such a confusing and emotional time. Thanks again.