On 11/16/2007
John-L wrote:
In 5/2004 I had a CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) screening, offered for free where I worked. My CEA number was 8.3, compared to the normal range of 0 to 4.1. I was concerned so I went to see my doctor. I had a chest X-ray, blood tests, and a colonoscopy. Everything was fine. My doctor told me that the CEA is not a screening tool but is used to monitor status after a specific cancer has been diagnosed. From that point on, I did not take any more CEA screening at work based on what I was told. I had my physical exam done every year without chest X-ray or CEA test. In 10/2007 I was diagnosed with stage 4 (advanced) non-small cell lung cancer. My CEA number was 430 in 10/2007.
Did I miss the early warning of lung cancer when I first had the CEA screened in 5/2004?
Could or should my doctor have done more to detect my lung cancer earlier?
I sure think you did ! I had a similar experience. I went to my family doctor for a routine check up and my cea was 8.4. He gave me the same story but sent me for all kind of tests including X Rays. they all came back negative. In the mean time my cea kept creeping up. After all tests were in my doctor not knowing why this was happenning decided to repeat the tests and started with another X-ray. This time after just about 11 months some nodules showed up in my right lung. Further tests a pet scan and a thoracoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the lung metastatic to the pleura and with malignant pleural effusion. My doctor said that in future in a similar situation he will not settle just for an X-ray but will ask for a CT Scan. I don't know where you live. I am in Canada and it seems that doctors here are putting pressure on the health system to allow doctors to ask for a CT scan even when X-rays do not show anything.
Don't be too frightened by the diagnosis! Mine was the same. and with metastasis to the pleura and the effusion it was probably worse than yours. I saw my oncologist for the first time at the end of nov. 06. and she told me I had six months to live. A year has passed now I am still in good shape. I had my last CT scan last week ( the cancer has been stable for the past six months) and will get my results next wednesday. I do take a lots of supplements one of them is melatonin. check up a report on the web site of life extension on melatonin it says wonderful things about its anti cancer properties. I will leave you now I know this is very hard to swallow, but don't let yourself down. The best thing you can do now is fight with whatever tool you have follow a good diet no processed food, lots of veggies, fiber and do not forget to pray God. I asked him for a miracle, my being still here and in good shape can only be his doing. If you want more information as to what else I do you can post another message and I will get back to you.
Good Luck , Rosalia