Hi. I haven't posted for a long time, since all of my tests have continued to come back negative after a large mass was removed and diagnosed as rectal cancer, August 04 (I did not have resection because the mass was already removed during a routine colonoscopy) 9 polyps were also removed at that time and in the past year, 14 more have been removed and beniegn. At that time my CEA was "6" ..... then after the mass was removed, it dropped to .02 and stayed there for a year. The last 3 have steadily moved to .07, then .5 and now to .9 I know this is still very low, but since it was originally a 6 (which was in normal range), I'm now panicked that I'm having early signs of a recurrence. Should I insist on another PET scan? It's been 13 months since my last one. If so, should I insist on a full body PET instead of just the abdominal area? Thank you in advance for any help.

Hi JJ.. I would ask the specialist if he thinks a colonoscopy might be warranted. If he says no, well then dont panic...
Take care
Maz

Hi Jj:
I wouldn't panic over the CEA values... they can jump around like that... they are still well within normal (anything up to 3). Have you had a CT scan of your pelvis, abdomen, and chest in the past year... if not, point out that those are the guidelines... yearly scans for the first 3 years. Not to mention you can see what your GI advises regarding a colonoscopy. I would push your onc for another scan though.

Good Luck. I wish you good health.
Warm Regards,
CancerDad

Thanks for the help! I had my last colonoscopy Dec 14th (2005) and 2 more polyps were removed. That made a total of 21 removed in the past 18 months. (5 colonoscopies). All 21 were benign, just the large mass in rectum was positive, August, 2004. I had a PET 13 months ago and a CT 5 months ago, but only of the abdominal/pelvis area. I've called my GI for another PET, but my insurance company makes you jump through hoops to get one. Guess I'll just wait and see what they decide.

CancerDad, hope you are doing well. God bless you all.

Just wanted to send a hug your way. I am sure you are stressed and worried. Hopefully your oncologist will set you up with all the tests you need to make you feel better. Maybe do another full CT of your lungs and abdomen?? Good luck... Have they done a digital rectal exam? Just wondering...my surgeon says that is his best way of detecting a localized recurrence... Hopefully all of your test will come out fine and your CEA is just being crazy.

Hugs to you,
Cats

Thanks for the hug Cats, much appreciated. :rolleyes: I try not to panic over things like this, but this board is so understanding and supportive. I did have an endo-rectal ultrasound done a couple of months ago. It was negative also. On my last PET, (13 months ago) there was a "spot" on my lung, but none of the drs seemed concerned and it has never been checked any furthur. I've had calls to 2 drs for 2 days and no one has called me back, but I intend to keep calling until I can be scheduled for the full body PET. Is anyone familiar with the CEA-Scan? I will post again when I can finally talk to a dr. God bless.

JJ:
I know how scary it can be... the waiting. I have recently, am still going through uncertainty regarding results. I had a PET/CT (BTW I have never heard of a CEA PET) which combines the technology of CT scans with PET scans. I had a positive uptake show on a 2 1/2 cm lesion on my lung. Well, after much talk back and forth between radiology and oncology and colorectal specialists, they felt that although the originial radiologist recommended immediate follow-up, there was not "enough uptake" as one would expect with a met to the the lung. I ended up trusting the specialists I have been seeing who recommended a follow-up CT scan of the lung, abdomen and pelvis specifically in 3 months (apparently the PET/CT is useful, but does not zone directly in on problem areas). So again, we wait, not knowing, TRYING to lead a life. I know many of you know what I mean and how I feel. I just thought I would share that with you JJ. It was GREAT hearing from you. Please do keep in touch and let me/us know how things progress. Hang in there. All my best. :)

Fondly,
CancerDad

Hey CD.. Goodluck with the folow up in three months. Its a long time to wait ay?
And you certainly dont need this.
Take care of you.

Maz x