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Someone talk ME through this! Panicking! X

Posted , 3 users are following.

kerrydog
kerrydog

I'm pretty terrified, went to docs with high stomach discomfort and burping and while I'm referred urgently for an endoscope my bloods are showing 6.7 CEA levels. Read everything I can, but has anyone had their CEA done or at this level and had no serious illness, doc says the cut off for even a healthy smoker is 5 but I'm praying the possible ulcer is raising its

Now I know CEA mostly related to colorectal cancers but not exclusively and I stupidly ignored all my wind (sorry!) lower cramps and the fact that I need to have a BM 3 times in an hour in the morning of the last year.

I am also having incredible night sweats where I am drenched!!

Don't be afraid of being honest, it can't worry ME more than I already am, it will help actually.

Got my red flag appointment on Monday with GI consultant thank god!

I had a feeling I would go to the docs with one problem and come out with another!

Thank you for advice x

Desperate for someone else with A higher reading to tell me their experience.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • kerrydog
    kerrydog

    Posted

    Sorry for the word ME appearing in capitals!! Just noticed! X
  • anthony10484
    anthony10484 kerrydog

    Posted

    Two things that I didn't want to happen to me were developing cancer and being in hospital for surgery. Both actually happened last year and made me realise that they were not as bad as I expected. The surgery, which took place last November, was done by keyhole techniques, and I was discharged four days later. I am now continuing with chemotherapy but my surgeon is happy with my progress and doesn't feel the need for another consultation in the next 8 months. So, don't panic. Recovery from bowel cancer is improving all time.

    Perhaps I should comment that all this took place just before and after my 78th birthday so if an old codger like me can get through it, a younger, fitter person should do much better.

    • kerrydog
      kerrydog anthony10484

      Posted

      Hi Anthony thanks for your reply!!

      Really praying its a false positive reading of CEA but it is higher than a heavy smoker and I am not a heavy smoker! Maybe an ulcer on top of my smoking could raise IT to 6.7.

      Can you remember your CEA?

      It's a bit of comfort to hear the surgery etc is not as woeful as I imagine.

      Do keep me posted on your progress!! And lots of love and luck!!

      I see a consultant on Monday to arrange scans and cameras.

      Thanks again and I really hope you kick it's ass!

      Kerry x

  • anthony10484
    anthony10484 kerrydog

    Posted

    I never knew my CEA, actually I don't even know what this means! My original symptoms were not typical for bowel cancer - I found that I couldn't walk for more than about 200 yards without running out of breath which for someone who previously was walking 1 or 2 miles a day was a bit of a shock.

    After a series of tests it was realised that my problem was a lack of red blood cells and my GP thought it was because I had some internal bleeding. The result was that I was sent for an endoscopy session. The colonoscopy part found the cancer as the source of internal bleeding, the gastroscopy found that I also had Coeliac disease.

    Perhaps the worst part of the diagnostic and subsequent procedures was the remarkably potent laxative needed to clear things out before the endoscopy session! The operation itself was almost an anticlimax. It took place in the morning in the morning and by the afternoon I was being fed a full size meal. Most of the time spent in the hospital after the op was waiting to show that my digestive system was working end to end, so to speak. The only significant after effect was, as you can imagine, as a consequence of the need to cut through the abdominal muscles. It was a few days before this wore off, but it was not too much of a problem.

    All I have to do now is to finish off the post-op chemotherapy. This should be completed some time in May as things are going. In the meantime, I'm virtually back to normal.

    • kerrydog
      kerrydog anthony10484

      Posted

      Aw that's wonderful news Anthony!! Well the bit about you bring ok at the end!!

      CEA is a tumour marker, a cancer antigen released from the liver when cancer is present, it typically eludes to colorectal cancers but can be high because of others.

      Mine is not too awful but it's in a fairly grey area of it being very possible that it's present if that makes sense. I'm sure your doc done this in you and along with a C19-9 test they were able to conclude where your problem was coming from.

      Ask what your levels are, the docs monitor them to see if they drop and that's how they know treatment is working!!

      I will know more soon, just thought I would see if I could fine someone else with a raised level who did not have something sinister too!

      But, staying positive!!

      Stay in touch please!!

      I will toast your good health with that charming drink before my camera test!!!

    • anthony10484
      anthony10484 kerrydog

      Posted

      Thanks for the info about CEA. I did have some blood tests as part of the diagnosis but there was no mention of the results, other than that I was distinctly lacking in red blood cells. Perhaps the GP was tying not to alarm me before having a more positive diagnosis via endoscopy and CT scans.

      Whatever his reasons, I did go into the later stages of tests with, perhaps, a more positive approach than if I was suspecting the threat of cancer. Maybe there are occasions when it is better not to be made apprehensive!

      I hope your tests come back with results that lead to finding out what treatment you need and that it is not as serious as you might fear. My own approach was to avoid the "why me?" attitude and try to keep positive - almost treating the whole thing as some sort of celestial joke! It did help because all those around me felt able to discuss the subject without having to worry about whether they were going to upset me - if I was joking about it then so could they.

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