Patient Comments: CA 125 - Testing Experience
What was the outcome of your CA125 blood test?
Comment from: Dee, 55-64 Female (Patient)
Published: March 16
With my first test the CA 125 level was 111; in the second test a few weeks later, it was 122. The third test about a month later was 148. I had been hospitalized for blood clots in both legs and a hematologist was consulted. I know that abnormal levels do not necessarily indicate cancer. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Helen M., 65-74 Female (Patient)
Published: January 28
I had an ovarian (left adnexal) mass. The CA-125 test reported 14. Medicare refused to pay for this test on the grounds that it is not a good screening test for ovarian cancer; unfortunately I did not know this policy when I had the test administered! Subsequently, the tumor was removed and found to be benign. The physician who had the test done refused to make any representation to Medicare as to why he ordered the test (I assume knowing that Medicare would not pay). Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Elaine, 55-64 Female (Patient)
Published: January 19
I am 67 years old and had no symptoms. I went to GYN doctor for a regular check up and she felt a mass in my abdomen and ordered additional testing of which revealed ovarian cancer. I could not believe it as I had had my ovaries removed 5 years before. However, she explained that ovarian cancer usually attacks the lining of the ovaries and the lining is not removed when your ovaries are removed. She immediately referred me to a GYN/oncologist in Charleston and surgery was performed on Sept 15/2010. I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancers and have had my 5th chemotherapy and only have one more to go. My original CA125 was 186 but as of this week is 16.5. My HE4 is also with in a normal range and I am praising the Lord because I had several enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen and my chances of survival were only 30 to 50%. However, as of today, my chances have increased to 50 to 60%. I know it is not over but I am keeping the faith and hope you will pray for me.My chances havd increased to 50 to 60%. I know it is not over but I am keeping the faith and hope you will pray for me. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: tracyhawk74@yahoo.co, 25-34 Female (Patient)
Published: August 10
At age 32 in summer of 09 I started having really bad cramps when on my menstrual period. I went the emergency room several times but they always told me nothing life threatening. In October 09 my finance took me to another local emergency room where they did a CT scan of my abdominal where they found a very large cyst on my left ovary. They then referred me to an oncologist OBGYN my CA 125 level only being 24 they did not believe it to be cancer but wanted to remove my ovary and have it tested it tested to be stage 1c cancer did chemo right away and now am in remission with a ca125 of 10 thank god it was only stage 1 and fiancé for forcing me to go to another hospital. Please if you feel something is not right get it checked until they find an answer we know our bodies and don't just stop at one place if you feel more is wrong than what they tell you. Was this comment helpful?Yes
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Ca 125 - Results
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Please be careful of this blood test only! My CA 125 test was over 600, but read on! I had what I thought was a urinary tract infection. My doctor sent me on the fast track for surgery - with this blood test. The first result was over 600, and he said I had ovarian cancer, Stage 4, and needed a complete hysterectomy within 24 hours. They also wanted to take samples of lymph nodes. An ultrasound showed a cyst on one of my ovaries. I was young, and wanted more children. We requested a second opinion. They told me I didn't have time - it was November, and I'd be dead by Spring. My husband and I insisted. I was sent to a women's hospital in our closest major city. The doctors there confirmed their results and scheduled me for surgery in FEB. I requested the blood test be repeated. They examined me and said they felt the cyst and I definitely needed the hysterectomy. HERE'S THE AMAZING CATCH: The specialists in the city hospital EXAMINED THE WRONG SIDE OF ME (THE WRONG OVARY) - and YET THEY STILL FOUND A CYST! They still insisted I needed surgery. We stuck to our request to have the blood test repeated. The second test dropped from over 600 down to 59. I had it repeated again in four weeks - the third test was down to 40. I NEVER HAD THE SURGERY - I AM HEALTHY, HAPPY - AND I AM STILL WHOLE. IT WAS JUST A URINARY TRACT INFECTION CURED BY ANTIBIOTICS, AND SOME CONSTIPATION CURED BY METAMUCIL. SO DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE FEAR FACTOR - USE YOUR HEAD, GET A SECOND OPINION, AND REMEMBER GOD IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN! Watch out for that CA-125 Test - you can't count on it to be reliable for a cancer test. Get your tests repeated - it's DEFINITELY worth it!!!