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Stage 3C HGSC, platinum-resistant with early recurrence after first-line treatment (was NED for 3 months). On weekly Paclitaxel + bi-weekly Bevacizumab since Aug 27, 2025.

I did skip Paclitaxel + Beva on Nov 19, Paclitaxel on Dec 24, and Beva only on Dec 31 due to port placement and clot risk. Normal schedule resumed Jan 7.

CT scan Dec 22 showed slight improvement compared to Oct 14.

Port placed Dec 30, 2025

CA-125:

Dec 30 (pre-surgery): 18.8

Jan 6: 22.4

Jan 28: 51.6

I initially thought the rise might be port-related inflammation, but it’s been a month now and the increase feels significant while still on treatment.

Has anyone else had a CA-125 rise like this after port placement or after skipping a few treatments while on chemo/Beva? Did it turn out to be inflammation or progression?

Hi @Cole 

I can't speak to having anything "port" related however I did have a rise in my CA-125 when I had a chest infection. It's a measure so sensitive to any inflammation elsewhere in your body that it can be frustrating when it rises. Were you able to speak to your medical team for any information? Normally they'd be looking for other markers in your labs.

#Treatmentandsideeffects

I did speak with my medical team. The nurse wasn't overly concerned since this is the first elevated CA-125, and she explained that it can be very sensitive to inflammation. She mentioned it could be related to my recent port surgery. We had also flown home from Punta Cana on Tuesday, after an unusually long 16 hour travel day due to a flight delay. We didn't get home until 1:15 a.m., and I had my bloodwork done Wednesday morning. I'm not sure if that makes a difference, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed 🤞🏻 I'm having my CA-125 rechecked on Tuesday, and I already have a CT booked for February 20th. My December 22 CT showed no progression.

@Cole glad you were able to speak with your medical team. Hopefully the CA-125 on Tuesday will yield positive news and it's always good to have the CT planned which my oncologist has always said is the 'gold standard'. Please keep us posted.

#Supportandencouragement

I'm glad I was able to speak with my medical team too. Hopefully Tuesday's CA-125 is reassuring. I do get CT scans every two months, Although it's always so stressful when it's chronic cancer. I'll keep you posted  💛 Thanks for the support 🩵

@Cole I hope your upcoming labs show no more rise and the chemo is working.  So glad you got away to Punta Cana, hope you had a great time!🩵🤞💪

Thank you so much. I really hope the labs look good too 🤞🏻 The trip to Punta Cana was amazing, definitely a nice break and much needed vacation 🩵

What other markers do they look at? I have my bloodwork report. I would be interested. Thanks

Hi @Cole I think that question was for me. I did use the term "markers" however I was referring to all the items they review in our bloodwork such as White Blood Count (WBC), Red Blood Count (RBC), Neutrophils, Sodium, Creatinine Serum etc. For me, it's a list of 14+ items along with the CA-125, that are reviewed at each of my check ins. I'm on Lynparza so they are also looking at kidney & liver functionality etc. so there may be a few items they are checking that aren't 'standard'. 

Hope that helps and sorry if I confused with the term "markers".

#Treatmentandsideeffects

Thanks. I do get CBC and Chemistry panel the day prior to weekly Paclitaxel and bi weekly urinalysis for Avastin. 

I had CA-125 done twice since. Feb 3 64.9 and today, Feb 19 83.7. My CT Scan is tomorrow. 🙏 

Hi @Cole ... good luck with the CT today. Hopefully it will provide some answers as to what might be going on. I know this is extremely stressful. Sending you a huge hug. 

#Supportandencouragement 

Thank you 😊 

I received the results of my CT Scan this morning. I have 2 enlarged lymph nodes, one in my upper abdomen in the celiac trunk and one in the lower pelvis in the right iliac measuring 13 mm and 15 mm. There's a small amount of ascites near the liver. Slight progression. I'm feeling pretty anxious. My Oncologist is away today. 

Hi @Cole well I'm glad you have some answers as to what is going on however I'm sorry to hear that there's been progression. I'm glad however that it's only slight progression. Have you had a chance to see your oncologist regarding a plan? I'm wondering if surgery is an option. I have no idea how they determine surgery vs. target radiation vs. chemo etc. I hope you'll get the answers and a plan in place soon. Sending big hugs your way. I can only imagine the level of anxiety. Stay strong. There are lots of people behind you I know, especially from this site. 🩵

@Cole, thinking of you, I hope the ct scan remains clear.👊🙏🏻🩵🤞

Thank you so much 😊 I'm having scanxiety 😩 but keeping busy!!