My husband (age 48) was diagnosed in April 2011 with stage 3 Duodenal cancer.  He had a whipple done and had 8 our of 18 lymph nodes infected.  He just finished his last (8) round of oxilplatin and xeloda.  In July his CEa level was 1.7 last week his CEa level was 7.0.  We have scans tomorrow.  The doctor says that the chemo could cause a rise in Cea-I am so nervous.  He seems fine.  He does have hemorroids.  Could that also cause a rise?
Hi, Thanks for writing in. Chemotherapy medicines are Chat Doctor.  These are powerful medicines and affect the cancer cells preventing them from multiplying. They act on the cell cycle and affect its growth. They also cause cancer cells to release toxins to the circulation. Side effects of chemotherapy includes predisposition to infections, liver and kidney dysfunction, loss of hair, generalized weakness. Loss of appetite, anemia, increased release of toxins in blood causing rise in CEA is also seen. Please do not worry as if he can tolerate the first 4 cycles of chemotherapy then the rest of treatment will be without many side effects. Please do not worry.