CEA number rising [View all]

I'm a mCRC stage 4 patient with all tumors removed and there is no recurrence 1-1/2 yrs. after surgery. When I first started chemo after surgery, my CEA was around 3, which is normal. Since then it's risen gradually until now it's over 6. I am 9 mos. past the end of chemo. How important is the CEA number? My doc has ordered another blood test to re-analyze CEA but I'm worried. Does anyone have experience with this?