Marker test
My friend is going through the same thing.A place was found 6 months ago.Watching it and now she is getting all kinds of tests.They took 11 pics of her breast.OMG 4 was enough for me.This last mammo hurt more than any I've had.
I had blood work in April but not the marker test.My oncologist told me she would orfer one if I ever felt I needed it.She said non invasinve DCIS they are usually not given.From now on I am getting the test.Reliable or not??? And if it makes me nervous or not I will get it.
Lynn Smith
Comments
-
Probably not a bad idea for
Probably not a bad idea for peace of mind. I just saw my MO today and she started me on Tamoxifen today. She told me my blood work was fabulous and my markers were clean. My breast surgeon said I had clean markers during surgery too. So with clean markers today, she won't be testing me for them in the future unless I have issues.
I really need to do more research on this topic as I too am not sure how reliable they are. But I guess for me at least now, my cancer in non invasive and I'm okay with that.
Best wishes,
Lorrie0 -
Non invasivebutterflylvr said:Probably not a bad idea for
Probably not a bad idea for peace of mind. I just saw my MO today and she started me on Tamoxifen today. She told me my blood work was fabulous and my markers were clean. My breast surgeon said I had clean markers during surgery too. So with clean markers today, she won't be testing me for them in the future unless I have issues.
I really need to do more research on this topic as I too am not sure how reliable they are. But I guess for me at least now, my cancer in non invasive and I'm okay with that.
Best wishes,
Lorrie
My cancer is non invasive too. I don't think I could get a better report.No chemo or radiation.Margins clear and tumor 1/2 centimeter but now I have something.Who knows what? Yes my doctors said no need for a marker test BUT If I wanted one they would do it.Now is the time for some peace of mind.
For the marker test.I have one friend who has been getting it for 16 years.No problems.A 16 year survivor so I guess it worked for her.But on the other hand another friend who is a 7 year survivor had a false test.It did cause alot of worries.Nothing found but marker test said something was amiss. She had a X ray that said nothing was wrong but marker test said something was.Problem was she had to wait months to get a X ray since insurance only paid for it once in a period of time.
I am 2 years into this battle and have had 1 benign tumor was found as they were prepping me for my lumpectomy on the same cancerous breast.Then 3 weeks later the sugery to check margins I found another benign tumor 2 days before that surgery.Now this.80% chance it is benign but like all of us we had the beast once and know we can get it again.
I just had to call one of my other doctors.My report was sent to the breast surgeon but he hasn't sent a order to the Breast Center for me to get a biopsy.I have been calling all my drs to send one after I found out any doctor can do a order.I am UPSET. Sometimes doctors are to busy or is it the staff???
Lynn Smith0 -
Hi Lynn -- I just wanted to
Hi Lynn -- I just wanted to wish you good luck with everything.
I had posted a question about this test, but like you, I am getting it! I think its best to get all the tools we can to fight this beast, than not to.
Please keep us posted on everything.0 -
My oncologist doesn't dobutterflylvr said:Probably not a bad idea for
Probably not a bad idea for peace of mind. I just saw my MO today and she started me on Tamoxifen today. She told me my blood work was fabulous and my markers were clean. My breast surgeon said I had clean markers during surgery too. So with clean markers today, she won't be testing me for them in the future unless I have issues.
I really need to do more research on this topic as I too am not sure how reliable they are. But I guess for me at least now, my cancer in non invasive and I'm okay with that.
Best wishes,
Lorrie
My oncologist doesn't do them as he feels they are unreliable. I think some oncologist's believe strongly in them and some like mine don't.
I actually don't know that much about them.
Hugs, Kylez0 -
My doctorsLoveBabyJesus said:Hi Lynn -- I just wanted to
Hi Lynn -- I just wanted to wish you good luck with everything.
I had posted a question about this test, but like you, I am getting it! I think its best to get all the tools we can to fight this beast, than not to.
Please keep us posted on everything.
My oncologist said I didn't need one with my non invasive dx.My breast surgeon said they are just a worry.But when I got my mammo last week and something was found I want the test. My oncologist ordered it.I will know the results before I get my excisional biopsy(after being a pain and wanting a biopsy very soon my breast surgeon wants to do a excisioal biopsy.The tumor is very a small like the last one(malignant)Then a ultra sound biopsy was done. My surgeon wondered if right tissue would be taken. This time it will all come out.The tissue, the tumor and any thing else that might be unsual looking. I will be talking to my breast surgeon in a couple weeks.Of course I read up on it and I'm satisfied. This time I wont get the needle biopsy and then turn around and get the lumpectomy.
The waiting to get a biopsy can get on your last nerve. When I started getting benign tumors at age 20 I was in the hospital in 2 days.Now all is done in about 2 months unless a fast growing cancer like a friend of mine was dx with.She had it all done in 2 weeks.
If I start getting these tests and they are off I will stop getting them.
Lynn Smith0 -
Sorry, stupid newbieLynn Smith said:My doctors
My oncologist said I didn't need one with my non invasive dx.My breast surgeon said they are just a worry.But when I got my mammo last week and something was found I want the test. My oncologist ordered it.I will know the results before I get my excisional biopsy(after being a pain and wanting a biopsy very soon my breast surgeon wants to do a excisioal biopsy.The tumor is very a small like the last one(malignant)Then a ultra sound biopsy was done. My surgeon wondered if right tissue would be taken. This time it will all come out.The tissue, the tumor and any thing else that might be unsual looking. I will be talking to my breast surgeon in a couple weeks.Of course I read up on it and I'm satisfied. This time I wont get the needle biopsy and then turn around and get the lumpectomy.
The waiting to get a biopsy can get on your last nerve. When I started getting benign tumors at age 20 I was in the hospital in 2 days.Now all is done in about 2 months unless a fast growing cancer like a friend of mine was dx with.She had it all done in 2 weeks.
If I start getting these tests and they are off I will stop getting them.
Lynn Smith
Sorry, stupid newbie question... whats a marker test?0 -
Hey,serenity92 said:Sorry, stupid newbie
Sorry, stupid newbie question... whats a marker test?
Don't ever feel any question is stupid. Your question is a very good one matter of fact and until recently I didn't know the answer myself. I found this on Breastcancer.org
Your doctor may order blood tests for cancer/tumor markers to detect cancer activity in the body. Proteins and circulating tumor cells are two types of markers that can be measured. A cancer tumor often produces a specific protein in the blood that serves as a marker for the cancer. Circulating tumor cells are cells that break off from the cancer and move into the blood stream. Protein markers and circulating tumor cells can be measured with simple blood tests.
Hugs,
Lorrie0 -
Lynn .. Best of luck in getting what you WANT!butterflylvr said:Hey,
Don't ever feel any question is stupid. Your question is a very good one matter of fact and until recently I didn't know the answer myself. I found this on Breastcancer.org
Your doctor may order blood tests for cancer/tumor markers to detect cancer activity in the body. Proteins and circulating tumor cells are two types of markers that can be measured. A cancer tumor often produces a specific protein in the blood that serves as a marker for the cancer. Circulating tumor cells are cells that break off from the cancer and move into the blood stream. Protein markers and circulating tumor cells can be measured with simple blood tests.
Hugs,
Lorrie
This is your body, your life, your diagnosis. You need answers - as this is not your first go around with breast cancer.
Do what is best for you and your health, even if that mean changing Physicians. My suggestion, please check for a 'Breast Cancer Specialist', and see him or her before moving forward.
Strength, Courage and Hope
Vicki Sam0 -
Serenity92VickiSam said:Lynn .. Best of luck in getting what you WANT!
This is your body, your life, your diagnosis. You need answers - as this is not your first go around with breast cancer.
Do what is best for you and your health, even if that mean changing Physicians. My suggestion, please check for a 'Breast Cancer Specialist', and see him or her before moving forward.
Strength, Courage and Hope
Vicki Sam
Don't worry I never heard of the test till my friend(a 16 year survivor)told me.She gets one every year. Then I asked my oncologist if the blood work she does at my appt is a marker test.She said no.I didn't need one with non invasive cancer.But she would order it if I want it.So it was another survivor(my friend) who informed me on what the test was.
Don't be afraid to ask.There are still things I read on the Board I haven't a clue about.We learn from one another. That is what the Board is for.
Lynn Smith0 -
DCIS - please read
I was diagnosed with DCIS in one breast and decided to have a double mastectomy as a precaution to getting breast cancer again. I had expanders and then implants. Now ten years later, I found a small node under my left arm which was removed two days later and found to be malignant. They also removed 15 other lymph nodes that were all clear.
I am HER2, Estrogen/Progesterone positive and doing A/C chemo at this time. I have had two treatments and have two more to go before starting T/H. No serious side effects at this time. My hair on my head started falling out after 13 days and I am almost bald. But the strangest thing is that my hair has stopped falling out and I actually have new growth on my head. I have not lost my eyebrows or eyelashes or the hair on my legs (which I would have welcomed). Has anyone else experienced this on A/C? I don't know what T/H will bring but would be happy if I could just keep my eyebrows and eyelashes.
The main reason for writing this is this: Please don't ever think that just because you have DCIS and have a double mastectomy that your worries are over. Be sure and have your doctors do an ultra sound of your chest wall on a regular basis!!! I can't stress this enough. All scans have been clear and I feel very fortunate!!0 -
DCIS - please read
I was diagnosed with DCIS in one breast and decided to have a double mastectomy as a precaution to getting breast cancer again. I had expanders and then implants. Now ten years later, I found a small node under my left arm which was removed two days later and found to be malignant. They also removed 15 other lymph nodes that were all clear.
I am HER2, Estrogen/Progesterone positive and doing A/C chemo at this time. I have had two treatments and have two more to go before starting T/H. No serious side effects at this time. My hair on my head started falling out after 13 days and I am almost bald. But the strangest thing is that my hair has stopped falling out and I actually have new growth on my head. I have not lost my eyebrows or eyelashes or the hair on my legs (which I would have welcomed). Has anyone else experienced this on A/C? I don't know what T/H will bring but would be happy if I could just keep my eyebrows and eyelashes.
The main reason for writing this is this: Please don't ever think that just because you have DCIS and have a double mastectomy that your worries are over. Be sure and have your doctors do an ultra sound of your chest wall on a regular basis!!! I can't stress this enough. All scans have been clear and I feel very fortunate!!0 -
DCIS - please read
I was diagnosed with DCIS in one breast and decided to have a double mastectomy as a precaution to getting breast cancer again. I had expanders and then implants. Now ten years later, I found a small node under my left arm which was removed two days later and found to be malignant. They also removed 15 other lymph nodes that were all clear.
I am HER2, Estrogen/Progesterone positive and doing A/C chemo at this time. I have had two treatments and have two more to go before starting T/H. No serious side effects at this time. My hair on my head started falling out after 13 days and I am almost bald. But the strangest thing is that my hair has stopped falling out and I actually have new growth on my head. I have not lost my eyebrows or eyelashes or the hair on my legs (which I would have welcomed). Has anyone else experienced this on A/C? I don't know what T/H will bring but would be happy if I could just keep my eyebrows and eyelashes.
The main reason for writing this is this: Please don't ever think that just because you have DCIS and have a double mastectomy that your worries are over. Be sure and have your doctors do an ultra sound of your chest wall on a regular basis!!! I can't stress this enough. All scans have been clear and I feel very fortunate!!0 -
DCIS - please read
In 2001, I was diagnosed with DCIS in one breast and decided to have a double mastectomy as a precaution to getting breast cancer again. I had expanders and then implants. Now ten years later, I found a small node under my left arm which was removed two days later and found to be malignant. They also removed 15 other lymph nodes that were all clear.
I am HER2, Estrogen/Progesterone positive and doing A/C chemo at this time. I have had two treatments and have two more to go before starting T/H. No serious side effects at this time. My hair on my head started falling out after 13 days and I am almost bald. But the strangest thing is that my hair has stopped falling out and I actually have new growth on my head. I have not lost my eyebrows or eyelashes or the hair on my legs (which I would have welcomed). Has anyone else experienced this on A/C? I don't know what T/H will bring but would be happy if I could just keep my eyebrows and eyelashes.
The main reason for writing this is this: Please don't ever think that just because you have DCIS and have a double mastectomy that your worries are over. Be sure and have your doctors do an ultra sound of your chest wall on a regular basis!!! I can't stress this enough. All scans have been clear and I feel very fortunate!!0 -
Lorrie is right, no questionbutterflylvr said:Hey,
Don't ever feel any question is stupid. Your question is a very good one matter of fact and until recently I didn't know the answer myself. I found this on Breastcancer.org
Your doctor may order blood tests for cancer/tumor markers to detect cancer activity in the body. Proteins and circulating tumor cells are two types of markers that can be measured. A cancer tumor often produces a specific protein in the blood that serves as a marker for the cancer. Circulating tumor cells are cells that break off from the cancer and move into the blood stream. Protein markers and circulating tumor cells can be measured with simple blood tests.
Hugs,
Lorrie
Lorrie is right, no question is stupid. I didn't know until I read about it on here as my oncologist doesn't do them either.
Jan0 -
Tumor marker tests...sudawilson said:DCIS - please read
In 2001, I was diagnosed with DCIS in one breast and decided to have a double mastectomy as a precaution to getting breast cancer again. I had expanders and then implants. Now ten years later, I found a small node under my left arm which was removed two days later and found to be malignant. They also removed 15 other lymph nodes that were all clear.
I am HER2, Estrogen/Progesterone positive and doing A/C chemo at this time. I have had two treatments and have two more to go before starting T/H. No serious side effects at this time. My hair on my head started falling out after 13 days and I am almost bald. But the strangest thing is that my hair has stopped falling out and I actually have new growth on my head. I have not lost my eyebrows or eyelashes or the hair on my legs (which I would have welcomed). Has anyone else experienced this on A/C? I don't know what T/H will bring but would be happy if I could just keep my eyebrows and eyelashes.
The main reason for writing this is this: Please don't ever think that just because you have DCIS and have a double mastectomy that your worries are over. Be sure and have your doctors do an ultra sound of your chest wall on a regular basis!!! I can't stress this enough. All scans have been clear and I feel very fortunate!!
Mine were ALWAYS normal until I found a lump above my clavicle...just 2 years from original dx....blood work showed my numbers went from 35 to 55...it's back... My oncologist states that the test isn't the 'best indicator" but it's better than nothing! Yes, it can give false positives and false negatives...but I am glad it's available....
Nancy0 -
Marker testMAJW said:Tumor marker tests...
Mine were ALWAYS normal until I found a lump above my clavicle...just 2 years from original dx....blood work showed my numbers went from 35 to 55...it's back... My oncologist states that the test isn't the 'best indicator" but it's better than nothing! Yes, it can give false positives and false negatives...but I am glad it's available....
Nancy
I had my first one on Monday.Haven't heard anything. Should I wait till first of week or should the results be to the doctor by now??? You know how we hate to wait. But don't want to be to quick to call.
This was done only because I requested it.In the last 2 years I wasn't given one unless I would asked.
Is no new good news or will they let you know one way or another????Probably all offices are different.
Lynn Smith0 -
MAJWLynn Smith said:Marker test
I had my first one on Monday.Haven't heard anything. Should I wait till first of week or should the results be to the doctor by now??? You know how we hate to wait. But don't want to be to quick to call.
This was done only because I requested it.In the last 2 years I wasn't given one unless I would asked.
Is no new good news or will they let you know one way or another????Probably all offices are different.
Lynn Smith
Kinda what I am going through now.DX 2 years ago now a lumpectomy/biopsy soon.
Just when you think life's good something happens. Honestly I believe all of our lives will have these ups and downs from now on.It's the not knowing that is such a worry.
I was so wanting to dance with NED but my bubble burst. I don't have the tests done yet. Maybe I will get to dance??????
Hope things are good for you now.
Lynn Smith0 -
Thanks for the informationsudawilson said:DCIS - please read
In 2001, I was diagnosed with DCIS in one breast and decided to have a double mastectomy as a precaution to getting breast cancer again. I had expanders and then implants. Now ten years later, I found a small node under my left arm which was removed two days later and found to be malignant. They also removed 15 other lymph nodes that were all clear.
I am HER2, Estrogen/Progesterone positive and doing A/C chemo at this time. I have had two treatments and have two more to go before starting T/H. No serious side effects at this time. My hair on my head started falling out after 13 days and I am almost bald. But the strangest thing is that my hair has stopped falling out and I actually have new growth on my head. I have not lost my eyebrows or eyelashes or the hair on my legs (which I would have welcomed). Has anyone else experienced this on A/C? I don't know what T/H will bring but would be happy if I could just keep my eyebrows and eyelashes.
The main reason for writing this is this: Please don't ever think that just because you have DCIS and have a double mastectomy that your worries are over. Be sure and have your doctors do an ultra sound of your chest wall on a regular basis!!! I can't stress this enough. All scans have been clear and I feel very fortunate!!
Thanks for the information sudawilson.0
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