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lisaorock View Drop Down
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Joined: Mar 03 2011
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    Posted: Mar 06 2011 at 8:15am
Good Morning,
I have a question about tumor marker tests.  I was tested after my lumpectomy.  My pathology report showed my tumor to be 1.2 cm,margins clear,and no node involvement.  I met with my onc. where I found out I was triple negative.  He also told me my tumor marker test was high but not to be too alarmed.  He thinks it could be "my baseline".  We have not really discussed it since my masectomy in Nov. of 2010.  I am going for my last round of chemo tomorrow and I know I should be excited.  I can't help but worry about that tumor marker test.  Why was it high after my tumor was removed? Do I have cancer somwhere else in my body? I had a chest MRI before my surgery and I was clear.  I would love some advice:) Thanks!
dx 10/5/10 IDC,lumpectomy 10/19/10,right masectomy 11/4/10,triple negative,BRACCA2+,4ACDD,4,age TaxolDD,age 45,left mx,recon,ovaries and uterus removed 4/21,then possible rads
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trip2 View Drop Down
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Points: 8549 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trip2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar 06 2011 at 4:47pm
Hi,
Perhaps this will help,
 
"There are non-cancerous conditions that can cause markers to be elevated, so these must also be considered when interpreting the test results"
 
 
It might help next time you see your Onc to discuss the markers further with them or even ask your chemo nurse, I found them a wealth of info.
Stage 2 2003
Stage 1 2007
BRCA 1+
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zoomommy2 View Drop Down
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Points: 1356 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote zoomommy2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar 06 2011 at 5:02pm
Lisa,
My onc doesn't do tumor markers for breast cancer because he's found them inaccurate too often to worry patients.  It's the trend of the number that's apparently the most important.  I don't know how far after chemo oncs do tumor markers.  I wish I could get some tumor markers done just for my own reassurance.  I don't know how long after a mastectomy the numbers would stay up.  Do you still have radiation left to do?  You are BRCA2+?  Any plans for further surgery?  Best of luck with your remaining treatments.
Lee in Denver
dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda
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123Donna View Drop Down
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Points: 13510 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 123Donna Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar 06 2011 at 5:34pm
It was several months after I finished chemo that my onc did a tumor marker test (CA 27.29).  I think surgery and chemo can alter the results so some docs wait to start the test.  We'd do the tests every few months and would look at the trend more so than any specific number. 

We all feel scared as we finish treatment.  I don't know why, except we have no other adjuvant therapy available to us.  We should be happy, but there's something about not actively fighting this disease that leaves us scared.  Congratulations on finishing chemo tomorrow. 

Donna
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09)
11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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CiGi View Drop Down
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Points: 223 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CiGi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar 06 2011 at 6:03pm
I had finished chemo the last week of Sept and finished rads the first week of Jan.  My onc told me she'll do the marker tests in May when I go back.  She said she did not want to test them too soon after treatment because the numbers would still be affected by the treatments.  Which tests or what the numbers mean, will be a whole new research for me.  When I go back I'll post what tests they do. 
Age 40, 4/28/10 lumpectomy (3 cm) TNBC Grade 3 Stage 2 0/3 nodes, TAC 6x 3 week cycles start 6/15 finish 9/27, 33 rounds rads 11/22. BRCA1 & 2 neg. Lymphedema rt hand 8/14. Joint pain Dec 2010.
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