Tumor Marker
I have been diagnosed with BC. Had a double mastectomy. I dont think I have had any blood tests done such as CA153 or CA27.29. Should I be asking the DR to do some blood tests? Can my GP refer for these tests?
Forum Discussion
My tumor markers were completely normal when I was diagnosed. However I have a friend who has secondary breast cancer and her markers are used quite a lot to determine the extent of her disease. I think they use them together with her scans to determine how ell her chemo is working. Hope this helps. Paula
My understanding is that tumor markers for breast cancer aren't very specific. So it's possible to have high levels that don't mean anything sinister and normal levels even when there is disease. My oncologist feels they don't provide any useful information and are just another thing to obsess over. You can rightly request them though as a baseline.
So much to take in isn't it.
Anna
- I am feeling fine with Tamoxifen.I have been on it for about almost 4 months now.For me it is just like taking a Panadol every day! I know that some ladies find different things with it,and I think that you just have to start,and see how you go.There are plenty of ladies on here that I know of,who don't have a problem.Try to stay fit and healthy,exercise every day,as I am SURE that this makes a big difference to our body's ability to cope with new medication in general.All the best xoxRobyn
- thankyou. its funny. the more I read the more I get confused. I was recommended not to have chemo but take tamoxifan. I am worried about the side affects and weighing up benefits to risks. how r u felling with it?
- thankyou. its funny. the more I read the more I get confused. I was recommended not to have chemo but take tamoxifan. I am worried about the side affects and weighing up benefits to risks. how r u felling with it?
- I also had a mastectomy,but it is my understanding that you would only have those type of blood tests if you had an advanced cancer or metastatic cancer.In early breast cancer,you have your pathology results that are done after surgery,and the results from those tests are what your treatment is based on.Try to be guided by your surgeon and oncologist,as they are the ones that know the best for you.I had a mastectomy,followed by chemo.I am on Tamoxifen now,and I feel very well.Stay on this blog,and let us know how you are.Take care.xoxRobyn
- I also had a mastectomy,but it is my understanding that you would only have those type of blood tests if you had an advanced cancer or metastatic cancer.In early breast cancer,you have your pathology results that are done after surgery,and the results from those tests are what your treatment is based on.Try to be guided by your surgeon and oncologist,as they are the ones that know the best for you.I had a mastectomy,followed by chemo.I am on Tamoxifen now,and I feel very well.Stay on this blog,and let us know how you are.Take care.xoxRobyn
