My MO doesn't do tumor markers because they aren't bc specific and she doesn't think they are accurate. Kind of feel like I am walking in a fog with no landmarks to guide me. I guess time will tell.
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carrie61 started following
User: CancerNews
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carrie61 asked a questionBreast Cancer
Does anyone have tumor marker tests every 3 months or so? My onc is a big proponent of this. I've heard both sides: it's considered aggressive by some & unecessarily upsetting (since the tests are often not conclusive & can be false positive) by others. W
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nancyjac
almost 5 years agoIt isn't really a separate or aggressive test. It can be done with other routine lab work with the same blood draw. It isn't really conclusive in and of itself, just one more bit of info to take into consideration along with everything else. I really don't see any down sides.
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carrie61
almost 5 years agoThe downside for me is two-fold: the nerve-wracking waiting period for results & more-so, the possibility that I may have to have expensive, unneeded tests as the result of a false positive.
I plan to discuss this again with my onc at my next appt in March.
Thank you all for your helpful viewpoints (:
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carrie61 posted an update
Does anyone have tumor marker tests every 3 months or so? My onc is a big proponent of this. I've heard both sides: it's considered aggressive by some & unecessarily upsetting (since the tests are often not conclusive & can be false positive) by others. What do you think?
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justbreathe
almost 5 years agoHi Carrie..We seem to have many things in common: age,bc, and single. My oncologist does blood work done on me every three months. I have had three cancer concerns since my chemo in 09. I an going through one right now. I think at some point we have to continue on in faith and be mindful of how we feel and continue to ask the doctor why do you think this test, procedure, etc,etc is necassary.
As far as the dating scene goes, it is tough enough w/o cancer. I would rather be up front with someone if I think there is some longevity to the relationship. I really don't want to go into the full cancer story every time I meet someone.
Wishing you well in health and someone special for you.
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carrie61 shared an experience
Celebration (Hair is back): Yes, hair is back. But I look back on the past year & the upcoming anniversary of my mastectomy & am grateful grateful grateful to be here.
I even have a new breast again, having undergone yet another implant surgery in September. This one took with no infection & normal healing.I am single & trying to date again. I find it somewhat delicate determining when the best to reveal my circumstances. I don't know if anyone else is in this position.
I want to live again. I want to find love. I want to truly take every day & love it for what it is & holds.
This cancer has changed me in a very positive way.1 Comment-
liverbird
over 3 years agoHi Carrie..I know exactly what you are thinking and feeling.I finished my treatment in April of this year and now that's it over I want to enjoy everyday even though I'm still trying to get back to the "normal" me. I'm single too and would love to meet someone to make me feel wanted and special but will they want me now?.....I feel like a misfit and who would want someone that's had cancer i feel like I'm a risky partner....I Good luck to you we've come this far...lets take on the world!
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carrie61 shared an experience
Drug or Chemo Therapy (Chemotherapy): I had my first chemo, cytoxin & taxotere, 2/17/11. I had an allergic reaction to the taxotere & had to be given double Benedryl, but made it through & was able to complete the 6 treatments, every 3 weeks.
My white blood cells were so low after the first chemo that I had to have massive infusions of antibiotics.
Luckily, the situation resolved itself & I didn't have to go into the hospital.Chemo is something that those who haven't been through it just can't really understand. It would "hit" on the 4th day after treatment: unbelievable weakness, flu-like symptoms (always wondered if it was the Neulasta shot??) By day 6 I was better. It could have been worse. I never experienced neurapathy, nausea, diarhea or any of the more common side effects.
Lost my hair--wore wigs & little caps. I now have a curly pixie. I am grateful for every day of "new normal"