Calling all TNs
Comments
-
Can someone please explain to me the CA 27.29 and the CEA test? I do not know what this is?? should I?
0 -
Can someone please explain to me the CA 27.29 and the CEA test? I do not know what this is?? should I?
0 -
Luv: It sounds like things are working for you. A gentle treatment is great news and those cancer markers in the normal range is even better.
I too don't know what the CA and CEA tests are so yes please if anyone can help out Lory and I that would be great.
0 -
I have only had the CA 27-29. It is a tumor marker blood test done specifically for bc.
Some docs do not use them as they can be erratic for some patients and not a good indicator for metastasis.Pet Scan tomorrow...just found out today. I am starving at this very moment and my daughter just made brownies. i think she is trying to kill me--HAHA
Maggie
0 -
Both tests measure certain proteins that are given off by the cancer cells. The CA27.29 test is used for breast cancer, with "normal" being below 38. The CEA is used for breast cancer, along with colon and other cancers.
Here are links:
http://breastcancer.about.com/od/diagnosis/f/cea.htm
http://breastcancer.about.com/od/tumormarkers/f/ca27-29.htm
Some oncologist don't like these tumor marker tests and don't run them at all. So it's not unusual to not have heard about them.
0 -
Hey Luv, my Onc is one of the MO's who does not go by markers. Doesn't check them..... Not for TNBC anyway. I don't know about other types of cancers.
0 -
Good morning ladies
Firstly welcome to all new comers. Great to have you with us.
Sylvia - wow 7 years, 3 months and 3 days out. That is fabulous news for all of us. You go girl.
Navy - if you are old I must be bloody ancient. Feels it as well lol.
Sandlake - have you had your oophorectomy yet. If so can you tell me what it was like.
Born - can just see you in the pink tutu with no hair lol. Don't forget to post pics.
On the PET?CT scan issue. My oncologist doesn't do a scan unless there are issues. She thinks the extra radiation is something we don't need until something shows up. I don't like waiting for tests and then the test results but I do feel as if we are just left out on a limb although I see my breast surgeon every three months. Sometimes cancer does nothing but cloud my days and I don't feel any hope and other days I can cope with my fears. Unlike other illnesses that are horrible but can be cured, this cancer and its prognosis is always going to be on my mind or at least that's what it feels like. I feel I will never be free of it and won't be able to look forward to anything 'just in case'. I feel if I get too positive thats when the other shoe will drop. Bloody awful feleing some days and hard to cope with.
Thinking of you Inmate and Hope. Sending big hugs.
Where is our Kathy ladies. I am getting withdrawal symptoms.
LUV glad the trial is going well.
Karen hope your scan goes ok. Thinking of you.
Tazzy how is the radiation going.
I've had a pain in the other boob for a little while now near my port. Can't feel anything but I'm not sure if its psychological as I am due for a mammogram on that breast soon.
Have a great day ladies. Sending lots of luv and heaps of hugs. Annie
0 -
Why does this darn thing keep printing everyones post twice all of a sudden.
0 -
Why does this darn thing keep printing everyones post twice all of a sudden.
0 -
Hey Titan where can I find the pictures of your daughters wedding??
0 -
Interesting info on the tests. Thank you to everyone that gave input. I will be asking about them, not to get them, but just to ask about them at my next onco appt. T minus 8 days till mammo.. ativan is my friend!!
Dawn and Hope.. thinking of you both..
0 -
I'm going to say my piece about tumor markers. My Dana Farber oncologist said they didn't run them unless a patient had symptoms or signs - same story about the outcome is the same whether they find mets sooner or later. Well, yes, it is true that if you have mets, you'll likely die of breast cancer. And whether they find them early or later, breast cancer will still take you down eventually. So the outcome is the same. What they don't say and no one ever talks about is whether or not finding mets while they are small allows for treatment that might buy you more time. Well, I have never had any "symptoms" of my mets - not a single one. The CA27.29 went up, that caused the onc to schedule a scan, and yup, sure enough, the lung mets were there. Would I really have preferred not to know? To wait until my lung mets gave me breathing problems? No! Logic, to me, indicates that using chemo to fight off a small tumor load is much better than fighting off a big one.
I prefer to not be blindsided by this disease. It's bad enough knowing the possibilities, it's another thing to have it sneak up on you and then find out it's too late to even put up a fight.So my advice is this, if you want to know ytumor markers, insist upon them.
0 -
I'm with you Luv, I want to know. I want every test at my disposal that will give me an early warning, good or bad. I am going to press for both markers and at least one PET scan when I am done with Chemo. I already have genetic testing scheduled (BRCA) for November.
0 -
Cocker..I posted the link like a million pages back...I will check and see if the pictures are still "up" and post the link...soon...promise
I saw my onc every 3 months for 3 years...now it is every 6 starting in November...I still see the BS every 6 months so I am going to try to make work it out to be an every 3 month visit...they are also pawning me off on the pa but I'm not thrilled about that and will be whining...going to make my onc see me whether he likes it or not...dang..I HAVE BREAST CANCER...I don't want to see anyone else but my onc who has had years of practice and schooling..it's MY life..and I'm sorry cause I know that the PA's have to learn..fine..they can learn on someone else besides me...
0 -
Luv, THanks for the information. I would rather know then wait for something to show up. Espicially since you didn't have any signs.
Mags...just noticed you live in Melbourne fl, I used to live there off Wickham road near the zoo. Stationed at Patrick, miss Melbourne, but love being home in Maine, with the fall colors.0 -
Luv, Thank you for your input. I am of the same methodology (sp). I WANT to know what is going on within my body. Are they testing, can they test. What do they mean? I have read and re-read my path report 1st and final. I want explanations not mumbo jumbo.
0 -
Luv, Thank you for your input. I am of the same methodology (sp). I WANT to know what is going on within my body. Are they testing, can they test. What do they mean? I have read and re-read my path report 1st and final. I want explanations not mumbo jumbo.
0 -
I went today for my 6 month follow up mammo and have graduated to 1 year!!!
Luv so glad that the trial is going good and easy on you! ((hugs)))
Inmate, and hope I pray you both are doing good. ((hugs))
0 -
Hi Cocker~ It is so nice to come here and discuss our fears with people who truly understand! This is a very difficult part of my life, hard to stay focused on all the good sometimes.
My hysterectomy/oopherectomy was Aug 20th. My onc/obgyn used the daVinci method, a computer guided robotic procedure a lot less invasive, faster recovery. I had very minimal abdominal pain after, I think the gas they used during surgery caused the most discomfort. I have 4 small incisions, no big deal! I am 2 years post menopause, I shouldn't experience any hormonal problems. I need to do my Kegel exercises
Enjoy your day!
0 -
ksmatthews~ Yay for your graduation! Getting back on the yearly appts is a big deal
Luv~ Thanks for the information, I didn't know the difference in the test either. Glad your trial is going well for you!
0 -
ok..try this www.snapped4u.com/galleries then click on
Williams/Welsh wedding0 -
So much good information posted here, thank you!
Luv-so glad the chemo is agreeing with you. It would be nice for all treatments to be easy on us.
Sandlake-Thank you for sharing about your hyst. I am having one in a few weeks using the same method as you had. Doc said it is a pretty easy recovery. My fingers are crossed!
It is interesting about the breast cancer ovarian cancer connection. My mom was diagnosed with both at the same time. She went in to the doctor for stomach pains and they found a lump in her breast. They started treating her for breast cancer but her stomach wasn't getting better. Well, it was because she had stage 4 ovarian cancer along with the breast cancer. I am brca 1 positive, and I am sure she was too. I don't think they had the genetic test when she was alive. 3 of my aunts had breast cancer, but no others had ovarian cancer.
I started back to school last Monday. already falling behind! I just do not concentrate like I used to! Something our instructor shared in class was lollipop.com. Totally freaky! If you have a facebook account you should check it out.
Titan-I am with you about the pa thing!
CS-you are too funny. You must have double posted on purpose:)Love it!
KS-Congrats on going to the yearly appts!
0 -
Breast cancers found to fall into four main groups, raising hope for more targeted treatments
• 'Giant step closer' to understanding genetic origins of four subtypes of breast cancer, says expert
• Research that mapped 800 breast tumours could lead to more targeted drugs
By CLAIRE BATESBreast cancer falls into four genetically distinct groups, according to the most comprehensive analysis of the disease so far.
Scientists completed the genetic mapping of 800 breast tumours. They looked at the biological details of tumours, rather than focusing primarily on where the cancer arises in the body.
Study co-author Dr Charles Perou, from the University of North Carolina, said the research was 'a near complete framework for the genetic causes of breast cancer, which will significantly impact clinical medicine in the coming years.'
The study threw up some surprising findings. It found one of the most deadly subtypes, known as 'basal-like' were more similar to ovarian tumours than other breast cancers.Screening: Around 48,000 women in the UK develop breast cancer every year. The latest research could lead to more targeted treatments
It opens the possibility for more effective treatment options that target genetic weaknesses of the tumours, perhaps using some drugs already in use.
Study co-leader Dr Matthew Ellis, from the University of Washington, said: 'With this study, we're one giant step closer to understanding the genetic origins of the four major subtypes of breast cancer.Step closer: Dr Matthew Ellis has led the search for the genetic origins of breast cancer
'Now we can investigate which drugs work best for patients based on the genetic profiles of their tumors.'
The researchers analyzed DNA of breast cancer tumors from 825 patients, looking for abnormalities. Altogether, they reported, breast cancers appear to fall into four main classes when viewed in this way.
One class showed similarities to ovarian cancers, suggesting it may be driven by similar biological developments.
'It's clear they are genetically more similar to ovarian tumors than to other breast cancers,' Dr Ellis said.
'Whether they can be treated the same way is an intriguing possibility that needs to be explored.'
Around 48,000 women in the UK develop breast cancer every year, most of whom are over 50. There is a good chance of recovery if it is detected in its early stages.
Professor Carlos Caldas, from Cancer Research UK, said: 'This comprehensive new analysis of 800 breast tumours is a welcome addition to the wealth of new information about the underlying biology of breast cancer, and will be a precious and valuable resource for cancer researchers.
'This will allow us to further refine understanding of the disease, with the ultimate aim of improving things for those who matter most - people diagnosed with breast cancer.'
Professor Caldas added that the study corroborated the findings of the Cancer Research UK-funded METABRIC study, which revealed breast cancer to be ten separate diseases.
The report is the latest from the federally Cancer Genome Atlas, and was published in the journal Nature.0 -
No go Titan wouldn't let me in to see the pics
0 -
The Smiths were unable to conceive children and decided to use a surrogate father to start their family. On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife goodbye and said, 'Well, I'm off now. The man should be here soon.'
Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale. 'Good morning, Ma'am', he said, '...I've come to...'
'Oh, no need to explain,' Mrs.. Smith cut in, embarrassed, 'I've been expecting you.'
'Have you really?' said the photographer. 'Well, that's good. Did you know babies are my specialty?'
'Well that's what my husband and I had hoped. Please come in and have a seat !.
After a moment she asked, blushing, 'Well, where do we start?'
'Leave everything to me.. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on the couch, and perhaps a couple on the bed. And sometimes the living room floor is fun. You can really spread out there.'
'Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work out for Harry and me!'
'Well, Ma'am, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results.'
'My, that's a lot!', gasped Mrs. Smith.
'Ma'am, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I'd love to be In and out in five minutes, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed with that.'
'Don't I know it,' said Mrs. Smith quietly.
The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his baby pictures. 'This was done on the top of a bus,' he said.
'Oh, my God!' Mrs. Smith exclaimed, grasping at her throat.
'And these twins turned out exceptionally well - when you consider their mother was so difficult to work with..'
'She was difficult?' asked Mrs. Smith.
'Yes, I'm afraid so. I finally had to take her to the park to get the job done right. People were crowding around four and five deep to get a good look'
'Four and five deep?' said Mrs. Smith, her eyes wide with amazement.
'Yes', the photographer replied. 'And for more than three hours, too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling - I could hardly concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush my shots. Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment, I just had to pack it all in.'
Mrs. Smith leaned forward. 'Do you mean they actually chewed on your, uh...equipment?'
'It's true, Ma'am, yes.. Well, if you're ready, I'll set-up my tripod and we can get to work right away..'
'Tripod?'
'Oh yes, Ma'am. I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's much too big to be held in the hand very long.'
Mrs.. Smith fainted
0 -
HAHAHAHAHA that is hysterical thank you Cocker for that.
hold me ladies..Pet Scan today and results next week. My onc feels as many of you have expressed. Catch the mets earlier and give yourself a chance to fight it down while it is small. I am glad she does even with the anxiety tests and procedures can give you. I get a scan every 6 months for now. I think after 2 years it will be 1 a year for a little while
Maggie
0 -
Genetic testing results day for rme today. I will let you all know what I find out.
My DH's aunt is a 15yr BC survivor and was just diagnosed with cervical/ovarian and uterin cancer and it has spread to the lining of her stomach. That's 3 Aunt's for my DH with BC as well as his grandmother and great-grandmother. But all the sisters had the genetic testing and none of them have the gene.
0 -
Inspired: You make some excellent points about routine scans for follow-up. Call me a cynic but I think the intersection of women's fears/anxieties and the medical establishment's financial interests makes fertile ground for medically unwarranted (and not entirely benign) interventions. http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/92/22/1798.full and a reference to TN in particular here and the rate of false negatives: http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/Meetings/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=55&abstractID=30702
0 -
So how would one find out if their cancer is basal-like or not? I dodn't recall it being on my path reports.
Hope and Inmate, hope you both are doing well! Congrats on the happy mammo, Titan!
0 -
Screens and tests... After my first diagnosis, my onc wanted a bone scan. I was terrified and had nightmares for weeks leading up to it. It was all clear and I was very happy to put that behind me. Then about 1.5 years after diagnosis I began having dizzy spells, balance issues. Onc ordered a brain CT, due to the obvious symptoms. I was terrified, but it was all clear. The symptoms were most likely due to severe anxiety and panic attacks.
Now this time around, with my local recurrence, everyone demanded a full body PET/CT - my onc, my rad onc, the specialist I was consulting. I was crazy with fear about this one and wouldn't do it. My counselor ended up scheduling it for me, and waiting for me the morning of to make sure I didn't skip out. They wanted it because a local recurrence vs a stage 4 diagnosis has very different treatment, and I understood that, but it was the realization of what a positive scan meant that just immobilized me. That was the longest waiting EVER but my counselor, with her secret ways, found out the good results ASAP and called me. Whew.
I will never willingly undergo a scan unless it's apparent something's really wrong. I cannot handle the stress.
0
