The Need to Keep your Records & Tissue Samples

[Joe]

It is very important that you ask for and retain copies of all your test results and reports and keep them in a safe place. They will be invaluable should you wish to get a second opinion, move or change oncologists.

More importantly, ask for the tissue samples from the pathology department that did your original report. These samples are encased in parrafin blocks and will be invaluable for you in the future should new drugs and/or treatments become available. They may have to go back and retest these samples to determine if you are eligable. Store them in a safe place.

Many hospitals discard these samples after a few years although in some states, such as California, state law requires hospitals to save them for 5 years.

Warmest Regards
Joe