I'm Going To Washington DC
 

at he invitation of AdvaMed, who is hosting a conference for the Medical technology industry. I will be serving on a panel discussing the value, benefits and future of sophisticated technologies that enable breast health care such as the HER2 Serum (ELISA) test.

I need coments on this particular test and suggestions on other tests that you feel should be developed to benefit women with HER2 breast cancer.

The panel will convene on October 1st.

I am honored to be selected for this panel as a patient advocate representing your interests so your input is valuable.

Hugs
Christine

Christine,

My oncologist has been giving me the HER2 Serum test every 12 weeks since it was FDA approved for advanced breast cancer. My tumor marker tests were never reliable. At dignosis of Stage IIIc my tumor marker was 15.3. It went as high as 30.1 during A/C treatment and then dropped back down to 15.1 where it is has has been since.

I feel that if it weren't for the HER2 Serum test I still would not know that I had lung mets. My baseline before starting Herceptin was 10.1. While on Herceptin it gradually decreased until it got to 6.3 where it stayed. Late June of this year when I had the HER2 serum test done it was up to9.5. My oncologist wasn't concerned since it was still below the normal of 15. I told her I didn't like that it went up so quick after stopping Herceptin (end of April). I was due for my annual brain MRI and she also ordered a CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Low and behold we found lung mets -- numberous nodules in both lungs but none larger than 1cm. Also found a 5mm brain nodule. If it weren't for the HER2 serum test my mets would have gone undected until such time as I developed symptoms.

Oh My Dear Dear Christine
 

Have I told you lately how much I appreciate all that you both do to help advocate for breast cancer?? Not only on your plight to conquer this disease for your own journey, but the gentle means you take to conquer it all for others. You happen to be one of my favorite heros Christine, you are an Angel in your own right. Each day that I come here for support or laughter I take a moment to cherish you. Without your passion to help others on this journey, we would not be here at all.

I do not have a response for your question. The only advocacy I deem important enough to fix right now is the Male Breast Cancer Statistics. Wherever I look they are WRONG!! Maybe at some seminar some other time you could talk to people of importance to update their numbers. After all, awareness is the key and these numbers are starting to be off by over 630 men. May not sound like a large number of men but in that WRONG number is my husband!! Again, I just want these agencies of importance to update the numbers yearly, it is 2007, not 1994!!

Sorry for the ranting just my passion coming out Darling!! LOL! I hope you have a great time. Go Get 'em For Us Christine!! Sending Love, Prayers and Positive Energy!!>>Believe51

Three cheers for you (and us) that you were chosen for this! We are so lucky.

Christine,
Thank you for the endless gifts you give to us.

Hugs,
Jean

Christine,
We are so proud of you! Thank you for another example of how you support us. I am so thankful for this site.
THANK YOU
Donna

Hi Christine,

I monitored my Her2 serum since I was first put on Herceptin. And it was always in the range of 6 to 8 but just before my last cycle and just after stopping Herceptin it jumped from 10.1 to 13.5 and by the time I got my scans it was 21.4. I am currently on Navelbine and Herceptin for my recurrence to chest nodes and monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment with serum test. Hope this helps.

Thanks,
Julie

New blood tests
 

Dear Christine -
Being treated at a university/research facility I know a number of new tests are in recearch and development.

I have used the HER2 serum test and my med onc believes that it is a valuable tool for many of us with aggressive disease profiles.

Keratin 19 is another blood component that is being researched as a test for breast cancer (University of Washington Hematology). I have been participating in this research here for several years. I think a preliminary result was presented at ASCO this year.

You can add this one to the recommendations.

I can't help myself...I have to ECHO what Becky said. Yeah for you...and we are so lucky that you were choosen for this. At least we know they are only inviting the best of the best! I'm so glad your going to be attending...thank you so much.

Chelee

Christine
I have nothing to add because I do not know enough, but am learning
from everyone here. I am go glad you are going and thank you and Joe
for keeping all the information coming. I do think my Dr. thinks I want his job because I know much much more now!!!!
patb

You are our first lady and the best one.