HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - passed my check-up

kari · 01-21-2007, 11:54 AM

Mel,
Thank you for the information you posted regarding tumour markers. It was a most timely post, since I have been asking myself whether or not I should be having my markers checked.
I recently completed a year of IDC treatment--AC & Taxol chemo, 25 rads and started Herceptin and Tamoxifen last Nov. So I have been wondering if the markers are good prognostic indicators in early stage BC, or if they are predict/detect recurrence? I also wonder if they would be relevant without a baseline, as I haven't had them measured pre-op or pre-treatment. I see my onc next week for a three month follow-up and will ask her these questions. Other than checking the markers, I see no other way to monitor response to treatment (my oncs don't do routine scans, X-rays, U.S., etc, unless medically warranted. When I ask, "How do we know the treatments worked?", they reply, "When you die from something else.")
As a P.S., may I add my heartfelt condolences regarding Lisa. I have followed your posts and feel your loss. You have been a wonderful advocate for her, and have helped and supported many of us at this site--thank you. You were very blessed to have each other, and we here are blessed to know you.
Peace and hope,
Karen

01-21-2007, 11:54 AM	#7
kari Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: ontario, canada Posts: 48	Mel, Thank you for the information you posted regarding tumour markers. It was a most timely post, since I have been asking myself whether or not I should be having my markers checked. I recently completed a year of IDC treatment--AC & Taxol chemo, 25 rads and started Herceptin and Tamoxifen last Nov. So I have been wondering if the markers are good prognostic indicators in early stage BC, or if they are predict/detect recurrence? I also wonder if they would be relevant without a baseline, as I haven't had them measured pre-op or pre-treatment. I see my onc next week for a three month follow-up and will ask her these questions. Other than checking the markers, I see no other way to monitor response to treatment (my oncs don't do routine scans, X-rays, U.S., etc, unless medically warranted. When I ask, "How do we know the treatments worked?", they reply, "When you die from something else.") As a P.S., may I add my heartfelt condolences regarding Lisa. I have followed your posts and feel your loss. You have been a wonderful advocate for her, and have helped and supported many of us at this site--thank you. You were very blessed to have each other, and we here are blessed to know you. Peace and hope, Karen __________________ Karen "The Good Lord gave us mountains, so we could learn how to climb!"