Clarification
Hi -
I already responded on this thread, but was not very detailed.
Saw my med onc and mentioned the debate here on this test. She said that is expected as there are trials now that will collect more data on this test, as well as individuals using it to monitor stage IV.
She would not be inclined to use the test for early stage cancer at this time, as there are other tests. I did mention Kate's finding with her number still being in the "normal" range. My onc's reaction was "that's interesting as one more thing we are still trying to detemine is the cut point." From this comment I gather that the normal range as now established came from a pool of data and there is still some possibility for the range to adjust. (Unless she was meaning by "cut point" WHO should have the test ...)
She said that in a year from now there should be a lot more info available and data crunched. That would be the time to look for more with which to arm yourselves in asking for this test if not a stage IV patient, and your onc is reluctant at this stage.
P.S. My numbers have been in the 7.9 to 8.9 range. My other markers (CEA, C-125 and CA27-29) are steady as can be. The ovarian marker is taken since once we have one cancer we are at a higher risk for others.
__________________
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau
Live in the moment.
MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~
Found suspicious lump 9/2000
Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement
Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR -
Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds
36 rads - very little burning
3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum
Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED!
2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa
Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18
All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET
Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying
Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa
Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?)
2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava
2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec.
Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011
STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer
7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones
Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED
2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED.
Same news for 2016 and all of 2017.
Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.
Last edited by StephN; 07-19-2007 at 12:01 AM..
Reason: additional thoughts
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