HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - how do we find distant metastases from breast cancer

vlcarr · 06-07-2010, 09:18 PM

I do understand totally where you are coming from. My doctor does the same thing as your wife's and she also doesn't do tumor markers. I have one herceptin left and will see my doctor for the last time on that day as well. She said I would see her every 3 to 4 months after that and tests are based on symptoms that last more than 2 weeks.

I will be asking more questions about this at my last visit. I'm not sure if there is any blood work done but I think I remember her saying there would be some. We specifically discussed tumor makers and she said they (which I assume meant not just her but all the BC doctors) did not use them as they are not reliable.

Becky, I'm sure this is part of adjusting to my new normal but it does seem so scary. I have a friend who was treated at a different hospital here, and they don't do any tests either.

I'm so looking forward to treatment being over, but scared at the same time which I've read is "normal" now. However, like Becky said, I hope it gets easier with time.

06-07-2010, 09:18 PM	#3
vlcarr Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 343	Re: how do we find distant metastases from breast cancer I do understand totally where you are coming from. My doctor does the same thing as your wife's and she also doesn't do tumor markers. I have one herceptin left and will see my doctor for the last time on that day as well. She said I would see her every 3 to 4 months after that and tests are based on symptoms that last more than 2 weeks. I will be asking more questions about this at my last visit. I'm not sure if there is any blood work done but I think I remember her saying there would be some. We specifically discussed tumor makers and she said they (which I assume meant not just her but all the BC doctors) did not use them as they are not reliable. Becky, I'm sure this is part of adjusting to my new normal but it does seem so scary. I have a friend who was treated at a different hospital here, and they don't do any tests either. I'm so looking forward to treatment being over, but scared at the same time which I've read is "normal" now. However, like Becky said, I hope it gets easier with time. __________________ Vicky Age 47, TN, Diagnosed 05/09 Her2+, ER/PR-, Stage III, 2 tumors = 1 8cm tumor Grade 3 Sentinel Node Biopsy-speck present in 1 node Completed 3 month clinical trial of weekly Herceptin and 1000mg Tykerb daily Tumor no longer present Right mastectomy and lymph node removal 09/25/09 No cancer present at time of surgery, none in lymph nodes Start TCH 10/15, every 3 weeks for 4 months followed by radiation Finished chemo 01/28/10-YEAH! Herceptin every 3 wks until end of June Radiation begins 03/01, 6 1/2 weeks Radiation complete--Yeah!! Developed lymphedema after radiation In hospital for 4 days with pneumonia:( Herceptin done! 06/24/10 Port Removed 07/08/10 Still in PT for lymphedema and mobility issues DIEP Reconstruction 05/11 I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it~~Maya Angelou