HOW TO MEASURE THE RECURRENCE OF THE BREAST CANCER?

brenda94

My mother diagnose with stage 2 B  breast cancer  with 3 lymph node spread last year and undergone the operation to remove the whole left breast . She was undergone 6 chemo injection. This year Jan back to the oncology for follow up checking. I am so worry why the doctor never performance any blood test on my mother each time check up but keep mention the cancer will surely come back? I ask the doctor if my mother should do a cancer marker test. He just says is not accurate after chemo treatment. I doubt if then how I know the cancer has gone or reduce in her body? Not blood tests then not any cancer marker test then just leave it until recurrence? I don't understand and really worry if we should still follow check up with this oncologist?  Is he is doing right check up for my mother?

spar2

I always have blood work done at my 6 month check ups and scans yearly.  There is not way for the dr. to know if it is gone or back without testing.

amberyba

I would get a second opinion

brenda94

sorry I am from malaysia and my english is not very good. Is that you mean your doctor only do your blood test after 6 month check up/ complete your chemo? Is that mean only do a blood test after 6 month? My mother complete her chemo  + radiotheraphy last year nov and start her frist check up at Jan until now never have any blood test done on her. I am abit worry as the doctor keep telling me cancer is impossible to cure completely and sure coming back after some times.

kathrog

I have had breast cancer twice, with the first time being 5 1/2 years ago. I have tumor markers, blood chemistry and complete blood count now every 6 months. More frequently at first. I'd get a second opinion. Kathy

brenda94

Thanks kathrog, I think something so wrong with my mum oncologist because he never do any blood test for my mother since my mum complete her chemo august and raditheraphy in nov last year. He just saying no need waste money and it is not accurate. I think i will bring my mother seek for second opinion.

pinoideae

"waste money"?  Can't say I appreciate that comment that someone told you.