Re-testing your markers?

sftfemme65

I was wondering if any of you have had your er, pr, her2 test done more than once.  When I was diagnosed they were done from my biopsy.  I assumed that it was also done after my mastectomy since everything is sent to the pathologist.  That was not the case.  In fact I went to see a bc event and the speaker was a pathologist/survivor, she and I spoke afterwards, so I could get more details.  Apparently it is very rare that it is done again UNLESS it is requested by the patient or doctor, which doesn't happen very often. 

I went and saw my breast surgeon for my 1 year check up the next week and asked if they would please submit my tissue for re-testing to this other pathologist.  She agreed that it was a good idea and wouldn't hurt to double check.  Apparently, technique and some testing has changed since my intial test.

I was really surprised by all of this, I just assumed it was done both times.  Especially since the sample is usually larger when its removed than the initial biopsy.  

Im not expecting that my status TN will change but it will give me piece of mind, knowing that I wasn't er+ all this time, with no hormone treatment.

I would love to hear other's thoughts on this.

Teresa