So...whats for dinner?

debbie6122 · January 2012

Lacey- I copy/pasted this to help understand a little better- Hope this helps

What is the CA 27.29 blood test? Should I have it done?

The FDA approved the CA 27.29 blood test in June 1996. It is the first and only blood test that is specific to breast cancer. (The two other blood tests that oncologists may recommend for women with breast cancer, the CA 15-3 and the CEA, are tumor marker tests that are used in breast and other cancers.) The CA 27.29 test measures the level of CA 27.29 antigen, which is found in the blood of breast cancer patients. As breast cancer progresses, the level of CA 27.29 antigen in the blood rises. In theory, by monitoring CA 27.29 test results oncologists can determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, which is called metastasis. [Important point: If breast cancer metastasizes to the liver, it does not mean you have liver cancer. It means you have breast cancer cells in your liver, and the treatment used would be treatment for breast cancer, not treatment for liver cancer.]

Unfortunately, the CA 27.29 test is not as reliable as we initially hoped it would be. In statistical terms, it is neither "specific" nor "sensitive" enough to accurately determine if metastasis has occurred. What does that mean?

If a test for metastasis is highly sensitive, it will be good at finding those women who have metastasis and it will produce very few false negatives (women who are told they have negative results when they really don't). A test needs to be highly sensitive to rule out disease. In other words, when a test is highly sensitive, if a woman tests negative it means she does not have metastasis.

If a test for metastasis is highly specific, it will be good at finding those women who do not have metastasis and it will produce very few false positives (women who are told they have metastasis when they really don't). In other words, when a test is highly specific, if a woman tests positive it means that metastasis is indeed present.

Since it is not highly sensitive or specific, the CA 27.29 test can go up for reasons other than metastasis, resulting in false positives, and it may not go up when there is metastasis, resulting in false negatives. The CA 27.29 test has been proven to be helpful in following increases in metastasis in women who have already been found to have metastatic disease, allowing doctors to better adjust treatment regimens.

In addition to having the CA 27.29 test, your oncologist may recommend that you have the CEA and CA 15-3 tumor marker tests done as well. Neither of these tests is highly sensitive or highly specific either. If you choose to have any of these tests done it should be with the knowledge that there is currently no test or scan that can reliably tell us whether a small number of breast cancer cells have gotten into, and have begun growing in, other parts of the body, and that the information you receive may not be accurate.

Should you have the CA 27.29 test done? The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends against routine testing of markers after a breast cancer diagnosis. Some oncologists recommend that women have this test every three to six months with the hope that they will find metastasis early. The problem is that there is no evidence that finding metastases by a blood test before a woman has symptoms will improve her survival or quality of life. The treatment of metastatic disease is aimed at reducing symptoms and putting the woman into remission. It is hard to improve symptoms if a woman does not have any. Most women whose breast cancer has metastasized do not show any symptoms until the disease is quite extensive. Symptoms of metastatic disease include bone pain, shortness of breath, lack of appetite and weight loss, and neurological symptoms like pain or weakness or headaches.

There are a series of tests that can help find large amounts of cancer cells in other parts of the body. These are called staging tests (this is not the same as the stages of breast cancer), and include chest X-rays, which can find cancer in the lungs, blood tests that can determine if the cancer has spread to the liver, and bone scans, which can help ascertain if the cancer has spread to the bone. CT scans are also used to detect the spread of cancer to the liver, the lungs, a certain area of bone, or even your brain. Like the blood tests, though, these tests are not good at finding small numbers of cancer cells.

Ultimately, the only way to determine whether having routine CA 27.29 testing is right for you is to think about how you want to handle the aftermath of your breast cancer treatment and whether a test that has limitations will be helpful for you. Some women find reassurance in having the CA 27.29 test done; others find the thought of having the test stressful and choose to not have it done. There is no "right" choice. If you do decide to have the test done, here are a few things you should know:

a normal CA 27.29 level is usually less than 38 to 40 U/ml (units/milliliter), depending on where the lab test is done
because anything under 40 is considered normal, you shouldn't worry if it's 20 one time and then 30 another time
just because the test result is higher than 40 it doesn't mean your cancer has spread. Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, first-trimester pregnancy, benign breast disease, and kidney and liver disease are just some of the noncancerous conditions that can raise your CA 27.29 level.

Lacey12 · January 2012

Thanks Debbie!

debbie6122 · January 2012

Lasagna sounds really good might make that this week with some garlic bread yum!!

I havnt had popovers in forever, never made them but have had them several times, one day i will give it a go.

made breakfast for dinner tonight, i also had a craving for some not so healthy foods tonight, made chicken fried steak, ( pounded out some good steak) it was so tender. Also made gravy, bisquits, scrambled eggs with sausage, and hashbrowns. Sooo good!!

LuvRVing · January 2012

Lacey - it's a tumor marker test called the CA27-29

"A tumor marker is a substance that is produced by the body in response to cancer, or is produced by the cancer itself. Some of these markers are specific to one cancer, while others are seen in several types of cancer. These markers are generally used to evaluate the patient's response to treatment or to monitor for recurrence (return of the cancer after treatment). There are non-cancerous conditions that can cause markers to be elevated, so these must also be considered when interpreting the test results. Tumor markers can be used in conjunction with other tests (scans, biopsies, etc.) to help diagnose a patient who has symptoms suspicious for cancer. Some markers can help physicians to determine prognosis and treatment.

"The CA 27-29 is a tumor marker that is most often used in people with breast cancer. In general, the number is not elevated in people with early stage cancers. If someone had an isolated recurrence that resulted in an elevated level and the tumor was surgically removed, the CA 27-29 could go to zero, or within normal range, after surgery.

"In metastatic cancer, the CA 27-29 level does not ever go down to zero, but it can dip back into the normal range. More than the actual number, we follow trends of the marker to see if it is going up or down, or remaining stable. The result may be used in conjunction with radiology studies if recurrence or progression is suspected.

This test is far from perfect, as some women with metastatic disease never have an elevation in the tumor markers. Benign conditions, such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, liver and kidney disorders, and benign breast problems can result in elevated CA 27-29 levels. It can take 1-3 months after starting a new treatment for results to begin to decrease, so we typically wait 2-3 months to recheck CA 27-29."

Some MOs routinely do the test on their patients, some don't. My markers have shown to be indicative of progression if they go above 38, so mine is doing the test every 3 months right now.

Laurie08 · January 2012

I know it's probably overkill with my diagnosis- but it irritates me that no one tests or looks for anything. I hate that everyone uses the word "should" with me- you should be fine- it shouldn't metastasize etc. I don't know....

Debbie- breakfast for dinner sounds awesome!

debbie6122 · January 2012

Laurie- I agree, my Onco i had in ky was awesome he believed in testing TM and checking vit d levels and if i had a pain i was worried about he would have me tested, the onco here wont do it and if i mention somthing he acts like im paronoid or somthing.

apple · January 2012

but Laurie.. you SHould be fine.. that is good. Just be super aware of absolutely everything going on in your body.. check for nodes, keep a journal if you want.

you're right about the tenderloins.. they were so darn good. my kids thanked me for making them.. I really never do the deep fried thing at my house but i got this huge double gallon of peanut oil for a really good price.

Actually, (i was a former chef and have managed restaurants) realize the market for a good pork tender sandwich in my area.. there is only one out of the way place that sells them to go.. and the profit margin is pretty good. There is a closed Burger King on the main artery that has been closed now.. 'm thinking of investigating opening a joint.. lol.. but am serious. My kids would have a business to run that could finance education and such.

i pounded out the loin, dipped it in flour, then egg, then panko bread crumbs and quickly fried it.. put in on some paper towels and then into the oven while the others cooked. i brought bread rolls, and cut onions, and had pickles, lettuce, horseradish on the side. Man, they were terrific and tasted very non oily. The good thing about peanut oil is that you can cook at a higher temp, and less grease is absorbed.

It will be hard to top that tonite.

carberry · January 2012

Apple Go for it....with the business. I like the sound of the pork, have never used peanut oil. Do you taste the peanut? cause I do not like nuts of any kind! I made sweet and sour pork last night, it is my husbands favorite and I have not made it in a long time. There is a little leftover and he made sure to tell me to save it for him for tonights dinner....yay no cooking tonight. I will do a salad.

Laurie I agree...everyone seems to have a pretty lax attitude towards our concerns. Happy shopping.

Oh Apple craving pickles? Is there something your not telling us?

apple · January 2012

pickles? i am about to turn 56! those days are long gone, tho i had my youngest right before turning 44.

I called on the joint i was eye- ing just this morning, talked directly to the agent/realtor.... way too expensive to invest in for a year.. something smaller will have to do.. i need a drive thru tho.

Laurie08 · January 2012

Apple- absolutely go for it!! Back when I was working full time I had the idea to have a restaurant with a drive through that had healthy options. I hated when I had no time to eat and would end up going through McDonalds but only allow myself a cheeseburger- no fries because I didn't want the fat. I think it would make huge money to be able to drive through somewhere and get a turkey wrap with sprouts for example. Good luck with your idea and keep us posted as you go!

I am going to try the potato wedges tonight- for those of you who have made them, do you think the sage will be "too much" for the kids?

It's sad and nice to see I am not the only one who feels like they wish they had more testing or screening. The only person who has ever done blood work on me was my primary dr- not even the onc who I saw the one time did any blood work.

My SIL e mailed me this am with some not good news about my MIL. My MIL was diagnosed with uterine cancer about a year ago, stage III. They had run some regular scans checking to make sure all was well at the 6 month mark and found two nodes enlarged. They waited two months and just gave her another scan and those nodes have shown growth she says and there are a few nodules on her lung that they now want to biopsy. The whole thing makes my heart just drop into my shoes. My SIL has only told my husband that "they saw something and want to do some tests." Because of my history with cancer I have become the person she is turning to, which I am glad she knows that she can. My MIL does not want anyone to know what is going on until she has all the info. She claims right now that she will not to chemo- no matter what. My mind just keeps thinking sh!t sh!t sh!t!!!!!

Thanks for letting me vent....

LuvRVing · January 2012

Laurie - that is so sad about your MIL. She can't be very old, probably younger than I am. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. If chemo comes up (and I'm guessing it will) maybe you could show her my blog and some of the pictures. Maybe it won't look so scary to her.

debbie6122 · January 2012

Apple-Good luck on your adventures in finding the "Perfect" Place for the opening of a drive-through, how fun and exciting!

Laurie- Oh im so sorry, I hope she will be ok! Just said a prayer for her.

Laurie08 · January 2012

Thanks Michelle and Debbie, I truly appreciate it. Michelle- she is older than you are, 73. I married her baby who is 5 years older than I am her oldest of 5 is 53. Over the years one of the things she has done for work is take care of older or sick people. One of the ladies she took care of needed someone to help around the house while she went through chemo, rides to the Dr if needed etc. She helped the woman for about 4 years and became very close to this lady. The woman ultimately passed from BC. Unfortunately this lady did not respond well to chemo, my MIL says that this woman was painfully ill from it constantly and it was a nightmare to watch, she is terrified of that being her. My mom was alot like you Michelle, it didn't make her very sick she was always go go go and had a smile on her face and itching to go do something else. I reminded my MIL of that when she was initially diagnosed and they weren't sure about chemo her response was "yes, but thats not the norm." I'm afraid she can't be reasoned with....she had another Dr appointment today a 3:30 my SIL is supposed to call/text/e mail me after with the info.

SeasideMemories · January 2012

Oh Laurie, I'm so sorry to hear this... I'm glad that your SIL has you to turn to.. It can be hard carrying that burden alone since your MIL doesn't want people to know just yet....

I haven't tried the potatoes yet, so can't help you there... I was more wondering just how garlicky the were....

I am FINALLY making your salsa chicken tonight.... It smells good! Funny thing... went back to where you first posted it so I could get the recipe, I noticed it was almost exactly 1 year ago ( Feb 1).....

bedo · January 2012

Pop Rocks. Pop Rocks are for dinner. Someone gave me some 2 days ago and I can't stop thinking about them. They're fun! I had to pick some up on the way home.

Actually, I was at work 13 hours yesterday and 12 hours today.

I'm slap-happy. Maybe I'll go into the bathroom and turn off the light and see if they really do glow in the dark.

I just want to go to sleep more than food,

Laurie I am so sorry about your MIL. You have so much going on with the kid's illness and now this. Please take care of yourself.

Sally

carberry · January 2012

Laurie so sorry this is happening to your family member. It is all around us and a constant reminder of what this disease can do to any of us at any time. Hope she finds comfort with your wisdom.

We were going to do leftovers tonight but got invited over for steaks on the grill at a friends house. I made deviled eggs...LOL...getting in the summer spirit with all this warm weather.

deborye · February 2012

Laurie, I hope your MIL listens to the doctors and she can kick cancers butt. My aunt is an 8 year colon cancer Stage 2 and uterine cancer.

Leftovers tonight here also, hot roast beef sandwiches, DH just got home so I'll start warming things up.

Laurie08 · February 2012

Thanks everyone. She went for a consult to get a second opinion and both Dr.'s say to wait and see if everything grows? WTF? The nodes in her abdomen have grown in the last 2 months and the spots on her lung were not there. I don't get it? They say both area are hard to get to to biopsy, but why wait?

We had cheeseburgers and the potato wedges. I must have done something wrong with the wedges- they stuck and did not come out good at all...

LuvRVing · February 2012

(((Laurie))) Hard to understand that strategy, for sure.

We went to Plaza Azteca tonight for Mexican food and margaritas. They have a mariachi band on Tuesdays - how funny to listen to them performing Sweet Home, Alabama!!! They really were good, though!

Looking forward to taking my mom to Foxwoods Casino tomorrow and Thursday. She is going to be so happy.

Lacey12 · February 2012

Thanks for that explanation, Michelle. I do not recall any of my docs mentioning that test....hope I'm not making a mistake by not heading into DF for my treatment. I'll ask my MO when I see her in a month or so.

Laurie, I'm so sorry to learn of what you are dealing with....and yes the not sharing with the rest of the family does make the worry burden about your MIL even heavier. Thoughts of strong shoulders to you! It's always interesting to learn how individually everyone chooses to deal with their cancer. I just learned shortly after my diagnosis that my across the street neighbor had my exact (if that can really exist ) condition, treatment and docs! She had told only two friends for fear that people would come up to her in the grocery store, and talk about it. I was let in only when a mutual friend told her of my diagnosis. I was glad that many of my neighbors, friends and colleagues knew what I was undertaking/going...they offered a lot of support, material and emotional...helping not only me but also DH. But it is so emotionally charged, thus so individually dealt with. Good luck!

Lacey12 · February 2012

Back to the popovers....I recall making them when having friends over many many years ago when they were the rage here...brought on by The Proud Popover restaurant...long since gone. Fun to see them again in that lovely photo...

SeasideMemories · February 2012

I think the popovers are the same thing as what my Mom makes at Christmas time although she calls it Yorkshire Pudding and makes it using the drippings from the roast beef.... I'm sure it's probably not that healthy but it is oh so good!

Laurie,

The salsa chicken got rave reviews.... All 4 of us gave it a thumbs up... A very rare occasion here!

MinusTwo · February 2012

Laurie: Sorry to hear about your MIL. I'm closer to her age than yours - 68. I'd have to think long & hard about treatment plans since I firmly believe in Quality over Quantity. That comes from seeing my own Mom live as a virtual vegetable for 12 years. Sounds like a second opinion might be helplful but maybe you can't push that input. Hard decisions ahead. I'll keep her in my prayers. And in the mean time - I hope the puking is over in your immediate family. Jan

zumbagirl · February 2012

It was cereal night tonight. What an easy deal for me, self serve and pick your own box.

debbie6122 · February 2012

Bedo- Pop Rocks?? How funny, didnt know those were still around LOL!

Laurie- I hope you and your kids are feeling better! Also if you feel like your MIL's Dr.s arn't doing enough maybe you can talk her into getting a second opinion or changing Dr's altogether! Sounds like maybe they are not willing to do anything more?

Seaside- I have made that salsa chicken at least 7 or more times since laurie posted it, i just love it.

Carrie- Glad your weather is nice enough for a bq, sounds great!

Michelle- What a fun night you had, I love alabama and country music in general. Have fun at foxwoods with your mom. Win Big!!

So anyone planning on any big superbowl parites this week? We are driving down to see my dad and my brother is having a big superbowl party at the resteraunt, he will furnish all the food so i dont have to cook a thing this week, rooted for 49ers to go to superbowl since thats not happening, i guess i will go with the Giants.

LuvRVing · February 2012

Debbie - I am going to my son's house for a Super Bowl party, and I'll be making "buffalo legs" which are just chicken drumsticks that I put on a rub, then bake or broil them, and baste them with a combination of Frank's hot sauce and butter. I like them to be somewhat crispy and I prefer my wings/legs to not be breaded for this purpose. It will be a houseful of Patriots fans and you'll hear us roar at every great play!!!

Gotta get moving in a few minutes so I can go get my mom and head off to the casino. Fun times ahead!

apple · February 2012

potato wedges? i can help.

brown gravy mix (in a jar/bottle) from Sam's or found in a packet at the grocer's is a god send.

I toss peeled sweet and white potatoes with about 1/2 cup olive oil, fresh or dried garlic.. (fresh being better of course) and 1/2 cup gravy mix for about 6 - 8 big potatoes. I spread them on a huge pan and bake at a high temp.. 425... turning a couple times.. it takes a while for them to cook.. at least 30 minutes.. allow 45.. you want some of them to be brown and crisped.

gravy mix has flour, spices, etc. that coat the potatoes along with the olive oil and form a bit of a crust.. yum

Laurie08 · February 2012

We are hoping to have some friends over for the game this weekend as well. Patriots fans in this house too!! I have no idea what I am going to make, but I agree, some sort of wing/chicken it depends onthe turn out of people as to how much I will do. Where it is on a Sunday and most of our friends have kids we have to wait and see who wants to travel as a lot of our friends live 1/2 hour away or more.

I am getting ready to put a pot roast in the crock pot so I won't have to cook tonight. A quiet day here for me. Some cleaning and a trip to the library with the boys for story hour are all I have planned.

Thankfully, my SIL told my husband all the details last night (phew.) He handled everything really well and feels really positive. My SIL has made an appointment for my MIL to get a third opinion on Thursday. So it sounds like things could be moving in a better direction.

Michelle- have fun at the casino!!

Apple- how do I keep the wedges from sticking to the pan?

apple · February 2012

the olive oil.. i do use a super duper metal spatula to turn them over.. very sharp to 'cut thru'.. they do stick a bit, but not too much. you could spray the pan with pam.

debbie6122 · February 2012

Lauire- Glad your brother is handling things well, and with him knowing maybe can be a big support for her, i know i needed my DH during those times.

I dont really have a problem with my potatoes sticking, what i do is put the sheet pan in a very hot oven and let it get hot before i put the potatoes in, i find that if they are wet (dry them with a paper napking or towel) or too much evoo it will stick and go with the same rule as steak dont turn em till they are ready.

So...whats for dinner?

Comments

Categories