Never had tumor marker test…should I be concerned?

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BooBee
BooBee Member Posts: 860
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

After experiencing some pain in my hip for several weeks I was looking forward to my 3 month checkup with my DR to see if my blood tests were askew.  The week of the appointment the pain went away and my other blood tests were fine.  When I asked about my tumor marker he said he doesn't believe in them.  I was shocked and felt really stupid that didn't know this test wasn't being done. 

He said that there were several other blood tests done that were also indicators of a reoccurrence or mets.  He also said that test causes more stress than it's worth.

Any thoughts on this? 

Comments

  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited June 2010

    My onc (university dept chairman and nat'l researcher) agree with your onc: much better ways to determine if something is off kilter.  In fact, the Day I was dx'd my markers were negative. 

    Markers work well with prostate cancer, not worth the money or hassel (say fear) for others.  Pat the dear doc on the back and send him my best.

    Others may disagree, but that's why we have the boards, for info.

    glad you asked.

  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited June 2010

    deleted as it came up twice

  • BooBee
    BooBee Member Posts: 860
    edited June 2010

    Thank you Dotti.  That's what I'm looking for.

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