Re-testing your markers?

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sftfemme65
sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Re-testing your markers?
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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited June 2010

    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

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  • hopeful34
    hopeful34 Member Posts: 1,569
    edited June 2010

    I go to my doctor Monday for the first time since my surgery, but I would be curious to know too.  I will ask him. 

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited June 2010

    I insisted that mine be re-tested after my lumpectomy.  My biopsy told me I was triple neg and after the lumpectomy was done and my breast surgeon gave me my pathology report, I asked why it was just going on the results of the biopsy (done at the same hospital).  She said that was normal.  My oncologist who I met the following week for the first initial appt. told me no, this was NOT right and she was going to call and have them retested from the whole tumor removal from the lumpectomy.  She said a biopsy only takes a few "shreds" and those few shreds could read differently than the whole tumor removal.  Unfortunately in my case, I was still triple negative, but according to ALL my different doctors - the receptors should always be retested from the final surgery, whether it be a mast or a lump.  Go for it.  You will have greater peace of mind and you certainly deserve that.  Good luck.

    Linda

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  • in_cognito
    in_cognito Member Posts: 429
    edited June 2010

    I was just thinking about this yesterday.  I got my final pathology and under ER/PR/Her it said "tested at other facility" which was my biopsy result.  So I plan on asking my surgeon and onc about that again.  I do plan on having my slides sent to another larger cancer facility to double check as well. 

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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited June 2010

    I will post my results when I get them, thanks for the feedback!

    Teresa

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  • Sugar77
    Sugar77 Member Posts: 2,138
    edited June 2010

    My biopsy showed atypical ductal hyperplasia only.  The tissue removed from my partial mastectomy showed high grade DCIS and an invasive TN tumor. Good thing my surgeon didn't decde to watch and wait with the original ADH diagnosis!

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  • Luah
    Luah Member Posts: 1,541
    edited June 2010

    Mybiopsy only stated tumour size and IDC - no information on grade or hormone status.  I may be wrong, but I think Canadian practice is to provide pathology following surgery - which as we know is more accurate - at least I have spoken to many others for whom this has been the case. 

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  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 790
    edited June 2010

    I got my results.  Im still trip neg which Im not surprised by.  At least now I can let that go and not always wonder. 

    Teresa

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