Tests at Follow-up Visits

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np312
np312 Member Posts: 76
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

What kind of tests does your doctor do when you see your oncologist every 3 or 6 months?

My mom had mastectomy Sept. 2008 - finished chemo April 2009 - finished Radiation June 2009 and she is on Arimidex since May 2009 and Zometa every six months. Her stats are:

Satge 3A, Grade 1, Tumor 1.8 cm, T1N2M0, ER+, Her2+, 6 Lymph Nodes Positive out of 21

She sees her Onc every six months now - and the tests she runs are:

CBC with Differential, Auto

ALT, Serum

Creatinine, Serum

Bilirubin, Total, Serum

Calcium

Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy

Are these sufficient?  Are there more tests that need to be done? Which of these tests indicate the recurrence? 

I am asking this question on my mom's behalf and thank you very much in advance for your help and advise.  

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  • Jellydonut
    Jellydonut Member Posts: 1,043
    edited September 2010

    Hi NP,

    Sorry to hear of mom's diagnosis and hope she's doing well.

    As far as follow-up tests, each onc, it seems, is dictated by a different methodology thus confusing patients on message boards.  What your mom's doctor ordered are blood tests -- the CBC is the ring leader, so to speak, WBC, RBC, ALT & AST are liver counts as is bilirubin). Creatinine, Serum counts refer to kidney functions.

    Some (many?) women receive scans (PET, CT, MRI) at certain intervals, but they are generally performed when the patient is complaining of pain; the blood counts are way off, or every so often during chemo.

    Some oncs (possibly many?)  don't believe is running tumor marker blood tests as those tests are not reliable for each person.

    Should your mom want additional tests, there is not a law stating she can't request that they be run. But, ultimately, it's the doc's choice.

    Do be aware tho, that the scans emit large amounts of radiation and no one really knows for certain the potential damage it can cause, especially when exposed three times a year or more.

    Wishing you & mom the very best. Good luck!

    Hugs,

    Jelly

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited September 2010

    wishing your mom and family the best.

     i get pretty much the same blood work; however, i do get breast cancer tumor marker because i like my onc to run that blood test for me. 

    generally, from what i understand....they are looking for blood work to be in normal range. looking for relapse..through blood isn't always accurete...but generally liver enzymes...calcuim....sometimes can show possibllity of something going on. ie...increased calcium..(by a lot) can indicate something going on in bones...(mets) and increased liver enaymes can indicate something going on in liver. there are also people who have no elevations in their blood work and still have mets.  however,  a slight rise doesn't mean there is cancer. medication can cause elevations.

    being 8 years out now; i just pretty much go by how i feel. it takes awhile to get used to your body after aggressive treatment...ie...and arimidex can cause aches and pains...so sometimes it is hard to know if it is just all the treatment or something else.  there is the 2 week rule..or 3 weeks...if something isnt right...lump..thickening...etc...you call the doc for further exploration.important to trust your oncologist....but also communicate clearly to your concerns as a patient.

    i don;t do scans. only mammo...and that is about it.  they can scan if blood work is showing something or if you feel something that is not right. (lump.pain...etc)

    it all takes awhile to make the adjustment on some level. your mom can do it...and your family can help her*

    best wishes.

    diana

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2010

    I posted a similar question as to what our members are getting for follow-up care after treatment is over.  Check out responses hopefully to my post on the Stage 3 forum entitled "PET/MRI --How often?"  Hope you find some good information --

    Shelly

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  • np312
    np312 Member Posts: 76
    edited September 2010

    Thank you everyone for your responses.

    Is tumor marker test a blood test?

    Shelly:  will check out that thread. thanks.

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  • AsiaYM
    AsiaYM Member Posts: 2,216
    edited September 2010

    My tests are:  comp Metabolic, CBC, CA 27-29 and Vitamin D25-HYDROX, once every 3 months for 2 years at this point.

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited September 2010

    I was told I need a chest x-ray once a year.

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  • SusieMTN
    SusieMTN Member Posts: 795
    edited September 2010

    Metabolic profile or liver panel is what is usually done.

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited September 2010

    I still see my onc every 3 months after 4+ years....he does CBC and Complete Metabolic Panel as well as tumor markers....physical exam and detailed Hx at each visit....he does not do scans unless symptomatic or patient requests....I am happy to have no scans.....it seems like there is no consistent protocol with follow-up visits.....

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