TMs

starbeauty
starbeauty Member Posts: 327
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Twice I have asked my oncologist about getting TMs - this Monday I asked him again... both times he stated they are unreliable and he does not use them and yet I see them being used by other oncologists all over this board.  I asked him if I was stage IV would he use them then... and he indicated he still would not use them.  How can one oncologist consider TMs a legitimate method to evaluate progression and another oncologist consider the markers so unreliable that he won't even bother despite me pressuring for it.  Any thoughts on this?  Are others getting this same response?

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited April 2011

    I think my Oncologist goes only by the markers and other blood tests and physical symptoms, no scans.  I like to read my chart and today I read that on August 11, the month of my surgery and before my surgery, my tumor marker was only 20. This was with numerous tumors, DCIS and four lymph nodes positive.  I saw it as a good thing but wonder if I am one of those women who tumor markers mean nothing (and there are many). There are a lot of women, stage IV on here, who's tumor markers were never out of range despite having their cancer's spread.  I have heard they are unreliable and cause a lot of worry. h

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  • starbeauty
    starbeauty Member Posts: 327
    edited April 2011

    Ok... and mine goes by just the blood tests and physical symptoms... also no scans.  I got my MRI ordered through my PCP.  It just seems so nebulous to only go by blood tests and physical symptoms... by the time the physical symptoms are there - it would be moving - vs. just starting to move as indicated by a marker... it would seem.  I don't know - it just concerned me.  Thanks for your response Kathleen.

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  • china
    china Member Posts: 1,567
    edited April 2011

    Hi, my onc does tumor markers, physical exams, blood test, and intermittent scans. My history is that my tumor markers rise steadily over several months and scans show progression so my onc uses these as another form to confirm progression besides assessing me for new pain, lumps or bumps. good luck. Dawn

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited April 2011

    Hello, My Onco orders TM 27-29 along with chem screen panel. Onco believes these , along with my symptoms and any scans ordered give another window into areas of potential concerns before they may otherwise be ssne. blood tests are cheap and while TM's may not be fully reliable, its another piece of the picture. If you feel these are important to your overall TX, I would go see other Oncologists and seek a 2nd opinion. Be sure you ask them how they ensure they keep you well. That is their job. Remember he works for you, you pay him and you can always replace him with somone who is more suitable to your needs.

    Good luck. Let us know what you do.

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