Save Additional Samples of your Tumor Before chemo!

None one tells us this but I am convinced that Triple Negatives MUST get extra core needle biopsies done before starting chemo so that we have enough tumor on hold to test us on whether new medical advances apply to us.  I did not do this (no one told me to and I just didn't think about it).  Now I am realizing my mistake.

There is new research on the efficacy of cisplatin.  They believe it works when the particular tumor over expresses two proteins.  Only 20% or a bit more of us test that we do indeed over express these proteins.  Now I don't have enought tumor left to do a good test.

Also, eventually they will come up with a drug that keeps the TN cancer from coming back.  My guess is that each discovery will work for about 25% of us and they need to test us.  (Since we all seem to be a little different)  If we have not had a recurrance, what will they test? They will want our old tumor samples.

Get extra chunchs of tumor taken out before doing chemo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  They can save it is wax (or maybe on ice)  I know there is new stuff coming for us. 

We need to be ready to be included in future testing for new drugs if appropriate. 

I've already done 3 a/c s and my tumor is shrinking.  Now I am going to try to get chunchs of the tumor BUT...I was told by a research nurse that the tumor may not be the same now....it seems half dead... 

Dont wait too long like me!!!!!!!!!!  Insist!