Good News, but always something else.......
Well the results are in......and it is good news. With a sigh of relief I am glad to report that my mammogram and ultrasound were unchanged from 6 months ago. They will be repeated in six months (standard procedure). Now this is where the "something else" comes in. My tumor marker was 22. That concerned me because last January they were 19. I questioned the nurse that they had gone up. She stated well in February they were 25. That blew me away. I had no idea they ran the test in February. I was in the doctor's for a port flush and I wasn't feeling well. I had the flu. They ran the markers then, unbeknownst to me.
So on the positive, the number was down from February, but up from January test. UGH!!! This whole process just can drive you crazy. I spoke to the doctor and she claims there is no need for concern. So much so she is not going to order a PET scan, she feels there will be nothing to find. PET scan is standard at 6 months out of treatment. Don't get me wrong this is great news. I would just prefer for things to be cut and dry. Cancer is a tricky, sneaky disease.
So then I go on the internet to find more information on blood markers and triple negative breast cancer (that's my kind). I know I shouldn't do this because it re-enforces the negative thoughts that I have tried to suppress. Lower survival rate, higher reoccurence rate.
I could go on, but I shouldn't. I need to stay positive and look at every three month check up as a victory. I thank you all for holding my hand. I want to do the same for all of you. Spring brings a sense of new life, I am praying for a new, healthy life for myself and all of you.
So on the positive, the number was down from February, but up from January test. UGH!!! This whole process just can drive you crazy. I spoke to the doctor and she claims there is no need for concern. So much so she is not going to order a PET scan, she feels there will be nothing to find. PET scan is standard at 6 months out of treatment. Don't get me wrong this is great news. I would just prefer for things to be cut and dry. Cancer is a tricky, sneaky disease.
So then I go on the internet to find more information on blood markers and triple negative breast cancer (that's my kind). I know I shouldn't do this because it re-enforces the negative thoughts that I have tried to suppress. Lower survival rate, higher reoccurence rate.
I could go on, but I shouldn't. I need to stay positive and look at every three month check up as a victory. I thank you all for holding my hand. I want to do the same for all of you. Spring brings a sense of new life, I am praying for a new, healthy life for myself and all of you.
Replies
Glad your results came back good, that\'s great news. It must be emotionally exhausting waiting and worrying until you get them. You are very brave and I know you can stay positive and I\'m sending you positive thoughts too. Hope you can relax now and enjoy springtime. I\'m praying for a new, healthy life for you. Hugs!
Glad you have good results. Try not to drive yourself crazy with the tumor markers, many things can effect them. Praying all stays positive for you. Love and hugs Cathy
Congratulations on your good news! You know, my mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor and she feels like she\'s always waiting for the hammer to drop. I can\'t imagine feeling that...although, I did feel it for a bit with my mom and my anxiety was off the charts. It\'s a sickening feeling. Please try to dwell on living your life to the fullest. You\'ll deal with the bad stuff if it comes but until then, enjoy life. :) When Mom was diagnosed, i researched so much and so many things contradict each other that you don\'t know what\'s true and what isn\'t. I do hope you\'re feeling well and that you continue to have good news...you are always in my prayers. I pray for my DS friends every morning! Love - Becky
Way to go! I\'m so glad you had a clear mammogram and ultrasound. I am a patient at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. They never talk about tumor markers when I have my checkups, so this last check-up I ask my medical oncologist about it. She told me that research shows testing for tumor markers does not increase patients\' recurrence/survival rates and often causes unnecessary tests. I don\'t know if that makes you feel better or not, but I thought it was interesting. So...I never even hear the words \"your tumor markers\" at my check-ups.....and, I am a triple negative survivor, too. Your attitude sounds great! I\'m not going to let the fear take up my time.............the six months of treatments took up too much of my time as it is.......I\'m living strong and going on with my life. Hang in there, Sister!