A hopeful development
Tomorrow I get a PET scan, which I have every three months. It is with gratitude that I’m able to say I no longer eat myself up with anxiety over it. I am choosing to look at it as a blessing that my oncologist is watching me closely. So far, I’ve had three clear scans and I’m looking forward to many more, but I know that I am not defined by my scans or cancer.
Yesterday, a dear friend of mine shared some fabulous news: her chemo is working and last scan showed significant improvement! Pattie was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer one month after my diagnosis and recently was told that her cancer was progressing. We share a deep sense of faith, hope and belief in holistic practices.
Her doctor at Cancer Treatment Centers of America is starting to use an exciting new test called CellSearch. The CellSearch™ System identifies and counts circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a blood sample to predict progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic breast, colorectal or prostate cancer, and can do so earlier than the current standard of care. It actually counts the number of tumor cells in a blood sample and can determine if cancer is likely to return within 20 months.
The FDA approved it two years ago, but for some reason it doesn’t seem to be widely used even though it has a 90-95% accuracy rate. According to Pattie’s test, she should not have a recurrence any time soon.
I was so excited to hear about this and will ask my oncologist when I see him next week. It has so much potential for helping treat cancer patients! I’ll let you know more once I do more research on it.
I’m curious. Have any of you heard of this test? Please share what you know in the comments section.
Judy Goltzman says:
Tami, I will ask about it in Nov. when I go to MD Anderson for my 6 month check-up. You will be in my prayers tonight, as you are every night. BTW, Dec. 3 I will be a 5 year cancer survivor!
tamilb says:
Congratulations, Judy!
tamilb says:
Another one from the contact page:
Hi Tami,
I saw your husband Mike’s post on LinkedIn about your blog earlier this week. I’m a cancer research scientist and work at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. In my personal time, I promote biomedical research and advocate health literacy at Highlight HEALTH – http://www.highlighthealth.com
One my websites where I catalog credible sources of health information is the Highlight HEALTH Web Directory – http://www.highlighthealth.info
I’ve added your site to the “Diseases & Conditions, Cancer” category. In addition to appearing in the directory, your website will be Tweeted to some 1400 followers and posted on FriendFeed and Facebook.
Hope the exposure helps generate some interest in your website and book.
Best,
Walter Jessen