Hi ladies. I could use some of your expertise on the results of this test. I've read it's not that reliable, but just wanted your experience/knowledge on the matter. Last week I was told my number went up during the first part of treatment. Yesterday, I was told it went down from 48 to 43. What were your numbers? What number is considered OK?
I started getting Procrit. My RBC is down, but my iron is OK. I won't be changing to Herceptin because I'm Her2neu neg. So, I may only have one more chemo to go! I hope so. I have a PET scan scheduled for Apr. 29. Any helpful hints on that would be great, too.
L & H,
Kathy
Kathy
"Normal" results for this blood test should be about 35 or lower. I had a petscan years ago, can't really remember, I believe I was injected withsome kind of dye and had to sit very still and quietly for a while before the scan, it shows 'hot spots' and any kind of activity beforehand may result in false readings. I think it was a regular kind of scan thing like a ctscan or bone scan, no biggie. her2neu- is a good thing, congrats and good luck!
Sorry, Kathy, no info on tumor markers here. All I know is that doctors are pretty inconsitent in whether they use them or not, due to their potential for false positives. I have heard that many are just not reliable for early stage cancer, but others would disagree. Did you ask your onc or RN about the numbers?
Lori
Lori