(naughty boob suggested I ask this question here)…
Hi Everyone, I hope you are having an OK day.
So I’ve just joined up today on the forum. I’ve had stage 4 beast cancer for a while now and on “palliative care” Chemotherapy to keep me alive. I’m doing OK, side effects are a pain but I’m alive.
Of course I want a cure and not giving up!
I had the Hormone responsive/HER2 testing at diagnosis and my results came back as slightly hormone responsive/ HER2 negative. I’m on my second type of Chemo after the first one seemed to be failing.
I’m hoping someone may be able to help me, a while after being diagnosed I read an article in the Daily Mail about a more detailed and specific testing of the cancer which can give a better indication of the best Chemotherapy for that type of cancer. It said that the NHS are not using this more specific testing service which is available.
I think this article was in 2022/2023
I’d like to look into getting this test done to be sure I am on the best treatment for my cancer. The hospital should have my biopsy tissue stored still as I understand?
It makes sense to be on the specific treatment most likely to work on my cancer.
I’ve been searching back and cannot find the article again easily, does anyone know of this article and/or test?
Thanks for reading. Hope someone can help.
Best wishes to you all!
A lot of work is happening around the world into this emerging field of medicine known as pharmacogenetics and various articles, such as the one in The Daily Mail, are highlighting it. However, as it is such a new field it is difficult for us to give an answer as to how this might be beneficial in your case. You may wish to discuss this further with your treatment team.
Most of the currently available tests are aimed at discovering which treatments won’t help, particularly in palliative care, where it’s important to avoid treatments which are ineffective and impact on quality of life. Research is underway currently focussed on colon and lung cancers. You can find more information on current trials into treatment for secondary breast cancer by following the link.
We provide a number of different services for people living with secondary breast cancer aimed at providing both information and support online and face-to-face. These include Our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer Online groups facilitated by trained counsellors and speakers live sessions. Our face to face Living with Secondary Breast Cancer groups meet up monthly and also give you the chance to connect with and share experiences with other people who understand what you’re going through. Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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