@anjalima Thanks for sharing! I’m in Canada and not impressed so far by the process. Any tips on finding a US doctor who supports Signatera? Obv I would have to pay out of pocket. Thank you! Terrified of recurrence if I can make it through this first round (stage 1, lumpectomy so far, ++ -, 38 yo).
You could contact a doctor from the UTSW University in Dallas, I am in a study there for breast cancer and they do the Natera test with me. We got a bill (not responsible for it though) but I recall it being arounf 3 to 4 K.
You could contact a doctor from the UTSW University in Dallas, I am in a study there for breast cancer and they do the Natera test with me. We got a bill (not responsible for it though) but I recall it being arounf 3 to 4 K.
Thanks for posting. What department should I call? Can you give me a doctor’s name? I’m new to Dallas.
I did receive a call from a woman in Austin 10 days ago saying I would get a call in a couple days from a Dallas rep but that never happened.
Im not sure of a best number to call but this is a main number posted on the web for the cancer centerin Dallas: 214-645-2550. Another number is 214-645-8300. My breast surgeon is Dr. Anvy Nguyen. My radioly oncologist is Dr. Danny Li. My Medical oncologist is Dr. Ina Patel (she is in Fort Worth at the Moncrief Cancer Center) 817-288-9800. I love them all. UTSW is awsome.
Im not sure of a best number to call but this is a main number posted on the web for the cancer centerin Dallas: 214-645-2550. Another number is 214-645-8300. My breast surgeon is Dr. Anvy Nguyen. My radioly oncologist is Dr. Danny Li. My Medical oncologist is Dr. Ina Patel (she is in Fort Worth at the Moncrief Cancer Center) 817-288-9800. I love them all. UTSW is awsome.
Yes the cancer center is at Southwestern Univeristy, it is a teaching and research hospital, non profit. One of the top hospitals in the country. I went and got second opinions and while the first doctors I saw outside of UTSW were good, once I visited with the docs ar UTSW there was no doubt for me to get my treatment trhough them.
Regarding the natera blood test, mine is done because I am in a study there. I get one high dose of radiation (equivalent to approx 40 doses of radiation). They monitor with blood work and MRIs, among other tests. I will have my surgery approx 1 year after my radiation, which will be in November 2024. This particular study is for specific types of breast cancer, I think for stage 1, tumor has to be less than 3cm, DCIS and a couple of other qualifications that I dont remember. Goal is to eventually not need surgery at all. The natura blood work is used for the study, Im sure they use it for my treatment as well.
Yes the cancer center is at Southwestern Univeristy, it is a teaching and research hospital, non profit. One of the top hospitals in the country. I went and got second opinions and while the first doctors I saw outside of UTSW were good, once I visited with the docs ar UTSW there was no doubt for me to get my treatment trhough them.
Regarding the natera blood test, mine is done because I am in a study there. I get one high dose of radiation (equivalent to approx 40 doses of radiation). They monitor with blood work and MRIs, among other tests. I will have my surgery approx 1 year after my radiation, which will be in November 2024. This particular study is for specific types of breast cancer, I think for stage 1, tumor has to be less than 3cm, DCIS and a couple of other qualifications that I dont remember. Goal is to eventually not need surgery at all. The natura blood work is used for the study, Im sure they use it for my treatment as well.
Hello there. On May 3, 2021 i had the second worst day of my life - next to the passing of my dad in 2011, my mom was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. My mom is a rock star! She was 76 when she was diagnosed. She went through a full mastectomy like a BOSS, endured 6 months of infusion chemotherapy like a Champ, tackled 21 consecutive days of radiation with unyielding strength and a smile.
Since then her scans have been good. Tumor marker tests (CA-29) have been up and down and then they kept going up. This is when her oncologist recommended that we try the Signatera test to map my mom's tumor DNA. My mom has a Signatera blood test every month. First test was 0.01. Next test jumped a bit. Mom has scans every 4 months. Scans in January showed a tiny bit of growth in metastatic tumor in lung.
Oncologist asked if we wanted to monitor for a few months. Since my mom began this cancer journey we've been as aggressive as the doctor's will allow. Mom said no waiting, what's next? She started Kisqali in March and her most recent Signatera result went from 73.69 to 1.80. A great result!!!!!
My mom is my rock and she is the strongest, bravest woman I know. I was often disappointed with the results of the tumor marker test CA-29, but it is only one test. When the oncologist recommended Signatera, I was glad that we have another test; another tool to add to the mix. Now we not only have scans, physical examinations, and the Kiqali, but the Signatera. Having the exam is helping the oncologist see the impact of the Kisqali oral chemotherapy on my mom. I am no expert on cancer, but I do know that it is unpredictable, a b*tch of the worst kind. So I am ALL IN for any test that helps. It may not be for everyone, but it's been a good one for my mom.
I pray everyday for every woman, their family and friends affected by breast cancer. This is my first post on this type of cancer platform. I felt compelled to write after coming across it and reading the question asking if Signatera is helpful and worthwhile.
Hello there. On May 3, 2021 i had the second worst day of my life - next to the passing of my dad in 2011, my mom was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. My mom is a rock star! She was 76 when she was diagnosed. She went through a full mastectomy like a BOSS, endured 6 months of infusion chemotherapy like a Champ, tackled 21 consecutive days of radiation with unyielding strength and a smile.
Since then her scans have been good. Tumor marker tests (CA-29) have been up and down and then they kept going up. This is when her oncologist recommended that we try the Signatera test to map my mom's tumor DNA. My mom has a Signatera blood test every month. First test was 0.01. Next test jumped a bit. Mom has scans every 4 months. Scans in January showed a tiny bit of growth in metastatic tumor in lung.
Oncologist asked if we wanted to monitor for a few months. Since my mom began this cancer journey we've been as aggressive as the doctor's will allow. Mom said no waiting, what's next? She started Kisqali in March and her most recent Signatera result went from 73.69 to 1.80. A great result!!!!!
My mom is my rock and she is the strongest, bravest woman I know. I was often disappointed with the results of the tumor marker test CA-29, but it is only one test. When the oncologist recommended Signatera, I was glad that we have another test; another tool to add to the mix. Now we not only have scans, physical examinations, and the Kiqali, but the Signatera. Having the exam is helping the oncologist see the impact of the Kisqali oral chemotherapy on my mom. I am no expert on cancer, but I do know that it is unpredictable, a b*tch of the worst kind. So I am ALL IN for any test that helps. It may not be for everyone, but it's been a good one for my mom.
I pray everyday for every woman, their family and friends affected by breast cancer. This is my first post on this type of cancer platform. I felt compelled to write after coming across it and reading the question asking if Signatera is helpful and worthwhile.
So that means if you more than one tumor you would need more than one signatera test? I have an IDC in 2021 and 2024 - two different tumors - two different tests?
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
You could contact a doctor from the UTSW University in Dallas, I am in a study there for breast cancer and they do the Natera test with me. We got a bill (not responsible for it though) but I recall it being arounf 3 to 4 K.
Thanks for posting. What department should I call? Can you give me a doctor’s name? I’m new to Dallas.
I did receive a call from a woman in Austin 10 days ago saying I would get a call in a couple days from a Dallas rep but that never happened.
Im not sure of a best number to call but this is a main number posted on the web for the cancer centerin Dallas: 214-645-2550. Another number is 214-645-8300. My breast surgeon is Dr. Anvy Nguyen. My radioly oncologist is Dr. Danny Li. My Medical oncologist is Dr. Ina Patel (she is in Fort Worth at the Moncrief Cancer Center) 817-288-9800. I love them all. UTSW is awsome.
Thanks very much. I didn’t know there was a cancer center in Dallas.
Yes the cancer center is at Southwestern Univeristy, it is a teaching and research hospital, non profit. One of the top hospitals in the country. I went and got second opinions and while the first doctors I saw outside of UTSW were good, once I visited with the docs ar UTSW there was no doubt for me to get my treatment trhough them.
Regarding the natera blood test, mine is done because I am in a study there. I get one high dose of radiation (equivalent to approx 40 doses of radiation). They monitor with blood work and MRIs, among other tests. I will have my surgery approx 1 year after my radiation, which will be in November 2024. This particular study is for specific types of breast cancer, I think for stage 1, tumor has to be less than 3cm, DCIS and a couple of other qualifications that I dont remember. Goal is to eventually not need surgery at all. The natura blood work is used for the study, Im sure they use it for my treatment as well.
Thank you for all the help.
Best wishes for a full recovery.
Hello there. On May 3, 2021 i had the second worst day of my life - next to the passing of my dad in 2011, my mom was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer. My mom is a rock star! She was 76 when she was diagnosed. She went through a full mastectomy like a BOSS, endured 6 months of infusion chemotherapy like a Champ, tackled 21 consecutive days of radiation with unyielding strength and a smile.
Since then her scans have been good. Tumor marker tests (CA-29) have been up and down and then they kept going up. This is when her oncologist recommended that we try the Signatera test to map my mom's tumor DNA. My mom has a Signatera blood test every month. First test was 0.01. Next test jumped a bit. Mom has scans every 4 months. Scans in January showed a tiny bit of growth in metastatic tumor in lung.
Oncologist asked if we wanted to monitor for a few months. Since my mom began this cancer journey we've been as aggressive as the doctor's will allow. Mom said no waiting, what's next? She started Kisqali in March and her most recent Signatera result went from 73.69 to 1.80. A great result!!!!!
My mom is my rock and she is the strongest, bravest woman I know. I was often disappointed with the results of the tumor marker test CA-29, but it is only one test. When the oncologist recommended Signatera, I was glad that we have another test; another tool to add to the mix. Now we not only have scans, physical examinations, and the Kiqali, but the Signatera. Having the exam is helping the oncologist see the impact of the Kisqali oral chemotherapy on my mom. I am no expert on cancer, but I do know that it is unpredictable, a b*tch of the worst kind. So I am ALL IN for any test that helps. It may not be for everyone, but it's been a good one for my mom.
I pray everyday for every woman, their family and friends affected by breast cancer. This is my first post on this type of cancer platform. I felt compelled to write after coming across it and reading the question asking if Signatera is helpful and worthwhile.
All my best to you and yours, xoxo
Y.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
9 ReactionsThank you. Best wishes for your mom’s continued recovery.
So that means if you more than one tumor you would need more than one signatera test? I have an IDC in 2021 and 2024 - two different tumors - two different tests?
Yes, two tests is my understanding.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction