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Genetic Testing
Greetings,
My grandson Michael, age 17, was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma 3 weeks ago. After doing some research, I learned that this type of cancer can be inherited and it would be wize to know if the person carriers the gene for this. Not only for the benefit to other family members, but for chosing the best treatment options.
Michael's doctors are not on board with doing the genetic testing.
Any comments are very welcome.
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Hello....I would think genetic testing would be very important for a number of different reasons, especially in choosing treatments. Don't hestitate to ask his doctors why they're against it. If you, or his parents, aren't satisfied with their answer, a second opinion may be beneficial.
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2 ReactionsThank you so much for your comment.
My daughter and I have realized that we are in a medical maze and if Michael is to get the care he needs, it will be up to us to ensure that.
I believe that my daughter has asked the doctors her questions, but she feels they dismiss her. Perhaps she isn't asking the right questions in the right way.
We will continue to act in my grandson's best interest, while accepting the fact that we do not have final say on the outcome.
Connecting with others, is and will continue to be, a resource of strength and hope.
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1 Reaction@marrish04 ....
You and your Family don't need dismissive doctors. Unfortunately, there are many of those, but you also have choices. If you're not getting the help or care that's needed, look to other options. Best wishes to you, your grandson and Family on this journey!!
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1 ReactionMay have to seek out a larger hospital with a Sarcoma treatment clinic. Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis has such an organization who uses genetic testing to assist in diagnosing the cancer.
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1 ReactionYou are correct. Happy to report that Michael will be undergoing genetic testing, and starting chemotherapy treatment, at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, which I hear is a top notch facility. Thank you!
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3 ReactionsMay want to discuss with the oncologist the benefit of immunotherapy.
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1 Reaction@kenc
I definitely will
Have you had experience with that?
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1 Reaction@marrish04 So far all that I have had are discussions, but the surgeon said it is very effective. I am meeting w/ the oncologist next week to for further treatments.
I'd love to hear
Im told that he doesn't have certain markers that are needed in order immutherapy to work, but we will look into that further.
Michael starts chemotherapy on Wednesday at MD Anderson. They also agreed that genetic testing is important and will be doing that as well.
I hope the oncologist appointment goes well.