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Need help understanding what a CTC, tumor count is??

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 2/28/2014 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Yesterday (Thursday) morning, had my 2nd appointment with my new oncologists. Everything looked good and no new tumors. She told me that the "CTC" (tumor count) was "0". I didn't get a change to ask her to explain how the count works, but go back next Thursday for my 28 day shot/injection and will ask her more about it. I would be grateful for any information from you about the "Count".

Concerning my right hip/butt and lower back pain, she said the bone scan didn't show anything and would recommend PT. She's to call my orthopedic to set up an appointment. I'm still on lots of morphine and Percocet (break through).
Posted 2/28/2014 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
CTC is "circulating tumor cell" and the count is the number of cells. I forget what the volume is but it is something like deciliters or such. The good news is yours is zero. A low count is indicative of a therapy that is working and less of a tendency to spread via the blood to other areas. I would take this as good news.

Best to you,
Don

Here is a better explanation than mine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circulating_tumor_cell
Posted 2/28/2014 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Don,

Thanks so much for your time and sharing. I'll look at the link.

Yes, zero in my case is great! Makes me feel so good as the past couple weeks have been very emotional!!

Dave in Bartlett, TN
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