Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know you are cured? Have you heard of the AMAS test for determining if any cancer cells remain after cancer treatments are done?

Thank you for visiting my web site and asking such an insightful question. I had not heard of the AMAS test, but searching using that term in PubMed showed only a small number of articles.
Here is the link to the abstract of the most recent one (2000). Here is another one from 1997 and a third from 1994.

I am struck by how few published studies there are for something for which early research has shown some promise. I do not know why that would be. Your indication of concern for both false positives and false negatives is likely the real problem as a stand-alone test.

I know that I have seen recent research focusing on evaluating other tumor markers both in the blood stream and in the bone marrow as a means of detection, staging, and evaluating treatments. Here is one recent abstract.

Your concern is very, very, very common. I remember from support groups I attended that women truly agonized over *not knowing*. Studies have shown that x-rays and bone and liver scans that have been commonly done in the past as screening for recurrence do not actually help detect cancer in a time frame that adds any meaningful life span; thus they are not usually done now unless a women is symptomatic in some way.

For myself, I do not know if I am *cured*, such a loaded word, or even truly cancer-free. Instead, I have simply chosen to consider myself cancer-free until someone tells me otherwise. :-) I have made many, many changes in my lifestyle, attitudes, etc, etc. and will simply focus on living as opposed to the fear of dying.

I do hope this has been helpful in some small way. :-)

My best wishes to you for continued good health, healing, and hope!

Diana Dyer, MS, RD

FAQ posted 5/05

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Back to Main QandA Page Miscellaneous What research studies have you funded with the proceeds from the sale of your book? posted 9/02, updated 9/05, updated 12/06 Has your WBC count finally gone back up to normal? What do you think helped your WBC count finally get back to normal? posted 8/02 Can you recommend a web site or relatively user-friendly book that would explain the particular lab tests I am having done, results and what that means? posted 4/02 Do you ever drink coffee? I just cannot give it up! posted 8/03 What did you eat during the recent black-out? posted 9/03, updated 10/03 Diana, do you have a favorite cookbook? posted 9/03 Diana, I am a student entering the field of dietetics. One of my assignments is to find a Registered Dietitian on-line, view the web site, and ask a few questions. I am very impressed by your web page. I do hope you have a few minutes to answer a few questions. posted 10/03 Why don't you put calories and other nutrients on all of your recipes? How can I figure this out myself? posted 8/04 I could not get a flu shot this year. Are there immune-boosting foods that you can recommend? posted 11/04, updated 1/05 How do you know you are cured? posted 5/05 Can you give me some advice about self-publishing a book? posted 7/05

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These questions and answers are intended to be of a general informative nature. Please consult with the Registered Dietitian in your cancer center or your health care provider for nutritional advice that can be individualized to your specific medical condition.