What is a CtDNA Test? (and my results from it)

I took a CtDNA or circulating tumor blood test a couple weeks ago, and just got the results. I like to use my stage 4 cancer vlog as a way to show people what life is like for a cancer patient - whether it's during treatment or in remission as I am right now.
Even in remission, there are lots of diagnostic tests done to monitor my status, and they help keep me calm from a mental health perspective. The CtDNA test is a relatively new technology, and it will help doctors and patients have a better understanding of what is happening on a more refined basis than just scans.
Stick around for the sweet cameo from my oncologist, Dr. Brian DiCarlo, as he explains the entry-level science for this new technology.
As always, I hope you enjoy the video, and please do like and subscribe if you haven't already.
Byyyyeeeee

[@slinnview]

Yay, Mike! Celebrate the good news on the results of the CtDNA test. Thanks for the detailed explanation. I am sending you hugs, love and good vibes for a long cancer-free life. ❤❤

[@denisepaulsenful]

So happy for you Mike ❤ and loving all this positively negative for cancer cells news!! Enjoy the ride! Weeeee 🎉

[@sharoncresenzi3016]

Great news! Your dr is really amazing and explains everything so well.

[@christinechon]

ctDNA test actually helped me to quickly find out that the cancer (originally diagnosed in Sept 2022, stage 3B colon) had spread. CEA always gave me “normal range” results even when I had tumors in colon and its spread to liver. ctDNA results were positive for a few months then spiked up to 29 in Nov 2023 and 58 in Dec 2023. Took CT and MRI scan to confirm a large tumor growth in liver.

[@geocape7060]

How great is this. Life is good.

[@Linn_Laugh_Love]

Life is indeed good, my friend. Hope everything is going well with you and yours ❤️

[@dkst3602]

Very instructive as always, glad for your CtDNA results! 😊 Oh, and nice sunglasses! 😎😄 All the best! 💪🏻

[@Linn_Laugh_Love]

Haha appreciate the kind words; the shades were clutch for my own 'cameo'. Cheers! 💪🏻

[@jenniferthomas5926]

Congratulations🎉🎉 What a relief and the advancements being made are amazing! 4:39 was not expecting that at ALL😂😂😂 Take care til later gator. Byyyyeee

[@Linn_Laugh_Love]

Hahaha thanks! I’m not sure my acting and producing are alllll there, but I’m glad I could surprise ya. Appreciate you as always ❤️ Byyyeeee

[@a-k6575]

Yes to lonely path while managing this dis-ease. Congratulations to your personal efforts in managing all the symptoms and side effects, also to your oncologist who speaks with you at eye level and respect. The haematologists who I've met during the past seven years could learn so much from him. I like the title of the book on your keyboard. 😀

[@Linn_Laugh_Love]

Thanks! It is definitely lonely, and having an awesome and compassionate oncologist like Dr. DiCarlo has helped me a great deal. I hope you’re able to find some more respectful providers. Cheers!

[@a-k6575]

@@Linn_Laugh_Love Running very low on options, NZ has a tinny population and most skilled people move on to Australia. Thanks for the well-wishes, much appreciated.

[@rayddonovan2608]

I’m very skeptical of the ctDNA test. I was originally diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in April 2021 and then in remission for about two years. However, about a year ago my CEA started trending up while my ctDNA test remained negative.. the bottom line is that I had false negative ctDNA tests over the last 2 yrs while my cancer actually came back and spread to my liver (now stage 4). Apparently these tests can have a high “false negative” test rate. I don’t say this to be a Debbie Downer, I just wouldn’t put too much confidence in it. All the best to you and your recovery

[@Linn_Laugh_Love]

I think it's completely fair to be skeptical of the ctDNA test, especially given your experience. As far as I understand, it's supposedly pretty accurate, but not 100% diagnostic; its role (and implementation) are still being developed, as it's so new. It seems like a barometer rather than something we should just take as gospel, and believe me - I still have an inflamed lymph node and my brain instantly goes "dude, I dunno..." and I'm still not ready to move on without an actual biopsy if it hangs around. It sucks that your bad experience came with the recurrence; I hope your treatment or whatever plan you're on right now is going well. You're not being a Debbie Downer, either; thanks for sharing ♥

[@GwendolynTideman]

❤🙏

[@Johnny-ip4mk]

I got the test done to see if I was going to do chemo after surgery. I came back positive. I don’t know what the number means though. Mine was 23. Is lower better?