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Question:
#1801
01/21/2003
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i am a 47 year old woman diagnosed in nov 2002 found through mammogram with microcalcifications..i have already undergone a lumpectomy and lymph node disection of sentinal lymph node and now am scheduled for 8 treatments of chemo..cfm..there was no involvement in lymph nodes and all margins clear..i am to follow up with radiation after chemo treatment..my question does this sound like the correct treatment when all tests have come back in my favor.. i have only gotten one opinion from the medical oncologists but was referred by my surgeon whom i have confidence in to their practice .. i'm scheduled to start treatment 1/22/03. are 2nd opinions truly necessary when it comes to deciding the right treatment.. i am just concerned if given other options i'll be more confused... |
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It is smart to get a second opinion as there are many different chemotherapy regimens to choose from-- so getting agreement among several medical oncologists is a good idea. Radiation goes part and parcel for women having lumpectomy surgery. the need for chemo and what drugs is based on a variety of information from the pathology report-- starting with tumor size.We wish you well as you continue your treatment. |
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Question:
#1802
01/13/2003
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I had a mastectomy last spring due to DCIS. The microcalcifacations had been quite diffuse and there was a 1 mm invasion. The lymph system was clear. The cancer was negative for estrogen receptors. My first oncologist was on the fence about tamoxifen (to protect the other breast). My second one recommends it. I am 41 years old and my mother had breast cancer at age 55. She had a lumpectomy and has had no recurrence for 10 years (she took tamoxifen for 2 years after surgery). It seems to me that the benefit of taking tamoxifen may not outweigh the risks in my situation. What do you think? |
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The best way to decide is with a third opinion to break the tie--- women with a history of DCIS though we know have benefited from taking tamoxifen to protect their other breast... so it is certainly worth discussing further |
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Question:
#1803
01/13/2003
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I have just recently discovered your site and I think it is very informative and a great source of information. Thank you. Can you please tell us the latest information on the survival advantages of Taxol after AC. I have read that in the beginning of the studies on Taxol it was found to have a tremendous disease free survival benefit, and as time went on the benefit was more moderate. Your most up-to-date information would be most appreciated. |
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we are waiting for more studies to be published regarding this that will provide additional information about long term survival. These drugs are promising and we are hopeful. |
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Question:
#1804
01/07/2003
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what is the difference between taxol and taxotere? Is one better than the other? |
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they are sister drugs to one another-- one made by one pharmaceutical company and the other by another. Clinical trials are designed to see if one is better than another-- unknown currently.Of course if you ask the pharmaceutical companies you make them they will render their own opinion. clinical trials though are still underway to evaluate them for comparitive purposes. |
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Question:
#1805
01/07/2003
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How good is Navelbine treatments for Inflammatory Breast Cancer with Radiation?
Nevelbine will be given alone once a week and Radiation everyday. |
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Many women with inflammmatory breast cancer are on navelbine and doing quite well. It is a fairly common drug therapy to recommend. Each person's case is individual and warrants individualizes planning and monitoring of course. Feel free to ask your doctor about his/her experience with administering this medication for patients with inflammatory as well as consider asking her if you can speak with others patients also currently in treatment for the same. There is power and comfort in numbers. |
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Question:
#1806
01/07/2003
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My wife, who's 42 and had no family history of breast cancer, was recently diagnosed with cancer - she had two tumours in her left breast (infiltrating ductal carcinomas), the biggest one a bit less than 1.8 cm. She underwent mastectomy and axillary dissection two weeks ago. The tumor is ER-positive, HER2-neu negative; 8 out of 8 limph nodes had cancer cells. A CT scan of thorax and abdomen and bone tests reveal no metastases.
The two oncologists she met mentionned to her an ongoing clinical trial for three different chemotherapy packages(the NCIC CTG trial, 00-Aug-08), one of which looks like the "dose-dense" treatment we read about in the NY Times on the recent San Antonio conference. Our main question is, of the three arms of the trials, is there one which is clearly superior in terms of chances of survival for a woman like her and/or a cancer like hers? The main message of our two oncologists is that the whole point of the trial is to find out, in terms of both costs and benefits - but we would like to know if there is a sufficiently strong presumption, based on what is known, that one of them (say, the dose dense EC/T) is superior, even moderately, especially given my wife's age, cancer virulence, and so forth.
Your answer would be truly appreciated. |
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it is my understanding that there isn't one arm of the clinical trial that has proven to provide longer survival than another-- they seem equal from that perspective.The more women who enroll in these trials the better as this is the type of additional information that can be determined over time however. Clinical trials are designed to provide at a minimum the standard of care recommended along with giving patients an opportunity to try something that may in fact benefit them a little bit more but won't truly be known until all the stats are in. hope that makes sense. |
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Question:
#1807
01/07/2003
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I am a black woman, 53 years old. In November 2001 I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Cancer to the Right Breast. On September 16, 2002 I had a Mastecomy. I have had a time with finding doctors that will take care of me. My questions goes unanswered and I am spoken too without respect. I have had a few oncologists and am ready to leave Florida to get treatment elsewhere. My last oncologist gave new instructions to the nurses that my treatment would change from Adriamycin and Taxotere to just Taxotere. This doctor did not discuss this change with me and now my chest and right arm pit has a red rash. I ask the nurse why the change and was told that I reached my limit intake of Adriamycin. In my reading no where does it state that their is a limit. My questions: Is their a limit of Adriamycin and/or Taxoere? How do the doctors decide about a limit? I would like to come to Johns Hopkins Breast Center for treatment can you help me, please. January 2, 2003 |
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sorry to hear of your frustration with your caregivers. It is important to have a good relationship with the individuals taking care of you and advising you.Yes, there is a limit on the number of dosages and amount of any chemo drug, including adriamycin that a patient can receive. So though your medical advice may be sound the method of communicating it to you has not met with your satifacation. Consider sitting down with your doctor and expressing your concern about this communication program and first request to be transferred to the care of someone else at the same institution. this way you can avoid travel and can still achieve some continuity of care where you are. We would be happy to see you here for consultation but it would not be advisable for you to attempt to do your chemotherapy treatment here as it would require you to move here during that time. We discourage patients traveling extraordinarily long distances for their chemo treatments as it is important to be within a 50 mile radius in the event of emergencies. If you'd like a second opinion call 410-955-8964 for an appointment with us. take care... |
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Question:
#1808
12/30/2002
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My mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and again in 2002 both times she had a mastectomy.She decided to take chemo this time. Her oncologist told her to wait until her surgery site and the site where her drainage tubes was closed and healed before giving her chemo, did the oncologist decide this because she is a diabetic? or does chemo cause some type of infection in the site if given prior to healing we the family don't quite understand how the chemo process goes please help us |
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chemo causes the white blood count to go down and these are the cells used to fight infection. so she will be more prone to infection during chemotherapy. Thus he is wisely recommending that she be totally healed before embarking on this part of her care. |
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Question:
#1809
12/27/2002
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My Sister age 56 has been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer (ductal carcinoima with liver metastasis and left plural effusion)what is the possibility of chemotherapy or any alternative treatment modality |
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I'm sorry to hear of her grave situation. It is fairly rare to see patients respond well to chemo with liver mets and pleural effusion-- keep in mind that the liver needs to be fairly healthy to metabolize drugs-- so its a catch 22 situation. Alternative medicine that has been tried thus far has not been beneficial either. Sometimes hormonal therapy can help slow growth down for a while. This is a time to gather family and friends together and spend quality time together. Those taken from us unexpected by car accidents and heart attacks we seldom get to tell them our emotions. You have an opportunity to express your love for your sister when she needs you the most. Consider this time precious and use it to do loving things for her...Make sure she is properly assessed for pain and has adequate medication to feel comfortable and functional. |
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Question:
#1810
12/26/2002
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How does one decide on chemotherapy? I have two knowledgable oncologists who have made different recommedations.
The one says adriamycin and cytoxan. The other says adriamycin and taxol. Both say 6 cycles.
The general story is 1cm tumor, giant cell type, nodes neg, neg ER and PR, overexpression of HER2neu and age 57. Post bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. The bilateral surgery was due to earlier ductal hyperplasia. |
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The key is to make sure that whatever option you choose you are comfortable with the pros and cons presented to you. So I'd recommend a 3rd opinion for the purpose of that person being a tie breaker, and ask each of he 3 medical onoclogists to do the following:
1. how did he/she reach his/her recommendation for chemo drug choices?
2. what are the side effects of each?
3. will I be part of a clinical trial (which is ideal)
4. can i talk with your patients who have had this chemo regimen?
5. how much with these specific chemo drugs increase my chance of survival?
You will then have the information you need to make an informed choice. |
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Question:
#1811
12/26/2002
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IDC, had mastectomy with 9mm clean margin, three gr.3 tumors (largest was 2.7 cm), Her2-Nu weakly positive, ER-PR-, 2/19 positive nodes. I did fairly well on four cycles of AC, but had terrible reactions on the Taxotere (fainting, incredibly sore feet and legs, severe diarrhea, critical blood counts). We dose reduced the Taxtoere by 25%, and I did a little better, but after a fainting spell at the oncologist's office, he suggested we stop chemo. I went for a second opinion, and that oncologist agreed that I should not be rechallenged with Taxotere. I could try two cycles of Taxol if I wanted, but her feeling too, was that I'd had enough chemo. My porta-cath is also not working anymore so I was sort of taking that as another sign to quit chemo. Do you have an opinion on the wisdom of stopping chemo at this point? What is the overall %benefit of the Taxotere? I get credit for two treatments, right? I'm scheduled to get my porta-chath removed or replaced this week........ |
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of course you get credit for the 2 doses you have already taken. There aren't published studies though that compare taking 2 doses verses 4 doses though to my knowledge. Your reactions were quite severe and it sounds like you were advised well to stop at this point. So put a check mark in the box that you have "had enough chemo" and proceed now with whatever remaining treatment you may need to pursue. On new years you can say: "I've taken an aggressive approach to treating my cancer and will have a healthier 2003 because of it. Good bye porta cath!" |
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Question:
#1812
12/23/2002
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I am a 64 year old with a 3.2 cm grade II IDC with 6/15 nodes, receptor positive, HER-2 negative. I've heard about "dose dense" chemotherapy. Is it better than standard therapy? What do I have to lose? |
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you are smart to see aggressive treatment with positive nodes as you've described. Yes, seek a medical oncologist who has access to lots of clinical trials and can provide you several options for this. smart move.take care... (glad you are hormone receptor positive and her2neu negative too. that's something to celebrate this holiday.) |
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Question:
#1813
12/18/2002
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Im a 33yr.old diagnosed in 2000 with stageIII breast cancer. I am ER+<3 and PR+<3 and also HER/2Neu+. I'm currently
on tamoxifen daily and get 10m of Zoledex every 3 months. My question is whats the difference between Herceptin and Zoledex? Why isn't there more info. on Zoledex research done on women with breast cancer? Thank you. |
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Tamoxifen has been studied a long time and therefore there is lots of information on it. Zoledex is fairly new, in the last few years, and that is why there is less information on it. go to this spot to read more about both drugs:http://www.medhelp.org/forums/BreastCancer/messages/562a.html |
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Question:
#1814
12/01/2002
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I am a 37 yr old mother of 2. Diagnosed 11/01 w/stage 2 breast cancer. (3.3 cm). Mastectomy revealed 3 of 21 positive lymph nodes w/est/prog strongly positive at 78 and 72%. Did NSABP-30 clinical study on 2/02. I had a serious reaction and wound up in the hospital for 6 wks w/septic shock after just 1 treatment. Everything shut down I was on vent, dialysis, surgeries to remove secum (almost died). I have chosen not to continue w/chemo and same for radiation. (orig mastectomy was 12/01). What necessary follow up tests and monitoring should I do? When should I look into reconstruction and how do you monitor afer reconstruction? Have you heard of any other reactions to this clinical study? Thank You.... |
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reactions like your are very rare. sorry to hear you have had so much trouble. Being hormone receptor positive, i assume your doctors may discuss tamoxifen with you as an additional way to prevent recurrence. Monitoring will consist of mammograms annually of your other breast and probably med onc follow up quarterly. Scans may be done annually or in some cases just when you are experiencing a new ache or pain. Some doctors like to do tumor markers called CA 27/29 as well. For reconstruction, if you aren't having radiation (you didn't mention if they were doing that or not due to 3 positive nodes-- sometimes they do; other times they radiate if there are 4 or more nodes positive), then a breast reconstruction doctor could be consulted when you are feeling better. some medical oncologists would say to wait 2 years as this is the window of time when recurrence is at its highest risk of happening. If your doctor says it is okay to pursue reconstruction now, be sure to have it done by someone who does a large volume of these procedures. there are lots of choices today-- implants, free flap, DIEP flap, s-Gap, dorsal flap. Tram flaps are actually considered to be "the old method" today so you may want to make sure you are being treated by someone experienced with the newer procedures that take no muscle. For monitoring post reconstruction, it depends on the type done-- your plastic surgeon will review with you what methods he/she recommends. |
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Question:
#1815
11/28/2002
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Two weeks ago I had a lumpectomy and removal of levels I, II, III lymph nodes. One of the 19 nodes was positive. It was situated in Level I. My findings were: T2, N1, M0, G3. The tumor was segmentally removed, and plastic surgery was done at time of lumpectomy to enhance esthetic result.
Histology showed a 2.2cm IDC which was completely removed and healthy tissue was found within 1cm of the tumor. HER-2 was 1+. Thorax, liver sonogram, Bone scan all showed no evidence of metastasis. Estrogen and porgesterone receptors were negative. I am 51 and premenopausal.
Suggested treatment is chemotherapy (either EC 90/600 for four cycles; or CMF 500/40/600 six cycles, each having 2 parts) and radiation. I have been gathering as much information as I can, but I am not convinced that chemotherapy will be of significance when I outweigh the possible side effects and toxitiy of the drugs. I am really afraid of supressing my body's immune system even further and what consequences that might have for my quality of life. My doctors are reluctant to give me any statistics re taking vs not taking chemo, but I feel I need that to help make my final decision. I only have a week left if I am to start chemo within the recommended 21 days after surgery (for best results) and now I am feeling pressure to make a decision about the rest of my life without having enough info.
I can see the benefit of radiation and do not have a problem accepting that.
The questions I need answered are:
What are the chances of further metastasis in my situation, when 1 of 19 nodes has been affected, and that one being in level 1.
How beneficial is chemo in my case?
If I say no to chemo, what are my alternatives?
If I say no to chemo, then start radiation and reconsider, will it still be of any value to have chemo after radiation is completed?
I am living in Europe and there are lots of alternative therapies and treatments available in different countries. However, I cannot find good information on their successes or potential side affects. This is a very time consuming process, and as I have already mentioned, my choice for or against chemo must be made in the next few days.
Thank you for your advise. I believe there should be more such sites offering help to women in my situation where time is of the essence. |
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When we are dealing with positive lymph nodes-- even just one-- there is a risk of mets. Though scans are clear, microscopic disease cannot be seen on scans. Thus the purpose of chemo-- that if there is any disease still lingering somewhere in your bones, liver or lungs it is designed to find it and kill it. yes, there are side effects with chemo. It is hard to say for any individual what the benefit is for her and instead we rely on stats that show anywhere from 2-10% benefit in taking this therapy. Alternative medicines lack scientific validation that they do much of anything other than drain your wallet. You need to decide how much of a risk taker you are--- women who are risk takers may opt to not take chemo; those who want to ensure they have left no stone unturned will always take it. Your immune system is stronger than you think and you are young woman... think this through and also talk with other women who have had chemo to help you in your decision making. |
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Question:
#1816
11/26/2002
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I am 48 with a nine year old, Stage IIB breast cancer and had a mastectomy and 13 nodes removed, 2 positive for Cancer. I had multicentric disease, the largest tumor being 2.1cm. I am on my sixth round of chemotherapy, CEF. My oncologist does not recommend radiation after chemo since less than four nodes involved. The second opinion I got opted for radiation. I want to get whatever treatment will increase my survival rate. What do I do about radiation after chemotherapy? |
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get a second opinion and even a third opinion. Though most places may say to not worry with radiation if there are less than 4 positive nodes, it is something to explore and discuss so see a radiation oncologist who specializes just in breast cancer-- not a general radiation oncologist. that is part of the key to the answer for you |
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Question:
#1817
11/24/2002
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I have been offered six treatments of taxotere as part of a clinical trial in the U.K. I was informed that in the U.S. individuals receive eigth treatments. Can you confirm the long term prognonis if I were to have eight instead of the six. I have also been offered the standard British treatment of Fluoiouiacil, Epirubicin, and Cyclophosphamide. I would also be grateful if you could tell me what the success rate is in the U.S for treatment of breast cancer. Thank you |
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Actually we are using 4 cycles of taxotere here for most of our clinical trials. Clinical trials are still fairly new here in the states also for using FEC, though it is gaining more popularity based on looking at results over in your neck of the woods. Remember that you are in individual and stats are merely numbers. Review the side effects , risks and benefits and you will then know what you want to take on. good luck |
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Question:
#1818
11/18/2002
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I see my onc on Friday for tumor marker testing and bone goop (zemeta). If marker is up, he may go into why I should have chemo (I have some bone mets but no organ involvement). I do not want to do chemo...How about I ask to be switched to faslodex and then get zameta every other month? I don't want to see him monthly anymore. Does chemo even work on bone mets? I don't hear too much success in that treatment. Respond soon ..Thanks... |
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Keep in mind that bone is considered an organ. Yes, bone mets can be reduced with chemo. sometimes radiation is used as well. When dealing with stage IV disease, learning about all your options and working in partnership with your medical oncologist is important with the goal to get this disease in control so your body can live in harmony with this disease, like a chronic illness would be. So talk with your doctor about your concerns and see if you can negotiate a treatment plan that you are both comfortable with. |
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Question:
#1819
11/17/2002
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My husband, 62 diagnosed by surgical biopsy on 10/7/02 with 1.4cm tumor - in situ carcinoma - predominately cribriform - DCIS extending outside invasive tumor mass. Left nipple had been retracting for approx. 18 mths., internist unconcerned at two annual physicals! Lump detected by us and we insisted on mammogram/ultrasound. Yes, men do get breast cancer, and there needs to be more awareness of this! Sentinel node mapping and modified radical mastectomy done 10/22 to remove nipple, areola and underlying breast tissue. 3 nodes showed no evidence of tumor. Breast tissue had a residual 1.5 cm focus of ductal carcinoma in situ, no evidence of invasive disease, surgical margins free - closest margin is deep and
0.5 cm from residual tumor. All this was encouraging news but now a
3 mth. course of Cytoxan and Adriamycin, followed by 5 yrs. of tamoxifen has been advised by the oncologist who stages this tumor as a I-II, although it may only give him an additional 10-14% chance of preventing recurrence. Husband is concerned about the possible side effects of so much poison in his body - especially thrombosis - can live with the hair loss, doesn't have much anyway. He is making a great recovery from the surgery and is in general good health. All pre-op scans and tests were negative, have been told a heart scan would be done prior to any chemo. We want to do the right thing of course and are awaiting an appt. for a second opinion regarding the chemo/hormonal therapy, this is for early Dec. What are your feelings regarding this adjuvant therapy please. |
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good for you and him to be aggressive in pursuing his situation. most doctors would recommend chemo, especially since he is a man. Men have a history of having a 25% higher mortality than women do for breast cancer-- another fact not well known! though the treatment carries some risks its benefits for longevity are clearly there. MUGA test will help determine his heart status and risk of possible heart issues from AC. You can also of course get a second opinion from another medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer. |
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Question:
#1820
11/17/2002
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i have grade 3 her2 overexpressed er pr negative 2.5 centmeter invasive ductal carcinoma. lymph node negative. am taking the fec protocol and 33 radiation tx. what are the chances of recurrence |
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your medical oncologist would need to tell you this based on your age, other prognostic factors from your pathology, and your general health. you are clearly taking all the necessary measures to reduce this risk of recurrence though which is smart. |
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Question:
#1821
11/12/2002
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I have had a lumpectomy and axillary node dissection for breast cancer. I am 40 years old and pre-menopausal. The tumor was 1.8 cm, margins were clear, it was moderately differentiated, hormone receptor positive (for both), HER2/neu normal (not overexpressed), 21 lymph nodes removed--all negative, no sign of metastisis on CT scan or bone scan. I have seen 2 hematology oncologists. Both recommend chemotherapy. One recommends CMF and the other recommends AC. I can't seem to find much information that compares the two options. What would you recommend and why? |
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see a medical oncologist who specializes in BREAST CANCER-- not someone who specializes in blood disorder cancers. Then you will get the answers you need. Glad to hear you are stage 1 and have good prognostic factors of er/pr positive and her2neu negative! good for you! ask the medical oncologist too about whether hormonal therapy (SERMs) will be part of your treatment for preventing return of the disease too... get all the information you can, but see a breast cancer oncologist. |
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Question:
#1822
11/12/2002
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I take xeloda, zometa (intravenous) monthly, femara and now a monthly shot of faslodex. my markers have been stable in the range of 250-350 for over 2 years. I feel great and maintain an active lifestyle. When i asked my doctor abouyt nutrition and cancer, he did not seem to think it made much of a difference. I have read about sugar as a fuel for cancer cells and the positive effects of green tea. Should i look towards nutrional support while going the traditional route for estrogen-positive metastatic breast cancer? I am 55 years old and my cancer was diagnosed i 1998. i also had a stem cell stransplant in "99. |
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The American Cancer Society has a very nice cookbook out now that is for cancer patients and it addresses the type of nutritional program cancer patients in active treatment as well as those who have completed treatment would benefit from. Feel free to call 1-800-ACS-2345 for more information. We recently distributed this book at our survivor retreat! |
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Question:
#1823
11/10/2002
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My mother has just started her first round of taxol. Two days after she began to experience severe pain in her legs. She took Lortab 7.5 along with aleve. It did give her some relief after 2 days of misery. They also started her on some corticosteroids (mini pak) My question is it likely she will experience this severe pain again on her next cycle? Is there something she can take or do before the next cylcle to prevent this pain? She is considering stopping the chemotherapy because she can not go through that much pain again. |
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report to her doctor the severity of her symptoms. yes, she probably will get these symptoms again and he/she might be able to give some presciption medication to help ward off their severity.tell her to hang in there.... think of this like labor-- we know eventually the baby will come out! i think when we know there is a beginning and end to anything unpleasant we can usually endure... we women are tough! |
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Question:
#1824
11/10/2002
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my mother has a microcalification cluster that is abnormally shaped. She went for a mammogram and she is going for a biopsy in 4 days. If they find it and remove it does she still have to go for chemo therapy? |
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first wait and see if it is cancer. oftentimes if micocalcifications are cancer they are very early stage. The type of breast cancer, its size and some other factors will influence what additional treatment she would need. If the findings are DCIS only--- ductal carcinoma insitu, then chemo isn't part of the treatment because she wouldn't hae INVASIVE cancer--- just noninvasive disease instead.... but first wait and see if it is cancer at all. if it is the first step will probably be surgery to remove all of it (biopsy doesn't do that) and then they will determine what else is needed to get her well again |
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Question:
#1825
11/06/2002
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64 year old. Diagnosed with breast cancer in '99. Right mastectomy. Adriamycin/Cytoxin followed by Tamoxifen- which I will be taking for 2 more years.
Have just been diagnosed with heart failure. Help Sources? |
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See a cardiologist who has some experience with women who have been on adriamycin. He/she will want to review your MUGA test done prior to taking chemo too. a large teaching hospital will have such a doctor to help you |
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Question:
#1826
11/06/2002
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I am a current breast cancer patient who has been treated off and on since 1995. My tumor was estrogen positive and has since spread (throughout these 7 yrs) from breast again to spine (I had radition for the L3 area) then to shoulder and humerus (which I also had radiation twice in those areas.)I have had almost all of the chemotherapy drugs including a stem-cell transplant in 1997, now I have a rising tumor marker ca27-29 after being on taxol from 1999 to Aug 2002. It seemed to work pretty well until there was further involvement on my arm and shoulder. Now I am on Xeloda (pill-form) which I am not too crazy about because I don't think it is as effective. When I first started the taxol, my tumor marker was around 2100 and it decreased to around 120 although my normal range should be 38. Now it is 339 (I found out today) and I have already completed 2 cycles of Xeloda. The only agents left to take according to my oncologist is gemzar or navelbine. I also do not think these will be effective either. What do you think? I am still waiting for an effective immunotherapy or vaccine for breast cancer. But something must be done before this cancer gets too out-of-hand. Thank you for your reply. |
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so sorry to hear of your long standing battle with this disease. you have surely been a trooper and trying every remedy available. don't discount those last 2 drugs so quickly--- have a little faith--clinical trials are favorable for their benefit. you are right that vaccine therapies are still a time in the future... I hope that these additional chemotherapy drugs bring your disease back into control so that you can live in harmony with this chronic disease. |
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Question:
#1827
10/26/2002
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Hello:
My spouse was recently diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in her left breast with subsequent surgery to remove both breasts with the left more invasive than the right. Her cancer is estrogen receptor positive. Chemotherapy is being planned to begin in a couple of weeks. My spouse is premenopausal and is 45years old. My questions are, what advantage does chemotherapy (TAC) followed with tamoxifen have over ovarian ablation followed with tamoxifen? Secondly, is there any advantage of doing a surgical ovarian ablation after chemotherapy? |
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We hope she does well.. the questions you are asking though require a formal medical oncology consultation as her prognostic factors and other medical history play a role with these decisions. you are welcome to have her evaluated at hopkins if you wish |
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Question:
#1828
10/26/2002
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if you had a masectomy for dcis would radiation or chemotherapy be recommended |
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No because the disease was noninvasive. good for you for finding so early! hormonal therapy might be recommended though-- tamoxifen. |
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Question:
#1829
10/26/2002
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My Mom in her 70's is now being given Taxol for breast cancer (after 3 mos of Adriamycin & Cytoxan). With the first dose of Taxol she has had the usual flu-like symptoms. She also has had lower back problems in the past. She is now having a terrible time with her lower back. Some nights she can't go to bed because of the pressure lying down puts on her back. Although she had the bone scan and all the other tests before starting the Chemo, the oncologist wants her to have another bone scan & ct to check her back. Is this normal procedure? The oncologist said he had not heard of the Taxol causing this kind of lower back problem. I'm reading that the Taxol can cause lower back along with other problems. Are these tests necessary? Please advise. Thanks |
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taxol can cause join pain and there are lots of joints in the spine-- vertebrae. Scans can show hot spots of possible cancer that has spread too so another scan may be needed. Different patients react to chemo so there is no one standard response when it comes to how joint pain might present itself |
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Question:
#1830
10/20/2002
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Q: |
In researching treatments, I see that some people have 4 treatments, some people have 6 treatments and some people have 8 treatments. Why the difference? Is it better to have 8 than 6 or 4? I have a very aggressive cancer. It grew super, super fast and has extensive angiolymphatic invasion. Should I have 8 treatments? I am er/pr/her2 negative. Also, it is painful to me to realize that if one has all negative receptors, one has less options for treatments. It seems that research is so focused on people with positive receptors and the "negatives" are left out. |
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there are differences in therapy lengths because of different drugs and different clinical trials. you should seek clinical trials designed for your stage of disease and presence of angiolymphatic invasion. More isn't always better-- again it depends on the drug therapies being used. it is also smart to get 2 opinions about the chemo regimen recommended. |
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