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Question:
#31
2/14/2009
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My sister-law get this results its called introducal lobular carcinoma with lymphovascular positives estrogen and progesteron recptors grade 3/3.I want to know how I could help her she is my real sister and she''s only 32 years old and this cancer start 5 years ago,this is hurt my self to... |
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since lymphovascular invasion was seen it must be invasive lobular carcinoma then. not intraductal. treatment is dependent on many factors. she is young so genetic testing might be considered to see if she carries a gene that has caused this to happen. make sure she is in good hands with a breast surgical oncologist, medical oncologist and radiaiton oncologist. spend time with her going to the movies, babysitting if she has kids, buying her gift cards for a spa. There is a chapter in Stealing 2nd Base book that might help guide you how to help her during treatment. LS |
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Question:
#32
2/14/2009
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I have had two breast mri''s within the past year. After the first one, my breast surgeon told me that the results
were abnormal ... went for follow-up with him in 4 months and repeat mri in 6 months. He called with the results after the second mri and said this one showed nothing
suspicious and we scheduled another follow-up with him
for 6 months later. Yesterday I received a letter from the
facility that performed the mri''s saying that they would not be providing these services anymore. My question is this ... I have copies of the mri films and cd''s of the images. However, I never received a written report, as
it only went to my dr. and he didn''t go into any detail.
Am I correct in assuming that it is my legal right to have a copy of the written report and do you recommend requesting copies to keep with the films ? Thank you
for your time. |
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yes, it is your right. so obatin a copy from your doctor's office. hold onto those CDs too since they are not replacable and will be needed for comparison to future MRIs performed. |
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#33
2/9/2009
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On 01/07/07, my mother had a surgery for breast cancer (metastasis ganglion multiples (6+/16) with capsular effraction Gg< 1.8 cm Grade 2, tumor t=1.8. Her doctor treated her (6 times) with taxotere, adriamycin and endoxan then radiation for 30 times. However, the blood test before the surgery showed CA 15-3 to be =40.
On 07/01/2009 her blood test showed tumor marker Ca 15-3=68.83. A pet-scan was realized. Examination showed that she has bone metastasis affecting T11. The doctor is recommending gemzar every 2 weeks (6 times) and zometa (6 times) every 4 weeks .
Are the doctors’ recommendations accurate (injections/time)since he already had mistaken with her the 1st time by ignoring the high level of ca 15-3(radiation should have been given on her back/spinal column)? Is radiation recommended as it was not suggested?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
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CA 15 tells us of increased blood markers only. Dr did a pet scan to determine if disease was present elsewhere. Without symptoms of disease and only markers, he was treating appropriately. At this time based on new finding of PET scan, he is treating with systemic drugs and may or may not follow up with radiation to spine depending on effect of drugs. If not feeling confident, a 2nd opinion is appropriate for medical and radiation oncology. ds |
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#34
2/8/2009
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Lille, I am wondering about the use of denosumab for bone mets. I understand it is in clinical trials. I heard it had a side effect of neoplasm. I don''t want to take Zometa because of the ONJ. I previously had a broken jaw, so I am wondering what you know about denosumab and its potential and availability. Thanks for everything, you keep me going. |
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Dear Pandmisabelle, This is a relatively new agent and as you correctly say, only available in clinical trials. If you are interested in participating, by all means continue to investigate (I don't believe Hopkins is part of this), but outside of a clinical trial, this would not be availabe or recommended. ONJ is a concern, but in general, zometa is safe and as long as you are not having dental/oral surgical procedures, the risk is quite minimal. Best. |
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Question:
#35
2/1/2009
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Strong family history, tested neg for brac 1,2 in 2002, took tamoxifen x 4yrs then dxd age 58 with dcis and idbc lt brst. Bilateral mastectomy 1/07-1.1 cm IDC, sentinel node 5/5 negative. er/p + her neg, rexcision 4 days later due to invasive cells on margin. Oncotype dx 30. AC q 3wks x 4 completed end 4/07. started arimidex 5/07. I reported enlarged lymph node lt axilla 11/07 which was deemed normal per US and surgery consult 12/07. Attended regular Internal Medicine, GYN and Oncology appts q 6 mos thereafter. At recent oncology appt repeat US showed suspicious changes in same axillary node. PET scan and CT scan showed probable reactive node without evidence of suspicion elsewhere. However, frozen section of node done this wk showed metastatic ca with other 15 nodes obtained after axillary node dissection negative. I am awaiting oncology FU appt at major center at which I have been dx''d and treated in past. Also, I have obtained my medical records and would like outside review from other oncologists/breast centers as to recommendations to prevent recurrence in future. I am frustrated to have been so proactive and yet...... Any further suggestions? |
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You are doing all the right things to be as proactive as you can including seeing a big academic medical center for a 2nd or 3rd opinion. It is impossible to know whether or not you truly had disease recurrence earlier, or whether knowing this would make any difference in outcome. So I would not even worry about this as there is no way of ever knowing. Hang in there and continue to be as proactive as you can about treating your disease. Hope that helps. |
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Question:
#36
1/31/2009
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My PCP ordered a chest CT scan and called to inform me that Lymph nodes are present in the axillary area and to see him to follow up for evaluation. I don''t know what to expect. Should I expect breast problems or lymphoma? I am nervous. |
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it all depends on what he was doing the CT scan for. if you had a lump in your breast that they thought was cancer, and he did a scan like this and saw axillary nodes then it may be breast cancer in those nodes. if he was doing this unrelated to a breast issue then its hard to say. lymphoma is possible. an infection is possible as well as lots of other things. |
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#37
1/25/2009
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i was remember i use deodrant last year after using it i have a big pimple in my left arm i cover it with bandage and after 2 dayz i remove it but its cyst remain their iam 18 years old iam in tension is it is dangerous and related with cancer.cyst is so small and non grownable |
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it won't cause cancer but sounds like you have an infected hair follicle that continues to remain infected. might need to be opened and drained by your family doctor. |
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Question:
#38
1/24/2009
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I have a duct excision, scheduled for January 29th. I''m very confused. I''m 36, no history of breast cancer in the family. I had clear to serous unilateral spontaneous discharge for about five months. It would stain my bra, and could also be elicited quite easily. Had a battery of tests. Mammo: no abnormal findings, just dense breast tissue. Ultrasound: no abnormal findings, just dilated duct(s). Breast MRI: a 6mm irregular enhancing mass with plateau kinetics in the breast (BIRADS 4). Targeted ultrasound: where the mass was found on the MRI, the doctor found a "dilated duct with a 5mm hypoechoic mass demonstrating increased vascularity and an adjacent second hypoechic mass measuring 3mm. The report continued: "although it appears to be an intraductal mass, the possibility that it is inspissated debris cannot be excluded." Now, here''s the confusing part. I had an MRI guided biopsy on the opposite breast due to findings in the first MRI. That mass turned out to be benign. But, that time, the MRI did not show the suspicious mass in the breast with the discharge, and the discharge has stopped. Do I still need a duct excision as the doctor suggests? Was that enough of a persistent suspicious discharge to warrant going forward with the excision, or would careful monitoring be enough? Thank you so much for your time and your answer! |
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the symptoms had to be caused by something. ductogram might be the best next step. |
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#39
1/18/2009
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I have two questions. First, on my last mammogram my doctor said I developed a sernoma and did an ultrasound. Is it typical to develop a sernoma 1 year after radiation and 1.5 years after surgery and do they usually ultrasound them? Also, I have a constant soreness in my left side underarm. I''ve had DCIS on my right side twice. This soreness has been there for 3 months but I don''t see redness and there is no lump. Can a recurrence show up just as soreness? |
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haven't seen cancer show up as soreness as you are describing however make your doctor aware so he can examine you closely. seroma can form late as a reaction actually to the radiation and surgery combined. about 10% will have this happen. LS |
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Question:
#40
1/12/2009
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Hi, Lille, just wondering why so many oncs,. differ on whether to use Lupron or oophorectomy with ER positive breast cancer. Can you still produce estrogen if you are taking Lupron? Wouldn''t getting rid of your ovaries ensure that you aren''t producing estrogen but for your adrenal glands? Bottom line, is it better for your heart to just chemically shut down your ovaries? I can''t thank you enough for your help. |
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Sometimes the choice of Lupron or oophorectomy is personal, ie a woman still wants to have children after the therapy. You are correct in that not all women will respond the same to Lupron and yes, sometimes estrogen can still be produced, so oophorectomy is the best way to ensure complete ovarian shutdown of estrogen production. No one is 100% sure regarding which is best for the heart, and a lot of that would depend on the age of patients taking Lupron, ie if they are close to menopause when starting the Lupron, they may achieve menopause when they come off the drug after a number of years. This doesn't really answer your question, but essentially, each patient and doctor is different, and the decision to use Lupron vs. oophorectomy needs to be individualized due to reasons such as the ones mentioned. Hope that helped. |
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Question:
#41
1/12/2009
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Thanks for your wonderful service and advice. I have been dxed in several months ago with invasive ductal carcinoma. Had lumptectomy. Sentinel showed 1mm of micrometastasis. 10 aux removed and came out as clear. Scans and tests showed all systems as clear. Tumor was 1 cm, er -, hormone receptors strong 85% +. Received 4 ACs and have been scheduled for 3 cycles of Taxotere. Then there will be raditation and final stop recommended for Tamixofen. But my doctor proposed not to do the taxotere and moved to raditation therapy due to my weak immunity (i had two infection episodes). Not that I like chemo but I wanted to continue to treatment as initially planned. My doctor says the type of cancer I have is moderate, so taxotere would not make have much of difference in terms of efficacy and recurrence since I have completed the standard 4 ACs. We will continue to the treatment as planned but I am bit puzzled. |
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Sounds like your doctor felt that the side effects of taxotere were too much and that given your overall presentation of breast cancer that he didn't feel pushing the limits of toxicity would be worth any chance of additional benefit. All of this sounds reasonable, but if you want further peace of mind, it is always a good idea to get a 2nd opinion, especially as it is not possible to adequately evaluate your condition given the limits of this forum. HOpe that helped. |
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Question:
#42
1/3/2009
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I had a lumpectomy and radiation in the summer of 2006, with negative nodes and I''m currently on Tamox. The only routine ongoing tests that I have had to date are mammograms, breast ultrasound and a breast MRI. Now my surgeon wants to add a chest x-ray - I have no symptoms or problems. My oncologist agreed. Is it generally recommended to get routine chest x-rays to detect metastatic cancer early? I''m worried about adding unnecessary radiation to my chest. |
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no, its not. so i'm befuddled by the recommendation. what they might be assessing is how your lungs look post radiation and not related to looking for mets. chest xray is not the way to look for mets anyway. |
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Question:
#43
1/3/2009
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I noticed a lump today. It is located on the left side...south left of my armpit...it is a pretty good size almost oval shaped (not round) and is hard when I press on it. I cannot pick it up and squeeze it in my hands...lately I have been vomiting a lot and my lymphatic blood work came back a bit off and the dr said that I had some type of stomach bug. When I have had various alternative treatments lately such as aricular therapy what continues to show up is the lymphatic system and the thyamis. I am concerned about this lump today. Can you advise me as to what I should do next and do I have a reason for concern. I am 52 female, overweight with mother a colon cancer survivor. |
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actually may not be breast related at all. next step though is to see your family doctor and then get an ultrasound of the area where the lump is. they might put a fine needle in it to aspirate a few cells and determine what it is. might be infection or reactive cells from imflammatory reaction of some kind-- like infection. |
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Question:
#44
1/3/2009
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Hi, Lille, I understand various hospitals are genotyping tumors before embarking on a course of chemotherapy. I was wondering if my hormonal therapy fails me, wouldn''t it be wise to have my tumor slides typed before taking on a chemo that may fail me. I also understand it is in clinical trials and not yet available for standard protocol. What do you think? Thanks for everything. |
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that sounds quite reasonable... the NCI website may be able to give you information about where and how to have that done. LS (take care dear.) |
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Question:
#45
1/3/2009
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I have had a partial mastectomy (lower outer quandrant) and lymph node dissection - for IDC. The IDC 1.2cm and no lymph node involvement ER and PR positive >90%, HER2 Negative. I am waiting for my radiation appointment. I also have a fibroadenoma at 1-2 oçlock, when I asked the surgeon if a full mastectomy would be better he said that radiologists can recognise fibroadenomas and that the partial mastectomy would be fine. Now that I am waiting for my rads I am thinking I might have been better to have a total mastectomy - Could the fibroadenoma be hiding another IDC? THe surgeon who performed my operation has since left the hospital and I don''t know anyone else to talk to about it. |
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well, technically it is possible. doesn't happen very often but i've seen it. ironically enough, this was my case 14 years ago in my opposite breast. a fibroadenoma was blocking the view on mammography of seeing a small cancer behind it. after the fibroadenoma was removed it was then seen on my next mammogram. mammography has dramatically improved since my experience with better imaging and even digital mammography ability. if you are going to worry and fret about it then saving your breast won't be a gift if will be a curse. there is nothing worse than hearing a patient tell me she is doing breast self exams in the shower every morning. but if you really wanted to save your breast, and i assume you did, then consider getting this benign mass out, then press on with radiation. if you want to come to us just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#46
12/20/2008
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I am BRCA1 and had an abnormal breast MRI in October. I was diagnosed with DCIS high grade >5cm. I just underwent a bilateral mastectomy. Pathology shows a microinvasion of 0.5MM. ER/PR-, not enough tissue to test for Her-2/neu.
I am meeting an oncologist next week.
My question is, does a microinvaion ever require chemo? I have heard in some cases with BRCA carriers and hormone receptor negative type cancers that chemo is sometimes used.
Thank you for any information you can provide.
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it would be extraordinarily unusual to give chemo for a tiny amount of invasive cells found within the breast. different situation if found in the lymph nodes. so sounds like your treatment is done. next step is gyn oncology to discuss getting your ovaries out-- another high risk factor for you is ovarian cancer due to BRCA gene positivity.LS |
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#47
12/19/2008
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My mother, 87 and in incredibly good shape, has just had a maastectomy for triple negative breast cancer. One axillary node also had a tumor, and in her breast, there was vasular/lymphatic invasion. The situation seems grim, but she is okay for chemo.
what I can''t find on line at this point is information about triple negative breast cancer and geriatrics. What can you offer about treatment of women in their 80s with this cancer? |
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wow... 87 and just had a big surgery. very unusual for someone of this age too to have hormone receptor negative cancer. it is highly unusual to offer chemo to someone of this age. though she may be healthy, if she isn't literally as healthy as someone say 65 then it may take too much of a toll of her. having 1 node positive isn't an automatic ticket to the death chamber either. it may have gone that far and no further. the size of the invasive tumor, the grade and Ki67 weigh in here as to how much to worry. We happen to have a geri-oncologist at Hopkins who specializes in this. it would be worth your while to bring her to us for a consultation. if you want to pursue that, contact me on monday at shockli@jhmi.edu |
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#48
12/13/2008
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Lily, How do surgeons determine how many nodes to take? I have seen people getting 3 taken and others with many more. Is there a chance they will miss something if they take a smaller number? Thanks for your service! |
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The majority of patients are candidates for sentinel node biopsies. the sentinel node, also known as the guard node, usually is one node but in some cases maybe several clustered together. If an axillary node dissection is needed, then the surgeon generally will do a level 1 and 2 dissection. this is a specific anatomic area in the armpit. we all have a different number of nodes. nodes can be the size of a pinhead or as large as a very big grape. the surgeon cannot count them during surgery. no way to tell. so he excises that area and the pathologist has the task of counting and examining each and every one. it is recommended for patients needing an axillary node dissection that a count of 7 or more is considered sufficient to be considered an ax dissection. LS |
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#49
11/30/2008
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I had an MRI that recommended an ultrasound guided biopsy due to enhancement at 2:30. The breast surgeon did the ultrasound guided biopsy (FNA) and aspirated a cyst. The fluid from the cyst was sent to pathologist. It came back as negative and I received the call from the breast surgeon saying is was negative. The ultrasound report went to the radiologist and it was a very brief report that noted "two 4mm contiguous hypoechocic at 2:00 and multiple cysts under the nipple." There was no category on the ultrasound report and I did not get a call about the report. At a follow-up 10months later, a core biopsy was done by same breast surgeon using ultrasound guidance. No clip was placed. I thought everything was fine. But this biopsy came back at IDC 1.3 cm. I respectfully asked the breast surgeon as to why I wasn''t called back in from the original ultrasound report 10 months ago.He skimmed the pathology report and pointed to "negative". He said I must have remembered a cyst being puncutured as he crossed it to get to the area needing the biopsy. That is defenitely not what happened. No clips were ever placed during the FNA or at the follow up appt. with the core biopsy. The radiology report did not note anything about the cyst aspirated and there was no film showing the aspiration. There was no mention of the MRI or past ultrasounds comparisons of my breasts on the report by the radiologist either. The breast surgeon said it probably was a new growth. I feel as if I fell through a lot of cracks and there was no check system in place to bring everything together for a diligent review. How do you find support when something goes so terribly wrong? |
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usually by seeking your care at another facility where you can "begin again" and get things back on track. it is understandable that your faith in the people who have taken care of you up to now has been shaken. so gather your films and pathology slides and seek out a comprehensive breast center that is part of an NCI designated comprehensive cancer center. if you want to come to us you are welcome to do so. just call 443-287-2778. since the videtape of the last year cannot be redone and started over, start from here and move forward. BTW, usually a mass of this measurement, though still considered very early stage diagnosis, has been growing for about 3-5 years. it takes quite a while for breast cancer to usually get itself established and grow. |
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#50
11/30/2008
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Lillie, thanks for your no-nonsense, succinct answers. First, an observation: we breast cancer survivors have had such widely varying treatments--this is apparent from reading the questions you get. I wish there were better standards of treatment based on evidence-based research. Second, a question about my own treatment: I have learned from you that while routine scans are not done as follow-up after treatment is over, you have also said that for locally advanced bc with a large tumor and many positive nodes, a cat scan to see if the cancer has metastisized is the standard. This was never done, despite my being a 3A with a very high ki-67 and positive nodes. My oncologist said he didn''t believe in them, that they created too many questions that had to be tracked down. I wish now I had stood my ground and insisted on scanning, because it has caused me needless anxiety to enter treatment without knowing the full extent of my disease. Several months ago I went back to the same oncologist because my ribs, hips were so painful. I insisted on a bone scan which he reluctantly agreed to--thankfully all is fine, just the normal aches from aromatase inhibitors. But how do you know the difference unless you have a bone scan? Wish I had travelled to Johns Hopkins... |
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oh my.... well, glad your scan looked okay and hormonal therapy is the culprit! The NCCN treatment guidelines do include doing scans for stage 3 so that it can be determined if in fact the patient really is stage 4... that said, your doctor chose not to follow those guidelines. don't know why. glad you got a scan recently though and know your post chemo baseline at least! see about getting your vitamin D level checked in your blood. some women report that when their levels are low the joint pain is worsened while on an AI. worth exploring. take care.. LS |
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Question:
#51
11/23/2008
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I have ER+ breast cancer and am taking Arimidex. Will taking a Tbs. of ground flaxseed a day be helpful or harmful? |
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not solid evidence based studies to tell us the answer here... most say it doesn't harm, but may not be helpful from a breast cancer perspective either. just be sure your medical oncologist knows you are taking it. let him/her weigh in on this. |
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Question:
#52
10/29/2008
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Hi, I am a survivor of breast cancer for 5 years. StageII, ER,PR positive, negative lympnodes.I have recently moved from California to Pheonix, Arizona. My oncologist in California was not able to reccomend a Dr. in Arizona. Do you have a suggestion on how to fine a wonderful oncologist in Arizona? Thank You |
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gee, i don't know the doctors there. seek out a doctor at a comprehensive cancer center that is NCI designated as one. the american cancer society locally there can help you. LS |
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#53
10/27/2008
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I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma in March 2006, age 47. Was between 2-3 cm, stage II, grade II. sentinal nodes positive in 2 of 3 nodes. ER 50% positive, PR 75% positive, HER neg. Had lumpectomy, then chemo, bilateral mastectomy, and radiation
Was premenopausal and on birth control pills at diagnosis. Periods continued through chemo (but were lighter and different).
From advise of gynecologist, stopped using bc pills in Nov 06. Shortly after that, periods stopped. (was also about time finished radiation). Assuming was chemo induced menopause.
Was on tamoxifen for 18 months. Then oncologist switched me to Femara (age 49). She said it was better at reducing recurrence. I want to do all I can to reduce the chances of it coming back, but I''ve read that Femara is usually for post-menopausal women. Do you think it works as good for chemo-induced menopause as it does if menopause had occurred naturally, or should they have kept me on tamoxifen longer? Is it true that Femara is better at reducing recurrences? I also read small print on the container that said it is not an approved drug and only used in trials, etc., or something to that affect.
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Femara is a drug used in post menopausal women whether menopause was caused by chemicals or was biological. Clinical trials have led to recommendation of Tamoxifen for 2 to 3 years and switching to Femara as new standard treatment. ds |
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Question:
#54
10/25/2008
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Hi Lillie,
I''m 2 years out as of 10/10.
Stage II ER/PR+ greater then 90%, Grade 3, 7mm tumor, 1 node positive small. Braca Neg but got the ovaries out and on Arimedex.
Went for a 4 month check up with my Onc. She doesn''t like to do tumor markers but I request that they are done.
Well last week my markers went from 14 to 22!! I almost passed out in her office.. She said not to worry this happens all of the time and this is one of the reasons why she doesn''t like to do them, too much anxiety.
I feel fine but now I''m scared, worried and yes full of anxiety..
Re-doing the C27.29 in 5 weeks again. She said we could wait until after all of the holidays but I didn''t want to wait. Have you seen this happen before?
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doing tumor markers today is becoming rarer and rarer because it is such an imperfect test. it can go up for no known reason. how you feel is the best marker to use. glad you feel fine. try not to dwell on this. also, risk of recurrence is greatest during the first 2 years. you are passed that milestone now. congrats! LS |
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Question:
#55
10/18/2008
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Lille, thanks, as always, for your help. I need your candor. I am ER positive with mediastinal involvement, doing well on Arimidex but for the brutal side effects. I need to ask you point blank about the future. If I were your best friend, what would you tell me about the future from your perspective. I think I could hang in there if I really believed we were getting closer to a cure. I don''t think I could live like this for 10 more years. Without comprising JH''s research, really, how close are we? I need some hope. Thanks. |
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Well, given i lack a crystal ball, i don't lack optimism, having seen women with mets living longer and longer thanks to improved treatments. check our breast cancer vaccine we are doing. (google the Baltimore Sun newspaper for articles in there this past week about it.) you might be a candidate so DO check it out.
quality of life is VERY important though in the interim and that is what you are describing to me. so a few thoughts--- ask your doctor if you are able to switch to a different AI and try it. also get your vitamin D blood level checked. women with low levels report more joint pain than those who are within normal levels. hang in.. LS |
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Question:
#56
10/11/2008
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In 2006 the Dr found a lump, sent me for ultrasound and they said they needed to do a core biopsy to get a better idea of what they were looking at. When he did the biopsy he ended up doing 2 of them. When I went back the Dr told me they didn’t find any cancer but they didn’t know what it was. I asked if it was a cyst or something like that, he said more and likely. He said the part they took didn’t really give them any answers, but they didn’t find cancer. He told me I was really to young to worry about it, (at the time I was 24) and on my next apt they will look at it again. I keep going to this same Dr and he said don’t worry about it, I was to young. Its been 2 years and it has gotten a little bigger. After seeing another Dr for something else he had some X-rays done, he said they showed a Dark spot on my left breast, and sent me to a Dr he felt good about. I saw this Dr Thursday (9-08) after getting my family history and the results from the 06 tests, and a exam, he now wants me to have a mammogram, and an ultrasound. He said that I should go and get tested for the BC gene. I don’t know much about my real mothers side of family I know some had Breast Cancer,, but on my fathers side my grandmother (85) has the preBC it starts with an M and my aunt had B/C at the age of 37 no lump she just went in for a mammogram and found it. I am the only girl on that side since my aunt (now (56) (we are the only females on that side) Question is : Should I get the BC gene test done? The first DR told me that I didn’t need it cuz it was on my fathers side, and I don’t know about my mothers side. 2nd question is: Should I get the mammogram done? The First Dr said there is no point cuz woman my age it does not show anything cuz of dense breast, and I shouldn’t starts doing them cuz of radiation exposure from a mammogram are not good. I don’t know what to do, I want to trust my old Dr but I’m starting to question him, and this new Dr said from what he sees I should have had all this done 2 years ago. I dont understand why the first Dr would mislead me. Thank you so much for you time, sorry this is so long. |
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doesn't matter if it is on your mother's side or father's side, the risk is equal. we get half our genes from our mom and half from our dad. meet with a genetics counselor first to discuss all of this and get your risk calculated professionally by an expert before embarking on the blood test. LS |
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Question:
#57
10/10/2008
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I just emailed you but then looked at the copy of my mammogram again question I was dx in Nov 05, had lumpectomy nov 05, jan 06 chemo 6 rounds, the 34 rads. I had a mammo every 6 months starting may06 then nov 06 the ,may amd nov for the first 2 years, but the report I just read said that the mammo I had last week was compared to that of one in 10/06 I had 1 in 07 etc. any ideas what i should do? This is maddening when I see errors like this as It was there on the mammo orig in jan of 05 and was missed amd then showed up in a mammo in 11/05should I question this? |
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though ideally it would be compared to both the 07 and 06 imaging, going back to 06 and finding no changes is also fine. call the radiologist who read it (his name will be on the report) and ask why it was compared to previous time periods rather than more recent. LS |
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Question:
#58
10/10/2008
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Dear Lilli,
next momth will be 3 yrs for my trip neg BC. I recently had a mammo and it said all was fine but -it said comparison is made to exam dated 10/06 current study finds 5 films tissue is both breast is heterogeneously dense this may lower the sensitivity of mammo there are post operative findings and biopsy clips in the right breast no significant interval changes. Impression benign no evidence of malignancy or calcifications. I wanted a digital but I have Kaiser and they dont have it. I did get a refferal for it though. How long do I wait to have a digital since I just had a reg mammo last week? Or should I have a digital? I have large breast and have been more tired than usual , and also have tingling in both breast lately. Being that I was orig dx in Nov 05 of trip neg, had 5fu epirubicin and cytoxin through clinical trials and 34 rads I still fear recuurence like so many of us .it was stage 1, 1.4cm wide clear margins, grade 2 I was 45 now I am 48. Any news on the forfront for trip neg and also Its about Money with my insur co. What kind of test mammo mri or digital do you recommend and when ? How is the outlook for me? Thank you so much |
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since the radiologist commented that your breasts are dense, it would be okay, and i think approved by your insurance company to go ahead and do it now. you can also wait 6 months. your call. overall sounds like things are going well...that's great to hear. remember the risk of recurrence is highest during the first 2 years and you are well past that milestone. LS |
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Question:
#59
10/4/2008
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Hi, Lille, I have had good response to Arimidex as my first line defense. I am either IIIc or IV due to mediastinal nodes. If I should progress, would I likely try another Al or go to intravenous chemo? I am not sure how I feel about it at this point, the Arimidex has many side effects, can barely move some days. thanks for the help. I so look forward to your answer. |
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usually if hormonal therapy is working they stay with that until disease progresses then turn to chemo agents. we'll pray the arimidex continues to do its job. LS |
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Question:
#60
9/7/2008
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I have completed my chemotherapy for triple negative stage 2 breast cancer. I am done. There is no after care program except to get a 6 months and yearly exam. I am still afraid of reacurrance.
I had 6 treatments of TAC.
What can i do to help myself?
Thank you |
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it's understandable that you feel worried however the standard of care is to not do a bunch of scans and other tests but instead to rely on symptoms and clinical exam. we are having a survivor retreat the first weekend in November. it is specifically designed for women like yourself who have recently completed their treatment and are feeling fearful. consider attending it. contact Deb Stewart at dstewa24@jhmi.edu for details. LS |
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