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Question:
#571
11/28/2005
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I have had a "sensation" in my right breast for 6 months. There was a density found on my mammogram, but an ultrasound came back "negative." My lymph nodes in my right armpit and neck have been swollen since. I was scheduled for a repeat mammogram in March, but asked to have one early because the "sensation" and heaviness is only growing. The doctor referred me for another mammogram. They had me come back for cone magnification and an ultrasound. The folks at the imaging center say not to worry because they just look like enlarged lymph nodes. I have a FU appt with a surgeon tomorrow. What questions should I ask to be thorough? I have had a worry about BC this whole time. I am 35. "We don't think it is anything to worry about," just doesn't bode well with me any more! What other reasons would there be for a lymph node or lymph nodes in my right breast and axillary reasons to be so swollen for so long? Thank you so much for any direction you can give with this. I am not even sure what questions to ask my doc. |
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other causes can be infection or inflammation. so don't assume cancer yet. he may opt to do some additional imaging such as ultrasound of the axillae. |
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Question:
#572
11/28/2005
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I recently contacted you (question#10 11-20-05)and since that time I had a re excision surgery and they took out a golf ball size of the calcifications and it showed cancer cells which the other 2 biopsies did not. I am told now I have no choice but to have a masectomy. After reading the other questions on here I never see anyone at the zero stage of DCIS. Is there somewhere I can get more information on this stage and is a masectomy all that I can do? I have read numerous sites and they all say that with DCIS if it is spread over a large area it will end in masectomy, but mine is in the form of calcifications the size of a grain of salt. If they can use radiation to shrink tumors then why can't radiation be used to eliminate these???? We never get a clear answer when we speak to our dr.s about this. |
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there are many women who post here who have DCIS. it usually does look like tiny grains of salt on a film--- the question is how extensive it is. DCIS is known for being good quality breast cancer but quantity can be problem for some. if the doctor believes it to be "extensive DCIS"then that can lead down a path of mastectomy. or if there are multiple areas on the breast of DCIS, that can result in it too. if you want to come to us for evaluation of this feel free to do so. just call 443-287-2778. we try to do breast conservation as often as possible when it is medically feasible and appropriate. radiation doesn't get rid of DCIS. if it did, then surgery would never be needed. think about it. radiation following lumpectomy is used to prevent recurrence in the breast. |
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Question:
#573
11/28/2005
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I would like to know your opionion on certain pain medications. I have read such things as opiates causing proliferation of cancer cells and Tylenol type medicines lowering glutathione levels possibly contributing to cancer as well. I am in a temporarily very uncomfortable situation as tissue expanders are causing significant back pain by mid afternoon. I have been prescribed Percocet (too strong), Darvocet (doesn't do anything) Valium by the Plastic surgeon???(no thanks). The only med that works on the pain and lets me stay balanced is Vicodin. I take 1 usually mid to late afternoon. Occassionally another a little later on if things have really gotten sore. I am afraid of taking this med because of the things I mentioned about, and yet by late afternoon I have to give up the fight. Does this medicine really increase the risk of hindering my healing or having cancer grow again? I have had the tissue expanders for 6 weeks and have 8 more weeks to go before surgery. My Onc. prescribed the vicodin, but I have learned to test everything for myself. I would much rather live with the pain (Ugh) than encourage the cancer in any way. Please if you can tell me one way or the other what I should be doing. |
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i haven't seen any evidenced based medicine that supports the need to avoid these meds due to such a connection to cancer growth. |
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Question:
#574
11/23/2005
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I am 34, single, whithout children, breast cancer patient. I had mastectomy 4 weeks ago. It is stage 2b (tumor is 2,2 cm big, gradus is 3, it is 95% estrogen positive and 70 -80% progesteron positive, ductal, it is also herceptin 3+ positive, two limfnodes are negative, two are suspicios, axilar is negative).
I would like to know, what sort of theraphy do you recomend (which chemoteraphy, hormone theraphy and herceptin-yes or no). Could I still have children after treatment? I think they will give chemotheraphy, hormone teraphy, for herceptin 50% of doctors agree with it and 50% don't (not because of monay). |
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we aren't able to recommend specific treatments based on email correspondence. it requires a formal consultation as you would certainly want to receive. sounds like though hormonal therapy would be recommended and chemo. there are many drug regimens. doesn't mean there is "just one" that is "the right one" though. usually, regarding children, it is recommended to wait at least 2 years after treatment is completed before embarking down that road and it should be done with involvement of your medical oncologist talking with your gyn at that time. |
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Question:
#575
11/22/2005
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is there a blood test available to determine the sensitivity of the individual suffering from breast cancer to the drug tamoxifin.If so may i have the name of the test. |
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there isn't such a test. sorry. |
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Question:
#576
11/22/2005
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Yikes! After my diagnosis last week of invasive ductal cancer, I've seen 4 doctors(surgeon, radiation oncologist, and 2 medical oncologists). So, I've gotten several opinions and each has a good reason for their opinions, but I'm still not convinced. First, one medical oncologist wants to shrink the tumor with neoadjuvant chemo before going back for lumpectomy because the excisional biopsy was 4cmx3cmx3cm with stellar shaped extending to the margins in several locations. The tumor is poorly differentiated, ER+,PR+, Her 0.5. There is also a question of another smaller tumor in the same breast. I am premenopausal with history of 3 2nd degree relatives with breast and ovarian cancer(no first degree). The other medical oncologist wants to wait for lumpectomy and then start chemotherapy 4 weeks after that because chemo would affect my post-op healing. Thanks for your support! |
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today, it is becoming more common to do neoadjuvant chemo to shrink large tumors (4cms is large). checking the sentinel node first for staging purposes before chemo starts is also common. by delivering the chemo first, you and the doctors can see if it is working or not by assessing the tumor shrinkage. when done post op instead there isn't a way to measure if it is working because the tumor was surgically removed. getting a further diagnostic evaluation of the suspicious area mentioned is also a good idea to do now because if it too were cancer then you would be dealing with multifocal disease that might necessitate a mastectomy rather than lumpectomy. if you wish to come here you are welcome to do so. just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#577
11/22/2005
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Good morning! I am a 42 year old women and 9 years ago I had a hystorectomy. Recently I my scar tissue is burning. I have been excercising alot and dont know if I pulled something or what. As gros as this is I have gained a lot ofweight which makes my tummy hang over the scar a little bit. Am I worring for nothing or is this something I should see a doctor about. Can you open up a wound this old? Thanks |
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gee, i need to direct you to the gyn website of hopkins. you have posted your message on a breast cancer board. go to www.hopkinsmedicine.org and click on gyn. |
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Question:
#578
11/22/2005
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I recently had two sections of right breast removed for DCISGrade 3 (based on widely distributed calcium deposits). 2.5 mm invasive breast cancer in middle of DCIS. ER + and HER + Despite clear margings (albeit small margins) Dr is now proposing taking more breast tissue and several lymph nodes. What can you suggest |
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ask why. if there are clear margins-- 2mm or greater in all directions free of abnormal cells then usually more surgery isn't needed. sentinel node however IS needed. not axillary node dissection unless sentinel node contained cancer though. if you wish to see us just call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#579
11/22/2005
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I have the results of my biopsy and all it states is; Fibroadenoma. Nothing else accept the CT and Snomed Codes.
Can you tell me what Snomed codes M90100; P1140; and T04030 mean and the CT code 88305. From what I have researched I would assume that the pathologist would have addressed the condition of the cells and tissue and if they were atypical. I have a doctors appointment Wednesday to review these findings. Are there any specific questions I should ask? |
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good news for you then. benign mass! these codes are how the specimen was registered into the pathology database so they can easily find the specimen. like we have social security numbers. your specimen has its own code numbers. the last number is a billing code. |
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Question:
#580
11/21/2005
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I am 42 years old and had breast cancer 2 and a half years ago. My tumor was a grade 3 tumor and was her-2 overexpressed (3+). My tumor was 2.5 cm. I also had lymph node involvement. 4 of the 12 removed nodes were positive. I am currently taking tamoxifen and live in fear of the cancer returning every day. Can you tell me my chances for survival? Should I worry as much as I do? |
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first, the window of time for greatest risk of recurrence is doing the first 2 years and you are past that mark. second, you are taking tamoxifen to prevent recurrence. have more faith in your body as each month passes. if you in fear each day then the cancer wins anyway. |
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Question:
#581
11/21/2005
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I was diagnosed with DCIS in June 2002. Had Lumpectomy and radiation. Found out I was BRAC2 positive and had a oopherectomy/hysterectomy in January 2003 where it was discovered I had Stage2 Ovarian Cancer. Underwent 8 cycles of Chemo. My case was handled by my gyno/oncologist. I have had CAT Scans every 3 months since ending chemo. My latest scan shows a new 4 mm pleural based nodule projecting the right lower lobe. Obviously I am concerned about this. I am scheduled for another CAT scan in January which will include a chest scan in addition to the abdomin and pelvis. I have an appointment with my breast surgeon next week. Through all this, I have never seen an oncologist. Should I be making an appointment with one? |
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Yes, and request that it be an oncologist familiar and who treats both breast and ovarian cancer. find out if your hormone receptors from the DCIS was positive or negative too. |
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Question:
#582
11/20/2005
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I was dx last year with bc and today have had a bone scan as I have had pain in my clavicles for some time.
The scan highlighted my top ribs and sternum on both sides, I am waiting for radioligists report, my onco does not really know what it is, as he has never seen cancer come back on both sides of the bone, he questioned Pagets disease of the bone I did some research to see if this is related to breast cancer and cant find any info, just wondering of you could help,dx with bc at 33 I am 35 now.
My dx of bc was primary bc no nodes invovled stage 2 grade 3 er,pr,her2 all neg 6 cycles fec100 chemo |
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they aren't related. hopefully they will determine this to be something other than bone mets from breast cancer. |
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Question:
#583
11/20/2005
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In Aug.05 I had a bloody discharge from nipple. Went to the DR. who did my implants 3 yrs ago to see if that was the cause. He said no and said it could be papilloma, but to be sure and go to a cancer specialist. Went to this DR. and she ran NO tests, just squeezed my nipple for blood and scheduled surgery that week to remove "papilloma". 2 weeks later I went in for post op check up and was told I had Ductal Carcinoma at the earliest stage 0. She gave me my options which was to go back in to get a margin and if it was neg. I'd have radiation and tamoxifin. If I didn't get a clear margin then I'd have to consider a masectomy. Then she had me do an MRI and it showed nothing. At the insistence of friends I had a 2nd opinion and he consulted w/his radiation oncologist and we discussed possible treatment b/c of my implants. The 2nd DR. did not think I needed a lumpectomy of the DCIS but she disagreed. My pathology report was sent to a DR. Page at Vanderbilt to get his diagnosis. While waiting for results I was due for my yearly mammogram so I had that done. DR. Page agreed that it was DCIS and meanwhile I had gotten my mammogram tests back and it showed calcifications. I then had a compressed mammogram done and the 2nd DR. said it looked suspiciously like cancer due to the fact that they did not show up on the previous years mammogram and they appeared around the same time as the DCIS and they were shaped like what was usually cancer. He wanted to do a lumpectomy of the 1st cancer (that was not papilloma) to see what the margins was, plus take out the mass of calcifications that he said was in the lower part of my breast. I asked him how this would look taking out that much and he said it would not be that noticeable. My instinct told me he was not the DR. for me and I went back to the 1st DR. She immediately wanted to do a needle biopsy by ultrasound to see what the calcifications were. The results showed no cancer,but she said they did not get any calcifications so she then had me have a core biopsy. Today I went in for those test results and she told me it still did not show cancer, but that the pathologist and radiologists that did the biopsys are certain there is cancer present. Now she wants to do a lumpectomy of the 1st cancer and take out the size of a golfball where the densest part of the calcifications are to get a good test. She says that if there is no cancer in the biopsy that I can have radiation and tamoxifin, but that it will be hard to monitor me in the future with mammograms b/c the calcifications will still show up and they won't be able to tell what they are. If cancer does show up then she wants to proceed with a masectomy. Since this has been going on 3 months now, I feel that #1 wants to overtreat me and #2 was undertreating me. I have researched and have too much information now. My husband wants me to have a 3rd opinion and I'm just ready to get off this merry go round. They scheduled me for this surgery in the morning Friday 11-18 so you won't have responded by then, but at the very least if I get this done I will have at least more data should I decide to get that 3rd opinion. I am having a hard time grasping the fact that my cancer was caught so early, yet I may lose a breast from it. I'm also wondering why when I went to the 1st DR. who is a breast cancer surgeon.....why did she not do these biopsies to begin with when I had bloody discharge. She did the 1st surgery w/no test done and wanted to go back in and do a lumpectomy on that, the 2nd DR. ordered the mammogram that discovered the calcifications, but wanted to do surgery to remove it without doing tests, and now the 1st DR. ran the biopsies,but it still being very aggressive it seems. I don't know where to turn here. Any suggestions??? |
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your course of diagnosis and treatment have been unusual... a papilloma can't be diagnosed by squeezing the nipple. that's for sure. mammogram should have been done before anything else was done in an operating room. calcifications also cannot be biopsied in ultrasound. so all that said, consider taking your husband's advice and getting another opinion. you are welcome to come to us. DCIS can be good quality breast cancer but sometimes there is an issue with quantity. radiation and implants don't go well together. so if you want to pursue things with us call 443-287-2778. |
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Question:
#584
11/20/2005
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I am a 52 year old female who had needle biopsy and subsequent lumpectomy in July 2004 after a diagnosis of DCIS. Subsequent mammo in July 2005 was clean. No family history of breast cancer. Was told the cancer was hormone receptor positive. Currently taking tamoxifen and concerned about the fact that according to the oncologist the tamoxifen increases risk of uterine, colon, and liver cancer. My question is whether the risks outweigh the benefits?? Due to the small size of the DCIS I was told radiation was not recommended. The newer drug (Arimidex?)is not an option due to osteoporosis. Would appreciate your opinion. Thanks. Your website has been very helpful. |
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some misinformation here. first, tamoxifen reduces risk of recurrence by 47%. that's a big benefit. there is a slight risk of uterine cancer so ask for transvaginal ultrasounds annually. liver and colon cancer? nope. not true. |
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Question:
#585
11/16/2005
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after being on tomoxafin for 5 yrs is it necessary to go off it and if so is there an alternative ? And why do you have to be on it for 5 yrs? |
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5 years is based on the clinical trials that have been completed. women are often times today offered letrozole after tamoxifen. so ask your oncologist about this. |
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Question:
#586
11/15/2005
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How do you know if you have a yeast infection under your breast area? And how do you know if you have pink eye, a boil, or a sty on your eye, and it is very painful and swollen. |
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can't comment on the eye problem. see your PCP about that. while there, show him your breast. yeast infections have a specific appearance. yeast grows in warm dark moist areas--- under the mammary fold is such an area. |
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Question:
#587
11/14/2005
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My mother was a very active 68 year old with no known medical problems when we discovered that she had a brain tumor. This was approx. 18 months ago. Thankfully the surgeon was able to remove the brain tumor. The biopsy did not identify the primary source.
During this time she underwent 17 radiation treatments to the brain then completed 2 separate chemo regiments. The first treatment consisted of 6 cycles adminstered over a 6 month period of Carboplatin (AUC 6in 250cc NS over 30 min) along with Gemcitobine (1550mg IV in 250cc NS over 30 min).
She was then given a 3 month break before starting a new chemo treatment which consisted of 4 cycles (each cycle consisted of 1 weekly treatment for 3 weeks then the 4th week off). This was Taxol administered 70mi IV over 1 hour. This treatment lasted for 4 months.
During the break break between her 2nd and 3rd chemo treatments she discovered and had a tumor removed from the right axillia arm muscle. The biopsy identified it as breast cancer (Adeno carcinoma as the type).
Approx. a month after surgery and 2 months after her 2nd chemo treatment she begin her 3rd chemo treatment. She was administered Xeloda. Once cycle consisted of two weeks taking chemo pills everyday then one week off before beginning the 2nd cycle. Her doctor placed her on 3300mg of Xeloda per day for 14 days...mom then experienced side effects so the doctor reduced the dosage to 3000mg per day during the 2nd cycle. She continued having side effects so severe she ended up in the hospital for 7 days.
This week she goes back to her doctor to discuss treatment options. Can you please suggest some options so I can discuss these with her doctor? She is progesterone positive breast cancer.
Other possible factors to consider. Mom is very determined and a fighter that has a great will to live. Approximately 11 months ago she started having problems with her hearing and had tubes placed in her ears (side effect from the radiation treatments she received). She is experiencing 'blurry eyes' but the Opthamologist Surgeon has stated that this is a side effect from the radiation along with the dry eye problems she is experiencing. He has stated that her eyes are as good as they are going to get. She also has a tumor on her adrenal gland that none of her chemo treatments have been able to kill although the first two chemo treatment did reduce the size. The Taxol reduced it from 3cm to 12mm. While on the Xeloda we discovered that the tumor grew from 2cm to 4.3cm. While on this chemo one nodule in her lung that never lit up on any of her 3 PET scans is now growing. Also during this time the another tumor in her lung has appeared and is currently 5mm. Her recent CT thorax scan also stated "There is a stable enlarged node measuring slightly over 2cm in the subcarinal area of the mediastinum. No new pathology has developed elsewhere in the mediastinum or hilum." She also has a MRI on her brain every 3 months checking for recurrent tumors but none have appeared.
I understand that she is stage IV and that any treatment at best is only pallative but I feel that she has many years left if not for the cancer....
I have read various articles regarding stage IV cancer patients that have been placed in remission for 5-10 years and am hoping that this can also happen to my mom.
I take mom in to her oncologist to discuss treatment options on Wednesday so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Naturally I am very worried about her and want the best medical treatment possible for her. I have consistly documented for tracking purposes all her test and blood works along with anything else but have been running into brick walls on treatment options for progesterone positive breast cancer. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. |
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I'm glad that she has you for support. Usually the patients with stage IV who are able to achieve remission have very limited disease in one organ and it is treatable and put into remission. her situation sounds quite different than this unfortunately. she has mets in several places and it doesn't respond well to treatment. ask her oncologist to be candid with you both about her condition and her prognosis. I'd be concerned that it may be difficult to achieve remission given her situation and that you need to know a time line if possible. |
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Question:
#588
11/9/2005
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My sister found 2 lumps in august depite a clean mammogram in march. Surgical biopsy resulted in invasive ductal carcenoma, 2cm, grade 3. Within a week of waiting for these results she found another smaller lump that she and the surgeon missed earlier. Also biopsied with cancer results. Surgeon wanted to operate immediately but sought input from oncologist. Oncologist clinically dx inflammatory breast cancer and stopped surgery 48 hrs before. Surgeon felt that dx was wrong and that mention of "dermal" involvement was the tubular tumor pushing through the skin. We went with the oncologist who convinced us even if she was wrong we would do more damage with surgery before chemo. Oncologist sent us to her mentor and she concurred with IBC. Now finishing 4 rounds of A/C, good results in redusing sizes, will be starting taxol this week. Surgery and radiation to follow. Question: when two disciplines disagree, what is the histological confirmation within the pathology report that backs up inflammatory dx? Thanks you. |
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inflammatory breast cancer usually is diagnosed with a skin punch biopsy showing dermal lymphatics in the skin of the breast. but even if not present on pathology a clinical presentation can be considered enough to give the diagnosis for which chemo is first followed by surgery and then radiation. mastectomy is the surgery that is done, without reconstruction for now. good that there is a response to the chemo too. sounds like she is on the right track. |
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Question:
#589
11/9/2005
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Thank you for responding to my question about "fallen lymph nodes". I wondered if you could tell me if it is possible that axillary or armpit lymph nodes, can just arbitrarilly relocate themselves into a breast, and if so, should those nodes be of any concern for cancer? I am being told that armpit lymph nodes often fall into the breast for no apparent reason, and that I shouldn't be concerned about any malignancy of this node, even with my family and personal history. I'm just looking for more validation. thank you! |
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Lymph nodes don't fall. they anatomically stay where they are. |
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Question:
#590
11/9/2005
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In response to the question I had below, can you tell me if there is such a thing as the lymph nodes in your arm pit just arbitrarilly falling into your breast area? And if that is true, should that lymph node just be watched and be of no concern, or should I demand that it be biopsied?
Q:
I am a 46 year-old that has lots of family history in relation to cancer, and I myself have had cancer twice. Recently, I went for my yearly mammogram and was called back to have a sonogram done. I was told by a physician there that they suspect this nodule in my left breast is a "fallen lymph node" which I have since found out is more technically known as an AXILLARY INTRAMAMMORY LYMPH NODE and that they are ALWAYS benign and are very common, and fall into the breast for no reason. Because of my own history, as well as my family, I am looking for some validation to his statement as I, nor anyone I have talked to thus far, ever heard of a this. Is there a website I can visit, or information I can obtain to find out more about this? I am very proactive about my health so thank you in advance for any information you can provide me.
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i've never heard of a fallen lymph node. axillary nodes and inframammary nodes are two different locations for nodes. nodes no matter where they are can have cancer in them including inframammary nodes.
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lymph nodes cannot "fall". |
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Question:
#591
11/9/2005
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I am a 46 year-old that has lots of family history in relation to cancer, and I myself have had cancer twice. Recently, I went for my yearly mammogram and was called back to have a sonogram done. I was told by a physician there that they suspect this nodule in my left breast is a "fallen lymph node" which I have since found out is more technically known as an axillary intramammory lymph node and that they are ALWAYS benign and are very common, and fall into the breast for no reason. Because of my own history, as well as my family, I am looking for some validation to his statement as I, nor anyone I have talked to thus far, ever heard of a this. Is there a website I can visit, or information I can obtain to find out more about this? I am very proactive about my health so thank you in advance for any information you can provide me. |
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i've never heard of a fallen lymph node. axillary nodes and inframammary nodes are two different locations for nodes. nodes no matter where they are can have cancer in them including inframammary nodes. |
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Question:
#592
11/9/2005
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Hi, I am 38 yrs old now and was diagnosed with stage 1 bc in may 2004, 6 weeks postpartum. I had a bi-lateral masectomy with imediate reconstruction. tumor under 2cm ER-/PR+ (weakly reactive). grade 3. I went through 6 rounds of CAF cytoxane, doxyrubin and 5 FU. I then had an oophrectomy and was placed on Arimidex. I have been takin it now for 10 months. My DR. says that this should help because I am PR slightly +. After asking many times he has now tested my tumor for the HER2/nue and it is postive +. I have asked him if Herceptin would be a better option for me instead of the arimadex and he says that I am too far out from chemo now to take it. In your opinion, what is my prognosis, should I be on arimdex and or herceptin? I really apprciate any information you can give or any insite you may have. |
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this would require a formal consultation to answer. also remember that herceptin is targeted therapy and works very differently from hormonal therapy. if your Her2neu on FISH test was +++ (3 plus) then talk again about herceptin. some women have been offered it if chemo completed within the last year. her2neu + (1 plus) is considered a negative reading. |
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Question:
#593
11/9/2005
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I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy done on 11/4/05 for ductal comedocarcinoma in situ. the sentinel node was negative for metastatic malignancy. histologic type showed ductal carcinoma in situ, micropapillary and cribiform patters with focal comedonecrosis, nuclear grade 1. i am concerned about margins of resection. dcis less than 1 mm from posterior (deep) resection margin and a microscopic focus is 1mm from a superior-lateral margin. all remaining margins are negative for tumor. my surgeon is presenting case to tumor board again to see if additional resection needed and then we will procede with radiation. tissue was er positive for estrogen and pr positive for progesterone. what are your thoughts on this plan of action. thank you |
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a little unusual to do a sentinel node biopsy for DCIS which is noninvasive cancer. margins are supposed to be 2mm or greater to be considered clear margins. hormone receptor positive is good news. so stage 0. you should do great. radiation is also needed. |
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Question:
#594
11/9/2005
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HI, I WAS DX LAST YEAR 33 YRS OLD WITH A POORLY DIFFERENTIATED PRIMARY BC, ER,PR,HER2 ALL NEGATIVE, STAGE 2, GRADE 3, WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT THE BEST DX TO HAVE REGARDING RECURRENCE. TUMOR SIZE WAS 3.6X2.5 NO FAMILY HISTORY. COULD YOU EXPLAIN THIS A LITTLE BETTER FOR ME?
DOES THIS MEAN I WILL MORE THAN LIKELY HAVE A RECURRENCE OR AM I BEING SILLY TO THINK THIS?
AND ONE MORE QUESTION, COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT I WOULD BE FEELING IF I HAD BONE PAIN FROM A RECURRENCE, AT THE MOMENT I AM HAVING LIKE SHIN SPLINT PAIN IN MY FOREARM ITS NOT CONSTANT, MORE INTERMITTED FOR SOME TIME.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THIS IN AUSTRALIA, THAT I HAVE FOUND ANYWAY, YOU ARE DOING A GREAT SERVICE TOO HELP ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM THIS HORRIBLE MONSTER |
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due to your age and being hormone receptor negative there is a higher incidence or recurrence than someone older, with less aggressive disease, and smaller tumor and hormone receptor positive. the tumor was relatively large. no mention of lymph nodes but assume they were negative. bone pain that comes and stays and is continuous needs to be investigated. pain that comes and goes usually isn't as worrisome. |
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Question:
#595
11/4/2005
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Recent biopsy diagnosis of DCIS
Surgeon who did biopsy describes options of lumpectomy followed by radiation (no chemo)and Mastectomy.
I have bilateral breast augmentation ala' the Carol Doda era, i.e., atop rather than under the musculature.
My concern is that the lumpectomy and a good negative margin may be hindered by the implant packet.
My question: Can I opt to have bilateral explants and simultaneously take enough tissue to assure a negative margin on the insulted breast?
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request to be seen by a plastic surgeon also in the breast center so the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon can evaluate this as a team for you. |
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Question:
#596
11/3/2005
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I am currently undergoing taxotere and herceptin treatment. On top of that I have a sinus infection. While I was getting meds to stregthen my wbc and rbc because my hands and feed are scalded the onc elected not to give me those drugs last week in conjuction with my treatment. I am concerned now that my counts are so low I can't fight the sinus infection. They have tried 3 different antibiotics on me to no avail. I was intravenous and I was told it only stays in your system for a short time
Is there a special drug or treatment that you suggest I request I see my onc today. Thank you. |
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so they may give you special drugs to boost your white blood count if they don't climb back up on their own soon. |
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Question:
#597
11/3/2005
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I was diagnosed with Fibroadenoma in my left breast. The lump was surgically removed on 6 Jan 05. Four months later a bigger lump and a few smaller ones appeared. I am not sure if surgical removal is the only treatment. I am not up to surgery every few months, please help with alternative measures. A GP prescribed another contraceptive with less estrogen. I was using Triphasil and now I am using Melodine, could this help and how long will I know before experiencing any difference. I am 32 Years old and have two kids. If hormonal treatment is not the answer, what else. |
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first you need to know what this lump is. don't assume it is another benign mass. it might even be scar tissue. request an evaluation in breast imaging. |
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#598
11/2/2005
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Hi, I am a former breast cancer patient and was on tamoxifen for 5 years, still cancer free after 7 years. My question is for my daughter in law who has not had cancer, but suffers from endrometriosis and now pain in her breasts, she has had numerous treatments for the endro. and now a doctor has but her on tamoxifen for the pain in her breasts. I am assuming they are surpressing the estrogen in her body. What are your thoughts on this risk vs positives? She is 36 and I may add seems to have a lot of illnesses. |
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tamoxifen is not a drug that is to my knowledge to be prescribed for this purpose. ask her to get a second opinion. |
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#599
10/29/2005
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For a couple of years I have been complaining about pain under my left breast. It sometimes wakes me up in tears or comes on so fast I double over for a second. When I have asked my internist or gynecologist they tell me my breast are too large. My rheumatoligist finally told me it is calcification and when he pressed between my ribs on the cartilage he created the pain. No one has done any xrays or MRI's. My gynecologist has recently told me to have an echo done. I have a history of breast cancer in my family and I am concerned that no one seems to want to give me any answers. All I have been told is that it could take years to completely calcify. Then What? I am only 44 years old. |
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gee, sounds like your doctors are trying to determine the cause and don't think this is breast related at all but bone related. |
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#600
10/28/2005
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I'm 33 and had a partial mastectomy removing all 20 lobes/ducts in left breast due to persistant/spontenious bloody nipple discharge coming from one breast/single duct. During surgery, surgeon removed 3.4cm lump (wasn't detected on mammogram/ultrasound or CBE) Also he couldn't find which duct was causing the bleeding and stated his surprise on NOT finding a papilloma. In all I had over 40% of my left breast removed. Pathologist found a 1.6cm lump inside larger lump, but no cancer cells were found though she stated the smaller lump did look "suspicious". According to my path report,Final diagnosis: Fibroadenoma; Focal Mammary Duct ectasia; Fibrocystic Condition with Stromal Fibrosis; No evidence of Intraductal Papilloma or invasive Carcinoma. Getting that news was wonderful to say the least, but pathologist also noted in bold: "An explanation for the bloody nipple discharge is NOT APPARENT in this current biopsy material. Clinical correlation is highly advised". My doctor now states I am in no danger and doesn't want a further investigation for the bloody discharge. I on the other hand, want to know what was causing the discharge especially since I know all to well the two things that cause bloody discharge to begin with. Should I reconsider and go on with me life not worrying about breast cancer? Or should I seek a second opinion? I would let this go, but the only reason I opted for this surgery was never proven. Can you give me some advise on my doctor's behavior and is it normal and sound advise he is giving me? Thanks so much! |
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time for second opinion. |
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