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Question:
#1951
02/21/2003
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My mother of 71 has a small spot of cancer on her lung. She also has some cancer on her chest wall called Pluera.The doctor told her it was very rare and very bad. I love her and I want her to live. please help!! |
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sorry to hear of her situation. she is dealing then with stage IV breast cancer. Depending on her pathology prognostic factors, some medical oncologists who specialize in breast cancer that has spread might be able to recommend some treatments to help get the disease into control for a while. they can't make it go away however. Consider taking her to a cancer center where there are medical oncologists who specialize in met breast cancer-- there they can review her path results and see what drugs might possibly be of benefit. |
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Question:
#1952
02/20/2003
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Can an individual that had a liver transplant and has a low ejection fraction be considered for a clinical trial? Had 11 positive lymph nodes and now has metastisized to the distal femur. Never had chemo just arimidex, radiation and now on femara and zometa. Thank you. |
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wow... probably not but call 1-800-4 CANCER and see if they can give you information about clinical trial exclusions. |
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Question:
#1953
02/19/2003
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My sister is 45 and last year was diagnosed with IBM and Hept C. She is in stage 4B and we are concerned with the effects the chemo has on her liver. Before she had diagnosed with cancer she was planning for a liver transplant from her oldest son. Now that the transplant is impossible we are concerned about chemo. How do you prioritize Hept C and cancer? She does not want to talk about her condition to family and we hate the thought of losing her. I guess I want to know the prognosis and your medical opinion. We live so far apart and I would give anything to be with her. I do not want to wait too late listening to her say she is fine and not to worry. Last week she stopped the chemo against medical advice, she said it was too hard on her liver. Now she has no energy becasue she doesn't get the procrit. Please give me some medical advice. |
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She is truly caught between a rock and a hard place.. what a dilemma. The doctor is no doubt doing his best to make that judgement call. the bottom line is that she has 2 serious illnesses that are life threatening and that can't be changed. They will do blood tests to see how her liver is handling the chemo and determine if it is safe to proceed in administering it. This is a time for family to come together and rally around her... each day is precious for all of us. she is simply more in touch with its value than most. |
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Question:
#1954
02/19/2003
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My husband has breast cancer. He had a bonescan 4 months ago and a spot showed on the distal femur. They decided it was due to his degenerative arthritis which he has had for years, has had several operations and many injections. They did an MRI and decided he needed a biopsy. The biopsy revealed cancer. Are they ever wrong about biopsies or is it a sure thing? Can Arthritis be mistaken for cancer? Thank you. |
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it would be unusual for that gross of an error to be made by any pathologist. for peace of mind, consider having the slides re-reviewed by a pathologist who specializes in breast cancer. for Hopkins, thatis Dr. Argani. you can email him to discuss this at pargani@jhmi.edu |
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Question:
#1955
02/14/2003
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My mother is 48years old and had Mastectomy for an Undifferentiated Infiltrating carcinoma and did not have any positive lymph nodes. She was started on Tamoxifen(10mg). She developoed metastasis to one of her Vocal Chords and was found to have Metasatsis to her Lung(right side). She then underwent chemotherapy, after which they still revealed a 0.9mm lesion remaining and then underwent Radiation Therapy, she had a clear X-ray a week after the Radiation was over. But in her recent X-ray which is a month later shows haziness. Do we see Post-radiation Haziness, due to the excessive secretion by the lung due to Radiation therapy?
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it's hard to say... the doctor might decide to do a lung scan to help with the evaluation and determine exactly what is happening now. how she feels is an important measurer of what her clinical situation is too--- if experiencing shortness of breath or a productive cough she should see her doctor soon to report it. |
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Question:
#1956
02/11/2003
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My wife was recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She is 40 and the cancer presented as metastatic and was actually found because of pain to her rib. Bone Scan and CT Scans only revealed a 3cm lesion on her 10th right rib and a 2cm irregularly margined tumor in her left breast. Biopsies revealed that the tumors were both ductal breast cancer and are ER and PR +. We considered local treatment options and got a 2nd opinion from a large regional cancer treatment center. They recommended harmone treatment Zoladex implants every 28 days and Zometa IV every 28 days. The clinical trial also has her taking Arimidex daily. She is pre-menopausal thus the clinical trial for Arimidex. We were encouraged that they only found one spot on her rib, however her doctors are very reserved about prognosis. We are also concerned that the treatment option we are on does not seem very agressive. Based on this limited information should we be looking at other treatment options? |
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it is hard to say without doing a formal consult. Let them know your concerns though-- hopefully this will keep her disease in control so her body can live in harmony with it-- the goal of metastatic disease of this kind. They may be saving big guns for if and when they need them... |
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Question:
#1957
02/11/2003
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I am currently on a regimen of zometa and faslodex once a month. I had breast cancer in 2000, which metastisized to my thoracic spine. What is the mortality rate based on the injection and shot I am given each month. I am alos taking an anti-inflmmatory,,,celebrex and 10mg. oxycontin. Thank you very much. |
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not sure... there aren't clearly defined stats to answer this question and each person's response can vary depending on prognostic factors and other medical attributes of the disease itself. If feeling that the treatment isn't helping or if you have concerns about it talk with your doctor about it. There are no questions that should go unsaid with your oncologist. |
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Question:
#1958
02/11/2003
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Dear Sir: Have you heard of CLT (Cytoluminescent Therapy). Is this effective for breast cancer? Thank you. |
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Not familiar with it. sorry. |
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Question:
#1959
02/11/2003
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Sir: Do you believe that cancer can survive in an alkaline environment? Thank you. |
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There is a lot we know about cancer but even more we don't know. Cancer has a reputation for being resilient though.. |
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Question:
#1960
02/04/2003
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I am a male and have breast cancer. The cancer has metastiized to the distal femur. Is Femara and Zometa and good treatment for this situation. Please advise. Thank you. |
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The choice of drugs for your situation depends on many factors-- type of breast cancer, grade, other prognostic factors, age, response to other drugs to date... you would be best served geting a formal medical oncology consultation from an oncologist who has experience treating men identical to yourself. We wish you well as you continue your treatment with the goal to get this disease to go into remission, shrink the tumor in your leg, so your body can live in harmony with this disease.. |
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Question:
#1961
01/29/2003
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What exercise can I do with mild-moderate bone metastis?
Choices - swimming, walking, yoga
Thanks |
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really whatever you feel comfortable doing. gentle motion is the key. (ie, regular walking rather than power walking for example.) |
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Question:
#1962
01/29/2003
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i emailed yesterday but I had another question or two. When my mother was first diagnosed with stage iv breast cancer, the head of radiology disagreed with the cancer doctor handling my mother's case. He thought the spots were arthiritis not cancer. Her doctor disagreed and from then on she was on he has put her on various things. Surely, she would not be prescribed Aredia and oxycontin 4x a day if it were not clearly cancer, right. SHe has had in the past accidents with her bowel and they are always checking her liver but the spots they say they are watching are the ones on her spine, hips and a lung. The rib cage pain just started but with all the oxycontin she is taking it does relieve tha pain until the 4 hours is up. No arthritis pan could cause this much pain right? SHe can't stand up for more than 10 minutes she just has to sit down. YOu said she will start to lose weight is that because of the drugs or the cancer?
she seems to have spots that keep popping up but the doctor never seems that concerned-she asked him how long shed be on this aredia and they say for the rest of your life-what is it really doing for my mom? You dont know how much you have helped me with just one reply already-thankyou for any more information you can give me. We at a point had thought she had maybe been mis-diagnosed but with everthing she is on and the pain she is experiencing I cant believe its cancer. ANd besides that , almost two years ago I went for my mamogram and found out I have what they call atypical hyperplasia. So do you think it must run in families? Im on Tamoxifin myself and my last two mammograms have been clear since my lumpectomy. Didnt mean to get so long winded but we have so many questions. |
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I'm really sorry that your mom is suffering so, but she is blessed to have you taking care of her and loving her as you do. Bone pain from cancer being in the bone and bone marrow is very painful. Her weight loss will be related to two things-- her cancer growing and her appetite going away. The doctor probably feels at this point that aggressive chemotherapy would not be in her best interest as it would make her terribly sick and not gain her time... it is unknown how much the medications that is she currently taking are helping but we need to have faith they are of benefit and continue on them. I'm glad that you are diligent in getting annual mammograms yourself. 12% of women diagnosed have a genetic predisposition to getting this disease. With a diagnosis of ADH you were wise to follow through and see a doctor about preventative methods for breast cancer -- in your case, tamoxifen. Try to enjoy the remaining time you have with your mom. Usually in life we don't know when someone we love will be taken from us;with cancer, we have a little time to plan and thus achieve some closure and get to say things that for others with sudden death go unsaid.. |
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Question:
#1963
01/24/2003
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Is surgery appropriate for metastases to the liver?
How about radiofrequency ablation?
Thanks
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Gee, it depends on the size of the mets, age of the patient, other medical conditions, presence of mets elsewhere and other factors. Isolated single foci of liver mets from breast cancer can sometimes be "removed" with laser ablation. Dr. Michael Choti is a surgical oncologist here who specializes in that. So ask more questions of your doctors about it and see what criteria might fit for you. Second opinions are always helpful too when making big decisions like this. |
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Question:
#1964
01/23/2003
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My wife was dx c stage II Intra-duct breast cancer in 1994 and had lumpectomy with radiation. The radiologist (sp) advised her that he now saw calcifications in the same breast and felt they should be monitored. We elected to talk with her onocolgist and she is going to see a surgeon. Question, if she has had radiation in the same breast, what are the options in terms of treatments? Can she have implants - thank you for your help? |
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Once a breast has been radiated it cannot be radiated a second time. So if a woman develops local recurrence in the radiated breast, the standard of treatment is mastectomy, most commonly with reconstruction done at the same time. Breast skin lacks elasticity after radiation but sometimes implants are still possible. More commonly, women have some form of flap reconstruction done in these cases. She should see a plastic surgeon with experience with radiated tissue for a proper evaluation to review all her options. |
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Question:
#1965
01/22/2003
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Is there a blood test to tell if you are herceptin positive? I have metastatic breast cancer and was wondering if herceptin treatments could be used. The original tissue sample of my tumor was taken 13yrs. ago and was negative for Her-2. I was treated with tomoxifen for five years and was told I was cured. Now the cancer has returned and spread to my bones and liver. I currently receive taxol treatments each week. I was curious to see if I'm still negative for Her=2. I've heard good things about herceptin treatments and thought maybe they might help me. Does Her-2 ever change from negative to positive over time? |
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There is not a blood test for Her2neu unfortunately. If biopsies of the organs now involved have been done then that tissue may be able to be tested for Her2neu. Hormone receptors have been known to change over time.... it isn't well understood if her2neu can also change. You are correct that herceptin has benefitted many patients who are her2neu positive and dealing with mets. you mentioned that you currently are taking taxol-- also a good treatment and we hope that it helps get this disease in control for you soon |
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Question:
#1966
01/21/2003
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Hello, I was dx with stage 3b breast cancer er-pr-, 3out of 9 nodes+ in May 1999, did 4 cycles of adrimyacin, cytoxin and taxol. Have had a lot of problems with chest wall pain to this day after masectomy and with numbness and tingling in that arm. I aslo have had severe siezures lately with several fractures on my spine. The docs say one visit it is mets to the bone , next visit osteoporosis, next visit mets to bone. They are driving me crazy. Bone scan and Mri says mets. What do I do? I am only 43 years old. i feel like I am getting the run a round. I have lost 25 lbs in the past 2 months and have no appetite, but I force myself to eat. Oh, the seizures they don't know why only that I have a lot of fluid on my Brain? Please help and God Bless! |
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you need to quickly get into the hands of oncologists at a large cancer center who specialize in breast cancer that has spread. your symptoms are worrisome... bone biopsy would confirm if this is bone mets, but weight loss and loss of appetitie are warning signs of trouble. 1% of the time breast cancer spreads to the brain-- brain scan or mri will show this. So pursue seeing a medical team that specializes in what you probably are dealing with now so that decisions can be made about what treatment is feasible recognizing that you are wanting to achieve control and live in harmony with this disease. |
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Question:
#1967
01/21/2003
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My dearest friend had breast cancer in 1995. She had a double mastectomy and was treated with tamoxifin for 5 yrs. She was postmenapausal and told that statistically treatment results were as good with tamoxifin alone as with tamoxifin and chemotherapy. In November 2002 the breast cancer returned. She has 3 turmors in the liver...one is 10 centimeters...a tumor in the spleen, and multiple spots in the bone. She is 79 yrs. old and in good health otherwise. Her liver enzymes before chemo treatment began were, in this order 11/28/00 78, 11/07/02 483, 11/21/02 552, 12/04/02 647, and after a couple of treatments on 12/24/02 236.
Her oncologist has said that the average life span of women with her disease is 2 to 3 yrs. After 5 yrs. on tamoxifin, she quit taking it. That was about 2 1/2 yrs. ago. My question is this. What is her prognosis? I believe the cancer must have begun to spread further once she quit taking the tamoxifin. Are we already well into her 2 to 3 yr. survival time?
Thank you for you time and help.
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none of us know how long we will survive anything--- I could be hit by a truck crossing the street later today--- anything is possible.. so don't get hung up on time periods. She has stage 4 breast cancer-- advanced metastatic disease that has spread to vital organs. At this point, takes things a day at a time--- she will be followed with scans as well as assessed based on how she feels. I've seen women with stage 4 survive a very short time and others survive their own medical oncologists... |
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Question:
#1968
01/21/2003
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My mother is 70. 23years she har breast cancer.A mastectomy was done then. Today she was told she has 4th stage metastatic breast cancer. Cells have showed up in reoccuring fluid surrounding the heart.Today she started chemotherapy.What are her chances of survival? |
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Stage 4 breast cancer means that her disease has spread to other organs that can threaten her life. Her heart is strained right now by having cancer growing in fluid surrounding it. Her age is also concerning for aggressive treatment as she may have other health problems that warrant attention too. Her condition is ominous and you and she should sit and talk with her medical oncologist at length about prognosis and time. It will be important to balance quality of life with survival now... |
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Question:
#1969
01/21/2003
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My sister of 42 was diagnosed with brest cancer in june of 2001 and had a lumbectomy with axillary node excision. She was treated with chemotherapy and then was dx'ed with inflammatory breast cancer in march of 2002. Treated with chemo and radiation and chemo again! She was told that she now has it on her scalp because of a swollen left side of her face and CAT scan. I would like more information on IBC, mets and possible treatment. Conventional chemo has been already tried and wondered if there is new protocals she might be available for. Thank you. |
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Inflammatory breast cancer is one of the toughest, and rarest, forms of breast cancer to beat. it begins in the skin of the breast and grows inward. When it doesn't respond to one form of chemotherapy usually the doctor will consider switching to another. If and when the disease spreads to other organs though, the ability to survive the disease is much more difficult and the goal is to try to stabilze the disease so the patient can live in harmony with it for as long as possible. Consider a second opinion at a large cancer center where they would see and treat lots of other women with IBC as well. Sorry she has had such a tough battle and will no doubt have more bumpy road ahead. |
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Question:
#1970
01/21/2003
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A lump appeared in my left breast at 38 wks. gestation of my 4th child. Because of suspecious areas of the lump revealed on ultrasound I was referred to a surgeon. He conducted his own ultrasound and told me the lump was a lactocel (sp?), part of the breast preparing for breastfeeding and that there was nothing to worry about. Seventeen months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Stage IIb, ER & PR positive, Heur neg. 1 out of 10 lymph nodes were positive. I had 6 cycles of CAF followed by 6 wks. radiation and now 5 year of Tamoxifen. My scans were all negative. Would the 17 month delay have made a difference, in other words, what are the chances that the one lymph node would have been negative if I had been diagnosed at the onset of my finding? I can not find any info. on the rate of spreading from tumor to first lymph node. Thank you for your website! It is a blessing! |
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The speed with which breast cancer travels varies from person to person which is why it may be hard to find information on it. The grade of the cells may shed some light on it-- grade 1 is slow growing, 2 is moderate and 3 is fast growing. 17 months is a long time... no getting around that. You are an example of why a definitive diagnosis is important rather than a "best guess" and why follow up is so critical. You have a new baby-- a wonderful goal to hold onto. This little one will be your inspiration to do whatever it takes to become and stay a long term survivor... |
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Question:
#1971
01/14/2003
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My 45 year old sister has metastatic breast cancer. She refused surgery or any other treatment which was offered to her, deeply upset at the recurrence of her cancer -first diagnosed as ductal in situ five years ago- and blaming the medical field at large for it. Thus she decided to use the "ortho-molecular" approach proned by the local quack, until paralysing bone metastases and numerous diffuse liver metastases forced her to go on a chemotherapy protocol or, basically, die. Since she started chemo, her liver has regained its normal functions and she is as mobile as before the whole ordeal. It's short of a miracle, and of course, we are pleased with these results. However, seven months into treatment, an MRI of her spine shows, in her own words, that in lieu of bone marrow, she has cancer. She still consults her charlatan, who told her that since they did not use a contrast agent when performing the MRI, this result could only suggests a "healthy" flare-up. Could there possibly be any truth in this? |
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She has certainly had a lot happen to her and is fortunate to have the love of family at her side. MRI can give different results based on whether contrast is used or not, so she may want to have the films re-read by another radiologist for a second opinion or talk with her doctor about repeating the test using contrast. One of the most important measurements of how she is doing though isn't xrays or blood tests but how she feels... and it sounds like she is doing quite well. What a blessing. we hope she continues to stay on course and improve. The key is to control this disease like diabetics control their blood sugar-- it requires constant attention but can be accomplished for some patients and it sounds like she is one of them... |
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Question:
#1972
01/13/2003
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I have been searching various sites for statistical information. I want to know the survival rate for people with metastatic breast cancer. I am supporting a friend who has no family and I am trying to be informed so I can plan |
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Metastatic disease carries a less than 10% survival over a 5 year period if you just want to look at numbers. It is impossible to predict for an individual though without a lot more information--- age, other comorbid conditions, where the mets are, extent of disease, grade of disease and response to chemo/radiation and other factors. Her doctor should be talking with her about her odds of survival and for how long s that she can plan her life accordingly. |
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Question:
#1973
01/13/2003
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I have been fighting metastatic breast cancer since Oct. 1999. After chemo, a bilaterial, radiation and chemo again, we found the cancer still growing in Oct. 2001 (7.5x5.5cm) under the breast bone and along both side of the neck. I went on clinical trials for Xeloda (3700mg/day) and went into remission in April 2002 for six months only to find a very small lump in another lymph node under the breast bone. I am again on Xeloda (2000mg/day) and have been on it for 9 weeks. My Cat Scan showed that it has remained the same. My doctor wants me to stay on the Xeloda for another 9 weeks to see what happens. He also informed me that Xeloda was the only thing out there for me right now as my cancer is NOT hormone receptive. Is there any research or clinical trials working on something for woemen like myself that cannot take hormones? I'm haning in there. Thanks for any information you can give me. |
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there are a variety of chemotherapy agents also used for metastatic disease. you may want to call 1-800-4-CANCER and get information about some of these chemotherapy and vaccine clinical trials and see if your clinical situation fits any of those protocols. |
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Question:
#1974
01/13/2003
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My mother was dx with breast cancer July of 1985. Had a mastectomy with 0 positive nodes-no further treatment was recommended. In Sept 2002 a met. in lung was identified. She is symptom free except for an occasional cough. She is seeing an oncologist who has her on Femara. She has been on it about 3 months and had a repeat ct scan of her chest. There was no change in tumor size. The oncologist is trying the Femara for 3 more months and recheck CT scan. What protocol are using for these types of patients. The original breast tumor was colloid mucineous tumor and the lung biopsy was estrogen receptor positive. Thanks for your opinion. |
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what you describe is in keeping with standard of care. The hormonal therapy is designed to keep her metastatic disease "in check" similar to a diabetic taking insulin to control blood sugar-- it can't cure her but may be able to control it. How she feels is one of the most important ways to assess how she is doing and how the cancer is progressing. |
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Question:
#1975
01/07/2003
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I have been diagnosed with metastic breast cancer to the bone (ribs, spine, hips and skull) My original breast cancer was diagnozed in 1995. I had a radical masectomy; 6 months of chemo and no hormone replacement treatment. I have been treating with Zometa and Femara for the last 3 months - after an additional bone scan in December (compared to one done in October) some areas appeared to be slightly improved; other areas appeared to have no change and other areas showed a little worse.
During this time the blood marker has dropped from 759 to 276. Should we have seen improvement in all areas or not? |
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not necessarily. the improvements that you seens are excellent though so celebrate them. Getting disease to reduce in size from all locations where breast cancer has spread is a major challenge. it is best to look at met breast cancer the way we do diabetes-- a chronic illness that warrants close monitoring and ongoing treatment. |
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Question:
#1976
01/07/2003
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There is a mass on my adrenal gland. Also enlarged lymph nodes in abdomen. How abnormal is this? I have been told that breast mets does not go there. I plan to have a PET scan and a needle biopsy to make sure that it is primary breast. I have had a difficult time finding information on this. Appreciate any information. |
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probably unrelated to breast cancer at all.... breast cancer spreads primarily to bone, liver and lungs-- sometimes to brain. Adrenal glands can grow tumors call phyochromocytomas.He will probably evaluate you for that |
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Question:
#1977
12/30/2002
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Following a lumpectomy for a new cancer in my right breast my oncologist ordered a bone scan and a full body CT scan. The CT scan shows some things going on in the right breast (I already have a mastectomy scheduled for next week) and what appears to be a cyst on my liver. Since my lymph nodes were clear with my first mastectomy and with the lumpectomy, and since I had 6 months of chemotherapy following the first diagnosis, I am wondering if I should be concerned about this cyct. I am trying not to be. Can adriamyacin/cytoxin and taxol cause the abnormality on my liver or should I really be worried about this? A co-worker died from her breast cancer when a spot was discovered on her liver and did not respond to further treatment. |
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it is not uncommon to find abnormalities on the liver that are totally unrelated to cancer--- cysts, hemangiomas, and other funny things. Chemo usually is not the cause-- just good old mother nature.It is understandable to be anxious when seeing someone else succumb to this disease. you have done all the right things in taking steps to get well and stay well. rest easy knowing this and press forward with life at its fullest acknowledging that you are now a breast cancer SURVIVOR. |
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Question:
#1978
12/23/2002
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My Danish friend has a reocurrence of a stage 3breast cancer. A small lump has been detected under her claviculum, and the Danish dotors says that removing it won't improve her prognosis. She's going back on chemo. Can you suggest anything else, or can she have a 2. opinion at Hopkins ? Thank you for many wonderful answers |
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She is welcome to come to Hopkins for a second opinion. We are talking about her life so this is serious stuff. Call 410-955-8964 ext 4071 for assistance. That's Judy Pitt's number. Tell her that Lillie directed you to call. She will get your friend scheduled with a medical oncologist who specializes in recurrences of this nature. |
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Question:
#1979
12/23/2002
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My mother had a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation. No cancer found in lymph nodes. Hormone negative. Now, over a year later, a PET scan reveals "hot spots" on the liver. Is this metastatic breast cancer? What is the prognosis? |
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PET scans are useful in identifying abnormalities but it isn't specific to just showing cancer. There can be a variety of reasons for hot spots, including in the liver things like a bundle of blood vessels called a hemangioma. A CAT scan of the abdomen may be helpful in deciphering if these hot spots are in fact probable cancer or not. If it is felt that they are then the goal is to get them into control-- think of it like a diabetes-- insulin daily controls blood sugar levels. chemo treatment may help to get these spots to subside. From a statistics perspective, mets BC means stage IV breast cancer and does carry a poor prognosis. However there are thousands of women alive and thriving with such a diagnosis... you can count on that. |
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Question:
#1980
12/04/2002
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I have had stage 2 breast cancer in both breasts. No reoccurence, as of yet.
my question, my older sister of 3 yrs. has stage 3 breast cancer, and it has spread to her back, both lungs, shoulder,hip, another on her breast and brain. Can you please tell me her prognosis? She is now taking Radiation and Chemo. I beleive she has not much longer to live. But she won't say. I think she is in denial. I will keep this confidental, I realize, you tell someone terminal, they have 6 mos. to live, and in two they die. I am so beside myself. Please answer.
Thank you. |
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based on your deion your sister has stage IV breast cancer. The key is to try to get the disease into control so that she can live in harmony with it. cure is not possible. Only she and her doctor know what prognosis they anticipate for her, but most women succumb to this disease unfortunately once it has spread to other organs prognosis is usually not good. Spend time with her.... she needs your love and support. when she is ready to share her status she will tell you. |
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