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Question:
#1981
11/30/2002
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I have had stage 2 breast cancer, twice. I'm fine now. My sister has 3 lumps removed and all 3 were stage 3, now we found it's in her back, hips, and brain. ( a small one. )
Can you tell me a prognosis for her.
we are very close, and she didn't want the Dr.'s to tell her one. She felt it would shorten her life more. please answer. I am so distraught. |
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sorry to hear your sister has progressed to stage IV breast cancer. Prognosis is poor with stage IV because it is hard to get it into control once it has spread to other organs. There are however women who have been successful in getting therapy that has achieved the ability to live in harmony with the disease, like many live with diabetes. Mets though to multiple organs is very worrisome though. She should get a second opinion about her treatment recommendations from a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer and ha access to as many clinical trials as possible. This will give her the best shot for living longer. She is blessed to have your love and support-- a key ingredient t overcoming this disease today. |
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Question:
#1982
11/29/2002
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I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer in March of 1999. I had a left complete modified radical masectomy then. I have been doing great and feel great. On Oct. 31st I was showering and felt a lump on my left side of my neck. Immediately I saw my PCP. He felt the lump, a lymph node, then also found another mass. A CT scan was inconclusive, so I had a biopsy. The biopsy came back postive for Breast cancer. This lump was just above my clavical bone just to the left of my adams apple, on my left side. They took all that they could safely take out during my biopsy. Currently this is what I know. The surgeon said due to the area of the lump, he took all he could get out safely. He did not feel more surgery would be an option and that it would be up to my Oncologist as to the treatment course this time around. To complicate matters I have a liver condition, Non Alcholo stetosis hepitits (sp?)Fatty liver condition and my liver readings, enzymes are high, in the 200 hundreds. Are there treatments available for me to treat this reoccurence without causing more problems with my liver? What might be the course of treatment under these types of circumstances? Could I be treated at the John Hopkins Hospital?
I am very interested in your reply. |
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Why not come for an evaluation with us and let's see what we can recommend. Not all chemo drugs effect the liver. Call 410-955-8964 to get an appointment with a medical oncologist. We see and treat a lot of women with metastatic breast cancer so you are not alone... |
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Question:
#1983
11/24/2002
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I have metastis bone cancer throughout my skull after 4 1/2 years in remission.
I am on femara daily and zometa monthly. My blood work is normal but it bothers me that my White Blood count keeps going down. In 10-01 WBC ws 5.2.
It has steadily dropped now to 3.8. My oncologist always says not to worry. I don't worry but I want to be informed.
Should I be concerned. |
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you are at risk of getting infections since your counts are low. If you are feeling well though and doing well otherwise try not to fret. Let your oncologist know that this is of concern to you though and ask him how low your numbers would need to go before he would be concerned with you.Winter is here so stay clear of people with colds and flu! |
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Question:
#1984
11/12/2002
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My mother had breast cancer in May of 1999 (lumpectomy, radiation & tamoxifin for 3 years) and has been diagnosed very recently with metastatic liver cancer. I am told her only option is to endure chemo (which we have now started). There are multiple tumors in both lobes. Is liver transplant ever an option with metastatic liver cancer? - if I were to be a match I would not hesitate to be a donor. My mother is an exceptionally fit woman of 72 and no other cancer is evident in any other organs or bones. Any information you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you |
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and though she is faced with a terrible diagnosis, she is blessed with the love of a daughter who cares the world for her... no, liver transplants aren't possible for metastatic breast cancer to the liver, unfortunately. But let's see how the chemo works. Though chemo is unpleasant, it does travel systemically throughout her body, including to her liver, with the goal to destroy those cancer cells and hopefully allow her body to again stablize so she can live in harmony with the disease... |
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Question:
#1985
11/10/2002
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my mom had breast cancer in 1987..had her breast removed with no other treatment. 15 yrs later it reappeared in her ribs and she was put on tamoxifen. 1-2 yrs later she had ductal in the other breast, so it too was removed. She is now on zometa and arimadex. They check her blood before receiving zometa, and her ?? level was 1.6 and she was told that if remains at that level next month she may not get her treatment. What are they checking for and what does it mean? |
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hhmmm. not sure. usually the patients white blood cells and red blood cells are checked to make sure they are not too low, because chemotherapy kills rapidly growing cells in the body-- that's what it helps destroy cancer cells- but blood cells are also rapidly growing. she should ask to see on of the nurses administering her medicines and ask them to explain as well as give her written literature about her treatment including the blood tests she is having done. |
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Question:
#1986
11/08/2002
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could you provide some info re. "Exemestane" in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer especially compared with "Femara"? With thanks - Maria. |
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Exemestane is a hormonal drug that prevents the growth of breast cancer by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which is involved in the production of estrogen. Exemestane lowers the amount of estrogen in post-menopausal women by inhibiting the conversion of androgens (made in the adrenal glands) to estrogen. It is currently indicated for postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer after progression or prior treatment with tamoxifen. It should not be take by premenopausal women.
Femara is an aromatase inhibitor used for the treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. FEMARA is also indicated for the treatment of advanced cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy.
In choosing femara, your doctor has considered many factors. They include your age, the characteristics of your cancer, and whether you are premenopausal or postmenopausal
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Question:
#1987
11/06/2002
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I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. Invasive Ductal adenocarinoma Stage 3 b. In december of 2001 it metastizied to my right lung
I have been treated with adrimaycin, taxol, and cyctoxan beginning in FEbruary of 2000. Nine treatments over
18 weeks, 33 radition treatments. When it came back in my right lung this past
december 2001 I begin treatment in feb. 2002 with 5-FU, epirubicen, and
cyctoxan since then Ihave had taxatere
and femara because Ihad a pleuradsis on
Oct 14 2002 and some of the nodules showed progesterone. I have been reading the testimonals and found a woman with breast cancer that had spread to her lungs and several areas of her pelvis and your clinic was able to help her! I would like to come to your hospital. I am a single mother and
have been for many years. Is there clincial trials available? Can you help
me and how do I get an appointment? |
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Call Judy Pitt at 410-955-8964 ext 4071. she will be able to get you scheduled dear. take care... |
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Question:
#1988
11/06/2002
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I have Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, spread to my lungs & now my liver. I was offered Taxotere but declined when I was advised that it would only extend my life by 2-3 months. I am her2neu negative. I have done CEF, radiation & Xeloda & they haven't worked. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you |
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hhmm. you would benefit from a formal medical oncology consultation where all of your records as well as you personally can be properly reviewed and evaluated. if you are well enough to travel to a comprehensive cancer center hopefully not too far from your home do so. Don't leave any stone unturned... |
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Question:
#1989
11/06/2002
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I have Stage IV breast cancer with mets to the bone in several locations, skull, hips ribs (with fractures) shoulder blade and jaw. I am on second-line hormone treatment (Femara) along with Zometa. I have had 4 treatments with Zometa. My question is this: Is it likely that the Zometa may cause an increase in uptake in these areas on a bone scan? And is it possible that Zometa may cause fractures in spots other than cancerous spots in the bone? Also, is it possible to receive a fractionated dose of Zometa? I am a very small boned person and weigh about 120 lbs. |
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I didn't find literature that supported these increased risks. but ask your doctor for more information about the drug so that you can feel more confident and comfortable taking it. it's important to feel assured that what you are taking is helping and not harming you in the long run |
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Question:
#1990
11/06/2002
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my sister has breast cancer and 6 out of 7 nodes positive. She is in Suffolk, Va. Can her doctors there consult with your center in any way to be sure she has the advantage of your "cutting edge treatment" and higher success rate? |
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yes, they can. Call Lillie Shockney to discuss how to do this so that her doctor can talk directly with one of our doctors about her case. 410-614-2853 |
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Question:
#1991
11/05/2002
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When a cancer forms in a healthy breast after mastectomy, chemo and radiation have taken place on the 1st breast, is it considered to be a metatastic cancer? No lymph nodes were involved in the first cancer. Also, are the studies on the effect of glucose on cancer tumors revealing any preventive measures, such as a diabetic-type diet? |
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no, this doesn't mean metastatic disease-- it actually is a new primary cancer. metastatic disease means it has spread to other organs-- commonly the lungs, liver or bones. Don't alter your diet based other than to eat a healthy diet-- fruits, veggies, low fat. |
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Question:
#1992
10/29/2002
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My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2001. She underwent a modified radical mastectomy, 8/8 lymph nodes were neg. She underwent 6 rounds, 3 weeks apart, of FAC then started Tamoxifen. There is now evidence of extensive metastasis in the liver. We have received several opinions but cannot decide which one to pursue. Some protocols may be very dangerous for her heart. She is 33 and has 3+ Her/2u cancer, with negative estrogen/progesterone receptors. Bone and CAT scans did not show any other signs of metastsis. What advice, as far a chemo protocols, can you give? We are very confused!!!! |
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There are many clinical trials options. The key right now is to be under the care of a medical oncologist who specializes in women who are young with advanced disease. The liver is an organ that you need to be in good working order as it metabolizes for your body. it also makes and stores blood. When in doubt about what protocol to choose , seek another opinion and consider going with the majority vote. We wish you both well as you and she take on this disease again with the goal to get it into control and live in harmony with it |
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Question:
#1993
10/29/2002
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Is there any evidence that surgical removal of bone(s) (rib) with metastatic breast cancer tumor, can improve survival rate or increase remission? |
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No, not really. Though it would seem rational it doesn't seem to help. |
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Question:
#1994
10/29/2002
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Would like information on latest studies by Dr. Nancy Davidson concerning Bone Marrow Transplant. Specifically, is there increased remission of metastatic breast cancer that has reoccurred in bone? |
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we are no longer doing bone marrow transplants here for breast cancer as the data results showed that they did not improve survival results for patients. |
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Question:
#1995
10/27/2002
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I am 41 years old and recently (Sept.11)had a mastectomy for stage 3 breast cancer. I had 11 out of 14 positive lymph nodes. I am estrogen receptor positive, but also HER2neu positive. They say my bloodwork looks good.
Before my doctor could start me on the chemo and radiation treatments that she had planned, she had ct scans and bone scans done. The bone scan was not clear, so an x-ray was done on my lower back. It also was not very clear, so they did an MRI. Now they say that my 4th lumbar has a "hot spot". My doctor started me on Zometa infusions and Lupron shots monthly, and 20mg of Tomoxifen daily.
Also,I had a hysterectomy in 1997 for cervical cancer, but they left my ovaries. I currently have a 3x4.7 blood-filled cyst on my left ovary which my gynocologist is watching to see if it gets any bigger (a CA125 bloodtest showed me at 8.2).
My question is: why aren't we doing chemo or radiation, why aren't they giving me Herceptin (or a combination of Herceptin and something like Taxotere)???? And, should I just go ahead and get my ovaries removed????
I'm not crazy about the idea of more surgery, going through chemo, and radiation, but if it will help me, I want to do all I can do.
Thank you so much for your help.
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It is not uncommon to begin with hormonal therapy, especially for women hormone receptor positive like yourself, and see how you respond, reserving the chemo drugs for later. however you need to be comfortable with this less aggressive approach so consider getting another opinion from a medical oncologist elsewhere who specializes in breast cancer. This individual can also advise you regarding your ovary status. |
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Question:
#1996
10/27/2002
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Do you have any idea as to when Endostatin is going to be released into the market? I read somehwere online that it should be soon, however, I neglected to check the date of the report. Endostatin can treat breast cancer metastasis can't it? Are there other anti-angiogenesis drugs coming to market soon? Lastly, do you thing docs are going to start prescribing Celebrex as a treatment? |
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Endostatin is still in research testing at this time. I'd recommend calling 1-800-4-CANCER and asking for the latest information regarding this drug and when it may be available. I haven't heard about celebrex being offered for treatment for met breast cancer though. |
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Question:
#1997
10/26/2002
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What symptoms do a person exhibit when they have bone, liver or lung metastasis? |
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weight loss, bone pain, shortness of breath, lack of appetite-- there are many signs. a scan can help determine if mets has occurred. If you are worried about this for yourself see your medical oncologist to discuss |
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Question:
#1998
10/13/2002
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I have a friend that has stage 4 metastatic breast cancer,which is hormone recepter negative. She was diagnosed in August of 2000 and
after several DIFFERENT chemo regimins the breast cancer has spread throughout the liver, lungs, ovaries and in two nodes on the two front lobes of the brain. Her liver is apparently feeling the strain of the meds and is showing signs of failure through an
off colored skin tone and periodic dementia. Tumor markers are at 500+, Low red cell and platelet counts. The physician is excellent and is concentrating on the liver function first via reducing pain meds (OXYCONTIN).
The situation is....troubling. It is a grim picture from the sound of it however, we have hope of hope and our faith in God to give her strength to continue to fight without pain.
My question is this, are there any alternative treatments to cleanse the Liver or assist in the function of the liver so that it may function better
under these conditions?
I am not looking for a miracle cure for the cancer just a way to cleanse the liver, give the liver a jumpstart and or reinvigoration so that we can get past this one issue and move on to others. One at a time, day to day.
THANK YOU!!!!
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She is blessed with the love of family or friends. Unfortunately there isn't any way to cleanse the liver. You are right in stating that her situation is grave. This is a time to help her achieve closure with her family and friend and die with dignity and hopefully without pain. cpnsider hospice. |
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Question:
#1999
10/08/2002
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I was just diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer. It is NOT in any organ it is in lymph nodes in the middle of my chest. I was told that if breast cancer recurs there is no treatment to rid the body of cancer cells. It has been 8 yrs since I had a lumpectomy, chem and radation....now it has returned. The only way they decided I had a problem with checking my CEA level (which began to rise) and finally a PET scan that showed where the problem has returned. I was told once you go on hormone therapy you will always be on a hormone therapy. Is this true? If the therapy does not kill cells why even bother????
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hhhmm. unusual advice. Chemotherapy certainly is prescribed and given for women with metastatic disease with the goal to destroy the cancer cells or at least stunt their growth so the disease is controlled. There are various types of hormonal therapies too-- some are short term and others more long term. You need a second opinion from a medical oncologist who sees and treats a large volume of metastatic breast cancer patients and does so aggressively. |
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Question:
#2000
10/08/2002
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When I had breast cancer the first time, I had a lumpectomy, 6 weeks radiation, and 5 years of Tamoxifen. Seven years later I had an abdominal hysterectomy because cysts developed on my ovaries. The pathology report said this was breast cancer in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It had spread to the omentum, but the surgeon only removed a small area of the omentum where he said the cancer was more concentrated. Now I am taking Arimidex and scheduled for labs, chest x-ray and CT scan to get an idea how much cancer remains, and will have the tests again to see if the Arimidex is stopping or slowing down the progression of the disease. At this time I have no idea why I am not being given chemo. My oncology said this hormone pill works just as good as chemo for treating this. He also told me this was bad by saying "I wish I had better news" and I had to drag is out of him what this second time with cancer really means. This should have NEVER happened because my OB-GYN did a transvaginal ultrasound every 6 months for 6 years, looking for cysts on my ovaries, because Tamoxifen given for breast cancer can also cause ovarian cancer. He did the test in September and when I returned for my next appointment 6 months later, he decided to not do the test because I had been off this medication for a little over a year and said I wouldn't be getting cancer. Then this happened. True, it is not ovarian cancer (they are saying), but if he had done the test it would have been caught 6 months earlier. I want to know if a hysterectomy 6 months ago would have increased by chances of living longer and since there was a chance of breast cancer popping up years later like this, why didn't my doctors tell me this and do a hysterectomy back when I can the first breast cancer? If I had known, I would have volunteered for the surgery! It would have saved my life, right? Also, is there any reason not to remove my omentum? I have read everywhere on the Internet that is common practice. Thank you. |
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You are dealing with a lot right now. This disease is never fair... but lets begin with some information--- it is extremely rare for breast cancer to spread to the ovaries. Very rare. Tamoxifen has complication risk, though low,of uterine cancer and blood clots. Your situation is that your cancer has returned and spread to the ovaries, rather than traditonally where it spreads which is the bone, liver or lung. Hormonal therapy is commonly used for metastatic disease but you should pursue a second opinion from a medical oncologist who specializes in metastatic disease and specifically for patients who specialize in disease that has spread to the ovaries. |
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Question:
#2001
10/04/2002
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I need to know more about pectoral muscle surgery. I am scheduled to
have both pectoralis major and pectoralis minor removed next week due to
a recurrence in those muscles after mastectomy. This will be followed
by radiation. What side effects should I know about from the surgery ... what is the survival rate for surgery followed by radiation and is it substantially better than radiation alone?
The recurrence was less than a year after mastectomy, 6 months
after AC chemotherapy ... the first lump to reappear was incompletely
excised and biopsy showed same type of cancer as first time with spread
to muscle. There are at least two more lumps starting. There was lymph
node involvement (two of 13) with the mastectomy and most recent tumor removed was not a lymph node and was weakly positive for
estrogen, strongly positive for progesterone.
Are there other treatment options I should explore than surgery and
should I talk to a medical oncologist before surgery? I have been doing a lot of reading and there seems to be mixed reviews for this surgery.
I am also unsure whether it would be metatstatic disease or a local recurrence ... the surgeon and the radiation oncologist differed in their opinion on that. Scans done (bone, chest x-ray, bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound) are all clear. |
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You should seek out another opinion from a surgical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer as well as a medical oncologist with does the same-- preferably two doctors who work in the same facility so they can collaborate on this important decision for you. you are right-- there are mixed opinions. It is very unusual today to remove the chest muscles-- radiation and chemo are much more common. so explore other opinions from people who see and treat women with stage IV disease that has spread to the pec muscles. This sounds like pretty aggressive disease to have returned so quickly. The chest muscle is classified as another organ. If it was localized to the chest wall skin then it would be referred to more than likely as local recurrence. take care... pursue this.You need to feel confident that you need to lose these muscles. Difficulty lifting can occur as well as needing skin grafting to the chest wall post op. |
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Question:
#2002
10/04/2002
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My sister in law was diagnosed with metatastic breast cancer a year ago Aug. She also had lymp node cancer in 2 nodes. She went through cehmo and the radiation. Now the cancer is in her chest cavity and lungs. She is in chemo again but her doctor in Minn doesn't know how to treat this cancer. He said he has not seen this but twice. He has told her she can go get a second opinion. She asked me about coming here to be seen if you have seen this cancer and treated it. The doctor said if this second treatment doesn't work he has a 3rd in mind for her. Shouldn't we go to a doctor who knows about this cancer or is it so rare no one really knows how to treat this? I would be happy to fly her out here if someone could help her. |
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hhhmmm. It is common for breast cancer to spread to the lungs so it sounds a bit confusing that this isn't common for where she is currently being treated. She can get another opinion here. Hopkins sees alot of women with metastatic disease. call 410-955-8964 ext 4071 for assistance with an appointment. |
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Question:
#2003
09/29/2002
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My mother had breast cancer 10 years ago
It came back last year. The doctor suggest having PET SCAN done to see if there are cancerous cells in her body.
Do you think PET SCAN gives reliable results to breast cancer patients ?
Is it harmful ? |
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PET scanning is helpful but not definitive in telling whether there is the presence of disease elsewhere or not. CAT scans and bone scans may be more helpful, or at least done together to complement the results and findings. no test can show microscopic disease if it is lingering somewhere though... tumor markers (blood tests) can be helpful sometimes in that area. PET scans aren't harmful. We wish you and your mom well... hang in there. There are drug treatments today to help stabilize metastatic breast cancer that we didn't used to have 10 years ago. That is in her favor. |
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Question:
#2004
09/22/2002
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In Jan 2000 I was diagnosed with Stage III Ductal Carcinoma. I completed surgery (lumpectomy), chemo with CAF regime, followed by six weeks of radiation therapy and believed I was well on the way to a 'cure'. In August 2002, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - three tumours in the liver. I am now having second line chemo with Gemzar and Taxotere and would like to know what my chances of survival are. Can the disease be controlled? Can it go into remission? Do people survive? Please advise.
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The mission of chemotherapy now is exactly that-- to get this disease into remission or at a minimum get it under control so that your body can live in harmony with it. Think of it like diabetes- a chronic condition that warrants continuous treatment. If diabetics didn't take insulin daily they would be dead in a matter of days. The goal for you is to get this disease in control like diabetics get their sugar levels in control. Cure is not possible but control can be achieved for many people. Hang in there... and continue to talk with your doctors about additional clinical trials that may be availble to you in the future as well. |
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Question:
#2005
09/11/2002
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I am diagonised with stage 2B breast cancer. With a IDC lump removed and clear margin of resection. Sentinel node biopsy revealed all 3 nodes removed to have deposits of cancer cells, but appeared separate and clean visually to the surgeon at the time of biopsy. We have been advised an axillary node dissection, followed by chemo and radiation. I am 36 yrs and pre menopausal. I had twins thru IVF two years ago and was successful on my third cycle of IVF.
Do I really need to have axillary node dissection ? Why not P.E.T AND MRI /CT
scan the whole body, and then determine if there is any tumour anywhere else and act accordingly? |
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The standard of care at this point in time continues to be do to an axillary node dissection to determine if additional lymph nodes are also positive for cancer. This information helps in determining the actual stage of disease as well as planning your chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are different protocols for both chemo and radiation when there are 4 or more positive lymph nodes, and 3 are presently known to be positive in this case. Usually level 1 and 2 nodes are harvested, and level 3 are left intact. Back in the 1950s-1970s all three levels were removed placing women at great risk of lymphedema. I suspect this is your primary concern... ask your doctor if there is someone to review with you PRIOR to surgery, lymphedema prevention education-- that's important. Though lymphedema doesn't happen very often it is a concern and there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk to some degree. Scans don't always tell the whole story and can give false findings, both good and bad. A scan can't definitively tell you if the axillae contains another node with cancer... hang in there. Getting accurate prognostic information about your disease is important to your treatment planning now. |
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Question:
#2006
09/02/2002
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Hello, I was diagnosed Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer in Feb. of this year. I have completed 4 rounds of adria/cytoxin and 4 rounds of Taxol. I am scheduled for scans Sep. 17th. It has been exactly 3 weeks since my last treatment and I have found 3 lumps in my left shoulder (these were present at diagnosis). What can my onc do next? Of course, I'll ask him. But this activity despite chemotherapy causes me great concern. What would be our next step? More chemo? Stem cell transplant? |
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There are many other drug choices so feel you are at the end of the road. The oncologist, with the help of reviewing your prognostic factors from your initial biopsy/operative breast procedure, will help in making decisions which drugs to test next with the goal that one or several will provide a better response than what you may be seeing thus far. Don't give up hope. There are more chemotherapy options and hormonal therapy options too. |
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Question:
#2007
09/01/2002
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If your cancer has gone every where you can think of. Is there still a chance? |
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The further breast cancer has spread to other organ sites and more difficult it is to get into control so that your body can live in harmony with it. Your health care team should be the best judge for you as to how involved vital organs are and what risk they pose to you at this time. Clinical studies have shown however that women who are optimists live longer when battling breast cancer than those who are pessimists. That is worthy to think about until itself... Participating in a breast cancer support group may also prove helpful. There are some places that have support groups specifically for women with metastasis so inquire about that as well. Support of family and friends, surrounding ourselves with love, is part of effective breast cancer treatment. |
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Question:
#2008
08/20/2002
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what should i look for in by cbc to determine if there is a change in my breast cancer and/or how i am doing? |
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Your CBC helps to tell us if your counts are being effected by the chemotherapy you are receiving. Counts usually go down in response to chemo administration since our blood cells are rapidly growing cells and chemo is designed to destroy rapidly growing cells, which cancer cells also are. Medications may be given to help boost blood counts if they drop lower than desired, thus enabling the patient to stay on track with the chemo regimen prescribed. Sometimes doctors look at blood tests that show liver functioning too as a way to monitor the liver for possible cancer spread. Each time a patient has blood drawn she should request her doctor to review the results and translate what they mean. |
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Question:
#2009
08/21/2002
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the Her2/neu gene was overexpressed 3+, can you tell me how this will effect reoccurence? |
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basically, overexpressed her2 neu is a poor prognostic factor (so it would make recurrence a little more likely) but a good predictor of response to herceptin. However, other factors (tumor size,stage, grade, margins, ER/PR) are probably more important in predicting recurrence.
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