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Metastatic Breast Cancer Questions about advanced metastatic breast cancer. |
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| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
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| 11/8/2011 | I am a metastatic breast cancer woman. In 2002 I had reccurence to my bones (spine T12 L4 L50)I was on Armidex for 8 years. With no progression of diease. In the summer of 2010 I was told I had new disease activity in the lymph nodes in my neck left and right collar bone area, I went onto Faslodex shots. After 9 months I was told I again had progression of disease to my 3 and 4 ribs right side some cells in both lungs and a 2.3 cm lesion above my tram flap right side. 1.9 cm lesion on my chest wall. For added measure a 4.1 mm lesion was found in my head. I had SBRT done on my head and all seems fine. I have completed 5 cycles of abraxane/avastin. (doing 6 months) My body as had a really good response all has shrunk down beautifuly. My questions are these. 1. Can I have a mastectomy on my tram flap and have it removed? 2.Would a biopsy above my tram be a good Idea to see if we get clean margins? Could SBRT be used to treat the small cells in my lungs and to treat my chest all? Thank you for the time in anwering my questions. I am just trying to ensure all tools available are being used to hold disease progression. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 11/8/2011 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center. You have been on quite a long journey! Generally we would not perform addition mastectomy or re-excisions with Stage 4 disease. The treatment for stage 4 disease is systemic, and generally not surgical, as the surgery has it's risk, but not a systemic benefit. So consider a consultation @ an NCI Designated Cancer Center, where you will meet with Breast Medical Oncologists that specialize in metastatic breast cancer, and where there may be clinical trials available for you. Also, here is a great web site that might also be of help: The National Metastatic Breast Cancer Network @ mbcn.org Hope this helps, and best wishes. Remember we are only a mouse click or phone call away if you need us. | ||
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