Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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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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| 11/13/2011 | Does manual lymphatic drainage massage accelerate the rate of progression of mets? I have lymphedema in the left arm and trunk due to treatments of my original dx (triple neg IBC). Treatments included 6 rounds TAC, bilateral mastectomy, and radiation. Recently a local recurrence was found, and re-excision completed. Testing at that time indicated two positive lymph nodes between my lungs. Current treatment is Xeloda, 1500mg twice a day, two weeks on and one week off. MLD massage and compression sleeves have been effective in controlling the LE. But I now worry about continuing the MLD. Thank you. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 11/14/2011 | There is no known risk of lymphedema treatment and the development of mets. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.

