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.
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Metastatic Breast Cancer Questions about advanced metastatic breast cancer. |
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| 4/23/2012 | My good friend is a 4 year survivor of this cancer. She had a lumpectomy followed by chemo and radiation (high dose of 66). She now has been suffering from broken ribs for the past year, but as of a couple weeks ago is in extreme pain and has developed a dark red rash at the cancer site that is spreading under her arm and around her back. She said it feels like someone is taking an ice pick and stabbing her in the back. Her doctor has no idea what the problem is. Her calcium is above normal, so they did a PET scan and they do not see any cancer. Her rash almost looks like a spider web type pattern. That is how she describes it, but I think it looks more like broken blood vessels. Do you have any idea what this might be? She is on heavy pain medication, but still can't sleep, eat, etc., and is very discouraged. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 4/23/2012 | Your friend needs an evaluation by a breast surgical oncologist NOW, and needs biopsies done of the skin of this spreading rash! What you have shared is very concerning, and she needs to be ASAP! Consider traveling to an academic medical center to be seen by a team of breast cancer experts, including a breast medical oncologist. Thank you for advoctating for your friend, and you are right to seek an answer! If we can help, please call Sheila @ 443-287-BRST (2887) and let her know we 'talked' via this site, and your friend needs to be seen ASAP! | ||
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.