Breast Cancer questions

Specialties Oncology

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hello all

My sister was just diagnosed with breast cancer and they want to remove the breast.

What I don't understand is the doctor suggesting this is a general surgeon and one of his specialties is Breast issues. She did have biopsies and 3 came back cancer and the 4th was precancer.

Shouldn't she be seeing an oncologist before having surgery? This is with Kaiser and I'm worried that they are not giving her all her options.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Debi

I know how your feeling right now my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer about 5 years ago. When she goes to see the doctor that will take the breast he will ask her at that time if she want recontruction . Atfer they take the breast they do more lab work and decide if they will need cemo and radiation. My mom had the same Dx. that spread to 3 lymph nodes and had cemo and radiation both. She has been cancer free for 5 years now. Hope that helps

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Haven't these docs heard of sentinel node biopsies?

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Hope your sister is doing well. Thanks for sharing with me.

my sister had infiltrating ductal carcinoma with 4 lymph nodes involved. she just finished her treatments in january.

i so understand how you feel; just be there for her in anyway you can.

you and she will remain in my prayers.

leslie

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I don't think she felt any lumps, but I don't really know if she did self-exams very well, but was pretty good about getting her mammograms until the last two years.

I hope your results turn out to be good. Good luck and thanks for the kinds words.

I am sorry to hear about your sister...I don't want to "steal" your thread but I was wondering how she first got diagnosed? Did she have any symptoms or feel a lump herself??

My doctor just recently found some nodules in my axilla and I was sent for an ultrasound and mammogram. I have had no symptoms, didn't even feel the node myself (but I am not so good at self checks) and have no history of breast cancer in my family....however, I am still pretty nervous. They saw three nodes on my u/s...but I don't find out the results unitl next week- seems like a long time.

Anyway, I hope that all turns out well for your sister, hopefully she will find a doctor that she is happy with and that makes her feel comfortable with her options. Sending good thoughts your way...

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Thanks for sharing. It's good to learn what is happening. I will definitely share this information with her.

Glad to hear your mom is doing well. It's encouraging to hear good reports such as this.

I know how your feeling right now my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer about 5 years ago. When she goes to see the doctor that will take the breast he will ask her at that time if she want recontruction . Atfer they take the breast they do more lab work and decide if they will need cemo and radiation. My mom had the same Dx. that spread to 3 lymph nodes and had cemo and radiation both. She has been cancer free for 5 years now. Hope that helps
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What are they? I've never heard of these.

Haven't these docs heard of sentinel node biopsies?
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Hope your sister is doing well. Thanks for sharing with me.

yes, lisa is done w/treatments but there have been some residual problems but at least they're non-cancerous. btw, feel free to pm me anytime at all. i know exactly how you're feeling and will answer any and all questions.

in answer to your question about a sentinel node biopsy, it is a relatively new test to determine if the cancer has spread to axillary lymph nodes/ducts w/o having to do the traditional axilary lymph node dissection. Lymph ducts typically drain to one lymph node first before draining through the remaining lymph nodes under the arm. this first lymph node is called the sentinel lymph node and and helps sound the warning if the cancer has spread. lymph node mapping helps identify the lymph node, and a sentinel node biopsy removes only that lymph node. it is identified in one of 2 ways: either a weak radioactive dye that's measured by a hand-held probe; or by a blue dye that stains the lymph tissue a bright blue so it's visible. obviously the main advantage is that it's much less invasive that having all your axillary lymph nodes dissected and yet it's just as accurate.

my sister had a lumpectomy (4cm) and your sister may want to ask if she's a candidate for one.

again deb, pm me for anything you need.

with peace,

leslie

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