Herceptin monotherapy for breast cancer
Hello, my lady has stage3b breast cancer. Had lumpectomy 10yrs ago. Triple positive. Had neg nodes then. Minimal chemo. Had recurrence at scar site nov 2010. Tried "black salve" which ulcerated the skin. Had rt mastectomy in oct 2011. Had single positive intra-mammary node and neg sentinel nodes. Had staph infection postop w abscess. Started chemo recently and had drop in wbc to 900, zoster, and varicella-like rash. Placed on rocephin, vanco, and acyclovir. Wbc overshot to 15-19000. Then had severe diarrhea. Possibly c dif. Cultures pending on flagyl. Now we are wondering if chemo is really necessary or using herceptin only. No sign of mets at present. I am a retired neurologist and would welcome your thoughts including any medical articles. 25th January 2012 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Others
I am 20years into remission from stage 3b Hodgkin's lymphoma. I have cerebral palsy. I am obese and wheelchair bound, just got back from rehab with a diagnosis of secondary lymphedema in both calves. I have a nurse doing wrapping of the ankles and exersise every day, careful of bathing and washing and lotioning the legs. I do have to take a diuretic for blood pressure. In addition to risk of congestive heart failure. (heart's in good shape now), are the odds of a recurrence of the cancer higher? Is my life expectancy shortened even without a reccurence?19th January 2012 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
I am super paranoid about coming in contact with any carcinogens. I feel likeif I touch something that may be a carcinogen and then it contacts someone elseor they accidentely ingest it, I will be the cause if they get cancer. Is thisa possibillity?
I am paranoid about carcinogens. I feel like they are everywhere and that if I unintenionally expose someone else to them that I am the cause of thier cancer if they get it. Is that possible?19th January 2012 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Breast Cancer
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in the left breast in 1997. She was subjected to tumor removal while keeping the breast. She had lymph nodes analysis and found ok. She was subjected to radiotherapy and hormon therapy through tamoxifen. Since that time she was doing mamograms every 6 months. Just recently Jan 2012, they have seen something in the mamogram in the same breast and they performed sample pathology with a result "Left breast small foci of invasive ductal adenocarcinoma grade 2". This is the same type that was dignosed in 1997. The right breast mamogram is ok. She is 58 years old. Is this a reoccurrence? What is her risk? What is the treatment options? Is it a must to remove the breast? Is there any way around the removal? We are seeing her oncologist tomorrow.13th January 2012 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Stage IV NSCLC Lung Cancer
Seven months ago, my wife, age 45, and a breast cancer survivor of 18 years, was diagnosed with a different cancer - Stage IV NSCLC Lung Cancer. Her first treatment was full brain irradiaiton followed by front line chemotherapy (cis/carbo-platin plus Alimta (2 rounds cis then 4 rounds carbo platin each a 1/2 day treatment followed by 21 days recovery). This treatment had a neutral effect - slight stabilization of the main tumor (slight increase from 31 mm to 36 mm detected). In addition, new secondary areas in liver and right femur were also visible in the most recent scanner done in mid December. Maintenance thearpy with Tarceva (new Roche oral chemotherapy product) started 2 weeks ago. Back in May a PCR test for the gene EGFR mutation was not detected (negative) which excluded her for using Tarceva as first line therapy. Additionally,mutation of K-Ras gene was not detected. It is my understanding that Tarceva works when EGFR mutation is positive. So, how can Tarceva given daily to her now give any effect? Is this then just a very expensive placaebo or can it work anyway? Are there other treatments / trials / research out there that she could benefit from? 4th January 2012 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
pet scan
PET results: my oncologists is happy with results and said is all from inflammation. Since oct 2010 I have had a total of 5 surgeries on my breasts due to healing problems on right side where tumor was last on in August for pectoralis major repair. right breast incision still inflammed on a small spot about 1 inch for which I needed hyperbaric treatment. I finished chemo in April and herceptin 2 weeks ago. I'm scheduled for final silicone implants in 3 weeks and oncologists said ok to get port out. I would like your opinion on my last PET " bilateral implants present. slight increase in activity about implants on the right more than left. this appears diffuse and is likely postop or related residual inflammation. SUV 1.4 right vs 1 on left. above right breast implant in the axilla, there is a focus of activity with SUV 4.5 of a nonenlarged solitary lymph node. lymph node is nondiagnostic for neoplasm vs inflammation origin." No other problems or uptake seen elsewhere. I'm concerned about that lymph node SUV, is it from inflammation? would it be enlarged it it was bad?. I had 8 nodes taken out, all negative. thanks again 17th December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Stomach pain and bloating
For several months I have been experiencing almost constant bloating & feeling of fullness. I am 66 yrs. old, very healthy, and have never had any stomach problems. I have also had sharp pain in my upper left quadrant that lasts a short time as well as a hard lump (which feels like my colon spasming) that rises up only during the pain and goes away as the pain subsides. The pain never lasts very long. I also am experiencing general stomach tenderness and discomfort. I feel tired and dragged out most of the time. I am rarely constipated, have not had nausea and have not had fever or diarrhea. I have had two episodes of rectal bleeding with (very little) bright red blood, that did not last beyond one bowel movement. 15th December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Breast Cancer Surgery Tomorrow
I am a 55 year old recently diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in the small amount of tissue that was left in the breast that was removed. I had a mastectomy 9 years ago. I am having surgery tomorrow to remove the tumor but am concerned as to why there was so much breast tissue left in my breast. The tumor is 1cm and located in the breast tissue but the surgeon says he will need to remove some muscle as well. Why would he need to remove muscle? Most importantly, I asked him if he would be testing my lymph nodes under my arm (he removed 9 last time and they tested negative) and my mammary lymph nodes as well. He said he would not be testing either because it is dangerous to re-test them again. Does this make sense? How will they stage me if they don't know if it's in my lymph nodes? He says it doesn't matter because I will receive radiation and chemo regardless. This concerns me.12th December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Interstitial thickening of lungs
I'm a 55 year old woman with recurrent breast cancer in the small amount if tissue that was left in the removed breast. I am having surgery on Tuesday to remove the 1cm tumor. As part of my pre-op I was given a full body pet/ct scan and bone scan...both came back negative. My EKG came back abnormal and suggested a possibly enlarged left atrial. I am on hyzaar for blood pressure. I was also given a chest X-ray that showed interstitial thickening of the lungs. Does this mean cancer? My md wants to send me for a chest ct. How is a chest ct any different than a full body pet/ct scan? I thought they could just use the full body ct to examine my chest. U have a dry cough and quit smoking this past year. Could it be emphysema? What should I do? I also heard that hyzaar could cause lung problems. What is the best screening tool for the lungs? 11th December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Others
I am a 43 year old woman who was thought to have mono due to fatigue and chronic aches. Follow up testing (protein electrophoresis) was done with the following results: Two small homogeneous bands in the beta Gamma and the front gamma accounting for Approx 10% of gamma fraction. Immunoelectrophoresis demonstrates the homogenous bands are biclonal IGG Lambda and IGM Kappa immunoglobulin abnormality. IGA and total IGG are present in normal levels. IGM increased. No suppression of other immunoglobulins. IGM 8.53g/l, IGG 8.20 g/l IGA 1.58 g/l. I have an appointment with a hematologist in a few weeks, have had some back, pelvic and hip x-rays done due to chronic pain awaiting results. My Dr. mentioned MGUS as her diagnosis and said I would most likely have to be followed for the rest of my life. Wondering your take on the results of the PEP.5th December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Her2
I was recently duagnosed with recurrent invasive ductal carcinoma in the same breast that was removed 9 yeara ago. I am not sure what type of cancer I had 9 years ago because they did not do fish testing back then. The cancer they biopsied in my recurrent breast is her2 positive, moderately differentiated and about 1cm in size. What is the likeliness that my original cancer was her2 positive and came back because it wasnt treated properly? Does her2 mean my cancer is metastatic? I had about 9 lymph nodes under my arm removed 9 years ago and they tested negative so how else would my cancer be able to spread from my breast? Through the mammary lymph nodes? Also, what are your thoughts on herceptin? I heard it is very effective at killing her2 cancer cells but am not sure what happens after you finish taking it for the suggested year. Finally, is a whole body pet/ct scan better than an X-ray for detecting lung cancer? 4th December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
MRI vs bone and pet/ct scan
I am a 55 year old recently diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in the small amount of tissue that was left in the breast that was removed. I had a mastectomy 9 years ago. Due to a recent car accident, the doctor ordered an MRI of my lumbar spine which showed lesions suspicious for metastatic disease. He then ordered a bone and pet/ct scan. Both tests came back negative. The bone scan showed no uptake in my lumbar spine and the radiologist was able to identify the same lesions on a pet/ct scan from 2006. He said they have changed somewhat metamorphically but ruled out fdg avid disease. My radiologist and oncologist have tried to reassure me that this is not cancer because it did not light up on the pet scan or bone scan. They diagnosed me with atypical henangiomas of the spine and said no biopsy is needed but to follow up in 6 months. Thoughts on this? I have always had minor discomfort in my back but nothing that leeps me up at night. What is the most reliable test for bone mets? Also, my pth levels are 160 and calcium is in the high average range. Docs think my parathyroid is separate issue. I thought high calcium levels in blood meant end stage cancer. Thoughts on this? 3rd December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
MRI vs bone and pet/ct scan
I am a 55 year old recently diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in the small amount of tissue that was left in the breast that was removed. I had a mastectomy 9 years ago. Due to a recent car accident, the doctor ordered an MRI of my lumbar spine which showed lesions suspicious for metastatic disease. He then ordered a bone and pet/ct scan. Both tests came back negative. The bone scan showed no uptake in my lumbar spine and the radiologist was able to identify the same lesions on a pet/ct scan from 2006. He said they have changed somewhat metamorphically but ruled out fdg avid disease. My radiologist and oncologist have tried to reassure me that this is not cancer because it did not light up on the pet scan or bone scan. They diagnosed me with atypical henangiomas of the spine and said no biopsy is needed but to follow up in 6 months. Thoughts on this? I have always had minor discomfort in my back but nothing that leeps me up at night. What is the most reliable test for bone mets? Also, my pth levels are 160 and calcium is in the high average range. Docs think my parathyroid is separate issue. I thought high calcium levels in blood meant end stage cancer. Thoughts on this? 3rd December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
MRI vs bone and pet/ct scan
I am a 55 year old recently diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in the small amount of tissue that was left in the breast that was removed. I had a mastectomy 9 years ago. Due to a recent car accident, the doctor ordered an MRI of my lumbar spine which showed lesions suspicious for metastatic disease. He then ordered a bone and pet/ct scan. Both tests came back negative. The bone scan showed no uptake in my lumbar spine and the radiologist was able to identify the same lesions on a pet/ct scan from 2006. He said they have changed somewhat metamorphically but ruled out fdg avid disease. My radiologist and oncologist have tried to reassure me that this is not cancer because it did not light up on the pet scan or bone scan. They diagnosed me with atypical henangiomas of the spine and said no biopsy is needed but to follow up in 6 months. Thoughts on this? I have always had minor discomfort in my back but nothing that leeps me up at night. What is the most reliable test for bone mets? Also, my pth levels are 160 and calcium is in the high average range. Docs think my parathyroid is separate issue. I thought high calcium levels in blood meant end stage cancer. Thoughts on this? 3rd December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
MRI vs bone and pet/ct scan
I am a 55 year old recently diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in the small amount of tissue that was left in the breast that was removed. I had a mastectomy 9 years ago. Due to a recent car accident, the doctor ordered an MRI of my lumbar spine which showed lesions suspicious for metastatic disease. He then ordered a bone and pet/ct scan. Both tests came back negative. The bone scan showed no uptake in my lumbar spine and the radiologist was able to identify the same lesions on a pet/ct scan from 2006. He said they have changed somewhat metamorphically but ruled out fdg avid disease. My radiologist and oncologist have tried to reassure me that this is not cancer because it did not light up on the pet scan or bone scan. They diagnosed me with atypical henangiomas of the spine and said no biopsy is needed but to follow up in 6 months. Thoughts on this? I have always had minor discomfort in my back but nothing that leeps me up at night. What is the most reliable test for bone mets? Also, my pth levels are 160 and calcium is in the high average range. Docs think my parathyroid is separate issue. I thought high calcium levels in blood meant end stage cancer. Thoughts on this? 3rd December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
MRI vs bone and pet/ct scan
I am a 55 year old recently diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in the small amount of tissue that was left in the breast that was removed. I had a mastectomy 9 years ago. Due to a recent car accident, the doctor ordered an MRI of my lumbar spine which showed lesions suspicious for metastatic disease. He then ordered a bone and pet/ct scan. Both tests came back negative. The bone scan showed no uptake in my lumbar spine and the radiologist was able to identify the same lesions on a pet/ct scan from 2006. He said they have changed somewhat metamorphically but ruled out fdg avid disease. My radiologist and oncologist have tried to reassure me that this is not cancer because it did not light up on the pet scan or bone scan. They diagnosed me with atypical henangiomas of the spine and said no biopsy is needed but to follow up in 6 months. Thoughts on this? I have always had minor discomfort in my back but nothing that leeps me up at night. What is the most reliable test for bone mets? Also, my pth levels are 160 and calcium is in the high average range. Docs think my parathyroid is separate issue. I thought high calcium levels in blood meant end stage cancer. Thoughts on this? 3rd December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
CT scan done in June 11 following hip surgery related to MSSA infection(sinceresolved) of total Rt. hip replacement done in 2000. Two small left renal lesions were noted. A follow-up CTscan done in Nov 11 showed the lesions to be stable. Exam Rept. stat
CT scan done in June 11 following hip surgery related to MSSA infection(since resolved) of total Rt. hip replacement done in 2000. Two small left renal lesions were noted. A follow-up CTscan done in Nov 11 showed the lesions to be stable. Exam Rept. stated, "Lesions too small to characterize but likely benign. Recomment 1 Yr. 3 phase renal CT scan to document stability". Staff addendum to Rept. stated, "1.2CM gastrohepatic ligament lymph node is nonspecific". Questions: What could this slightly enlarged lymph node likely represent? Other Info: I am 73 Yr. old male. I had PC in 2000 which was successfully treated with brachytherapy. Yearly PSAs have been 0.0 or less for 7 Yrs. 1st December 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Breast Cancer
I want an MRI examined and some non binding opinion as to the likely treatment the surgeon will suggest on Monday - I want t be abke to send the DOCIMM images and have someone look at then24th November 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
re lung cancer
I just asked for help for my father and forgot to mention that as well as intraparenchymal lesions of the lower lobes bilaterally,chronic cough, shortness of breath doing normal things he also shows on ct adenopathy of his submandibular nodes,tracheal nodes,subclavicular nodes as well as a right adrenal adenoma. He was diagnosed with malignant melanoma stage 2 in 2 lesions .6mm deep with no sentinal node biopsy.23rd November 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
re lung cancer
my father was diagnosed with bilateral intraparenchymal lesions in bothdistal lobes of his lungs.They range in size from 6mm to1cm in size.He has a productive chronic cough.is sob doing regular activities. He was diagnosed with malignant melanoma stage 2 he had wide exicision of both lesions twice in july2011 he has had no node biopsies.A doctor said his lungs are in operable but they have not even biopsied them please can you give me some suggestions23rd November 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Multiple Myeloma
My wife was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, non-secretory, significant skeletal lesions, April 2010. Treatment w/ Thalomid & Dexamethasone til Nov 2010. Underwent stem cell collection Dec 2010, Transplant Jan 2011. No maintenance chemo afterwards. At diagnosis, plasma cell was 63% via bone marrow biopsy. Also, chromosome deletions by FISH at 13q14 and TP 53 at 17p13.1. IGH rearrangement was seen. Kappa LC was 44.5, Lambda 5.38, ratio 8.27. Followup June 2011, plasma 5%, Light chains within normal range. As of Nov 8, 2011, Kappa is now increased to 25.1, Lambda 5.78, ratio 4.34. Bone marrow biopsy has been ordered. Any help on a prognosis will be greatly appreciated.12th November 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
small cell lung cancer
my uncle was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer a couple of weeks ago, I have searched for treatments that might help him, or prolong his life. I would like to find something that would take it away completely. My uncle has talked to his doctor about surgery, even maybe removing the lung, but the doctor says it will not work. he has had a brain scan done to see if its in his brain, no results yet. he started chemo last week, and stopped for two weeks and will continue again on the fifteenth. Is that agressive enough? Is there anything out there that we dont know about? any drugs? why cant they remove the lung? I need something positive, all that I have read leads only to an end. Anything that you can tell me will be very helpful, maybe experimental drugs? I just do not understand why he will not do surgery. I am desperate. Please help my uncle.thank you.2nd November 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Is there any test that an oncologist might perform with my case that may have been missed?
I have had the following symptoms since July 14. Burning/tingling in left leg, sometimes right leg, occassionally arm. Burning and tingling is from knee down and some muscle soarness, but no clinical weakness on exam. Lost 5 lbs during this time -- down to 150lbs from 155lbs. Have seen 3 neurologist. Have had MRI of C spine, Brain, lumbar -- normal. 3 EMGs on legs and arms -- normal. Had labs and urine done on August 5 -- listed as normal by physician. WBC and Platelets were a little low but my physician advised not abnormally low. Did bloodwork for protein testing serum -- testing for multiple myeloma i think which my dad died from -- normal(no abnormal bands detected). Had blood tests for CPK, Aldolase, ANA, Rheumatoid factor, ESR, RPR, myoglobin, zinc, copper, B12, SSA -- all normal. I continue to have the burning in my leg and have experienced a tremendous amount anxiety. i have also experienced muscle twitching over the past month which comes and goes. Is there any cancer testing that i need to do that hasn't been considered with my symptoms?20th October 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer 4 years ago (HER2 positive). I hada mastectomy, chemo and herceptin. I tried Femara, but blood pressure shot uptodangerous levels. 3 years later, my new oncologist wants me to take Aromasin. Is this necessary
I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer 4 years ago (HER2 positive). I had a mastectomy, chemo and herceptin. I tried Femara, but blood pressure shot up to dangerous levels. 3 years later, my new oncologist wants me to take Aromasin. Is this necessary so far out? Same side effects? Thank you16th October 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
sore moveable lump in my throat
I have been smoking incense for 5 years now. I think mostly damiana treated with something. I have a small moveable lump just to the upper right of my adams apple. It is sore and has been there about 3 months. Soreness comes and goes. I also drink about 2 or 3 beers a night. Was wondering if it might be cancer? Please help.15th October 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Dear DrI am currently receiving Taxotere x 4 dose dense for stage two grade two breastcancer. I have one more round to go. If my dr decides to skip the final rounddue to side effects, have I received enough therapeutic value from the threedoses I have alr
Hi I am currently receiving taxotere x 4 dose dense for stage 2 grade 2 breast cancer. If my dr decides to skip the 4 treatment due to side effect how much therapeutic value would I have received from the three doses I have been given. Thank you!!28th September 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
HCC with lung mets
I would like your opinion on a case in Japan where they combined chemotherapy, which appears to have been a success. They combined docetaxel, cisplatin (CDDP), and enteric-coated tegafur/uracil (UFT-E). Have found a few cases which were considered a success in eradicating the lung mets. Wonder if there is a reason why this hasn't been considered and whether I should raise this with the oncologist. Worried that he will just dismiss it without considering it. Anything worth a go in my opinion. The report I found is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19360925 23rd September 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Lump In Mons Pubis and Pain In Leg
I have found a large almost egg sized lump under the skin of my mons pubis. It is a little painful but not bad. I had a hysterectomy just over a year ago but still have ovaries and cervix. I have also had pain like burning sharp pain in my lower abdomin and pain in my right thigh and hip that is like a constant ache in the bone as well as in my hip and my lower back to where it is sometimes hard just to sit or stand. In June I was told I had a swollen spleen and my liver enzymes have been elevated. The pain in my leg and abdomine is almost always there. I have had fevers off and on as well and been to the hospital a few times where they say the pain is not specific enough. could this lump be linked to all the pain?21st September 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
stomach cancer
Hello, my mom just recently had an endoscope. We were told that her ulcer burst, this was the reason for her vomiting of coffee grind. The Dr. Explained that he did not like the way the ulcer looked and suspects malignancy. We followed up with a CT scan and all her other organs are clear. Her blood work also is stable. She keeps food down and can swallow. The CT scan impression reads as follows: thickening of the wall of the gastric body and antrum with adjacent enlarged lymph nodes in the gastrohepatic ligament is in keeping with primary malignancy with local lymph node involvement. We are still waiting on the biopsy. She also recently had HB Pylori and took the HPAC. We are all very worried and want to ensure she gets the best treatment to remove any cancer. What are her options? 18th September 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
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Symptoms are constipation,narrow ribbon-like stools,extremely foul- odored stool,yellowish color stool,slight blood found in the stool, move the bowels 10-12x in an hour and a half every other day and the final 3 movements have more blood than fecal matter,after every movement bowel still fills full,mucus like film on some bowel movements,heaviness in abdomen,weakness,fatigue,dry throat,slight back pain,loss of appetite. can this be anything but colon cancer?11th September 2011 Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »