richreilly

I've posted before but not for a while.
My Mom is 67 with "severe emphesema" but using meds and inhalers, no
oxygen.
She has a known 2x1.5cm mass of ER/PR positive cancer in upper breast
and some calcifications some distance away that will be biopsied. They
are concerned about general anaesthesia because of her lungs. They are
suggesting lympectomy unless the further biopsy is positive, then
mastectomy.
Doesn't seem like a node biopsy will be done and it is said it will be
treated with hormone therapy. Is this common? I thought nodes were
part of staging.
Her-2 results will not seem to change treatment either.

morning_dove1

Rich....
I can only tell you what I was told and what I've read here in a few
posts.
From what I know they are one of the important prognostic factors, along
with size and grade of the tumor once it's removed.
I'm sure others will come along and post some more information to you.
It's a weekend, so give it till tomorrow sometime and I'm sure you'll
get some reply's.
Take care there/God bless you and your family.
annie
p/s watch for a reply from Tim, he usually has good solid information
for the posters in here. @

Ultimately.....we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a
freedom.

"Courage"...is *fear* that has said it's prayers.

tim jackson

Herceptin is as far as I know still only in trial for use before stage
IV. Her lung condition probably excludes her from such trials.

I would suppose that the treatment options are limited by her
"co-morbidity" or existing problems. It is a general principle that one
does not order a test unless the result will affect the treatment. So
if the doctors feel that chemotherapy is not an option, then there is no
point in doing the node biopsy, with its attendant risk of lymphedema.

However, if in doubt, ask the surgeon.


Tim Jackson

eva

---------
Not necessarily, I am considered stage III but strongly HER2+ and I am
getting Herceptin, and I didn't have to sign anything about it being a
trial.
Eva

guess who

Is your Mom getting treatment at a facility connected to a Medical School? I
only mention that since often they have experience dealing with cases that
are challenging. They could do a sentinel biopsy which is not as invasive.
Also her cancer is ER + which often responds to hormonal therapy.

--

tim jackson

I think that would be an off-label prescription then. The sheet for
Herceptin still says metastatic disease, and as far as I know is is
still a couple of years off going for approval for adjuvant use in major
countries.


Tim

eva

--------
Hmmm. Maybe I should ask my doctor about this....or maybe I should just
leave well enough alone. I'm putting a lot of hope in the Herceptin to help
me survive.

Eva

richreilly

Yes, she is at an NCI comprehensive cancer center at a university

richreilly

Does Emphesema limit use of chemo? She has no known heart issues and
BP is surprisingly normal as of late. I suppose the recent
introduction of Flovent lowers her immune system.
I know the facility has an anaesthesia assessment dept. Should she be
evaluated? I really feel unable to get a feel for the severity of the
situation. Another oncologist mentions "surgery and sentinel node
biopsy" in his report. Is there a disagreement on her health status?
Rich