Breast Cancer

"Nuclear Grade" and "Stage" I had a simple mastectomy for ductal carcinoma in situ, comedo type, nuclear grade III. I would like information regarding "nuclear grade" and "stage". What is the relationship between these terms? What is nuclear grade, and how is it...
Abdominal Exercise after Mastectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 4.5 years ago, and had a mastectomy and TRAM flap reconstruction. Since that time, I have had to wear a support on my abdomen. I originally gained weight, but have lost some of...
Activity Limitations After Breast Reconstructive Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What activity limitations do I have after breast reconstructive surgery?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:While the...
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am in search of information concerning Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast, and for some type of protocol. My friend has this cancer. I am wondering if the anti-angiogenesis drugs, that are...
Are all women candidates for immediate breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery or treatment? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Are all women candidates for immediate breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery or treatment?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania...
Are there different types of free flap breast reconstructions? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Are there different types of free flap breast reconstructions?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:Yes, there are...
Arimidex Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What type of medication is Arimidex?" My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, had tissue removed from one breast, lymph node biopsy negative, irradiation of impacted breast for @7 weeks, followed by estimated...
Aromatase Inhibitor Joint Pain Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been on Femara for 6 months, and it causes pain in my joints and the main nerve in my left leg. I know the importance of aromatase drugs, but would I get as much benefit and possibly eliminate the pain if I...
Aromatase inhibitors after Tamoxifen Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a male breast cancer patient who has just completed five years of Tamoxifen. I am trying to decide if starting on an Aromatase Inhibitor would be a prudent dedision and have many conflicting opinions. Is...
Aromatase Inhibitors or Tamoxifen Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am post-menopausal and have been prescribed an aromatase inhibitor. Why am I receiving this when it seems like tamoxifen is the more common prescription? How can I deal with the hot flashes caused by this...
Assistance With Medication Co-Pays Question I am self-employed and have no prescription coverage. I have not been able to work much since my diagnosis of cancer therefore my income has really been greatly reduced. One of my prescribed medication costs $30 per pill. Is there any help...
Average response to Femara Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How long does the drug "Femara" last? What is the next drug of choice after that? I was on Tamoxifen for 18 months and I have been on Femara for 15 months with very good results. Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant...
Axillary Dissection Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," When one of the lymph nodes is positive out of four that have been removed, is a full axillary dissection always recommended? I have a positive node by sentinel lymph node biopsy, but no one has suggested that I need...
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer on my left side. The doctor wants to do an axillary lymph node dissection. Can you tell me what this entails?Nancy J. O'Connor, MSN, CRNP Oncology Nurse Practioner...
Balancing Life and Cancer Question I would like some advice on how to balance work, family, kids, etc. while facing breast cancer and treatment. Where can I go for help/support? Answer Jodi Sandos, MSW, LSW, Oncology Social Worker at Penn Medicine, responds: Often trying...
BI-RADS and Mammography Categories Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," The radiologist, after reading my mammogram, has classified me as a category 4. The nurse explained that there are 5 [categories], but I neglected to ask what being a category 4 means. Does it mean that it's...
Bilateral calcifications in the breasts Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife is a youthful 47. Nine years ago, a microcalcification showed up on a mammogram. The needle biopsy did not find a cancer. This past November, my wife had her annual mammogram at a new imaging...
Blood draw after mastectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Twenty years post radical mastectomy, can a patient have an IV or blood drawn from the side of the mastectomy? Lora Packel MS, PT, Coordinator of Cancer Therapy Services for the...
Blood pressures, IV's and fingersticks after mastectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," As a Certified Nursing Assistant I have always been ordered to not take blood pressures, no finger sticks, no blood draws on the arm of a patient that has had a mastectomy. I can understand not doing it for a certain...
Breast Biopsy Options Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What are the different ways to get a sample of my breast lump? Lawrence J. Solin, MD, FACR, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, responds:When an abnormality is found on screening...
Breast Cancer Detection after Silicone Implants Dear OncoLink, Are mammograms safe to perform on silicon implanted breasts? Is it possible that silicone blocks visibility of tumors? Are there other methods in detecting cancer in such situations? Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN,...
Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I had genetic testing performed and they found a change called N6OS in BRCA2. This was the first time this change had been detected. Although they said it occurred in the area of the gene thought...
Breast Cancer Recurrence in the Skin Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had breast cancer 12 years ago, treated with a lumpectomy and Adriamycin-based chemo plus radiation. The breast cancer has recurred as skin cancer with little lumps all over my body. It has been determined that it...
Breast Cancer Recurrences Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My oncologist once mentioned that roughly 75% of breast cancer recurrences are metastatic. If this is true, most patients who recur would eventually die after a recurrence. I can't find any substantiation for his...
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What are the current guidelines for breast cancer screening?Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)...
Breast feeding while receiving radiation to the pelvis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am getting ready to take external radiation therapy to my pelvic region. Can I still breast feed my 5 month old? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of...
Breast Implants and cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had breast implants for 15 years. Can breast implants cause cancer? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:The Institute of Medicine conducted a thorough report on the safety of...
Breast Irradiation and Respiratory Infections Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there a connection between radiation (Right breast, ductal carcinoma in situ) and later increase of upper respiratory infections (URI)? Neha Vapiwala , MD, Senior Editor of OncoLink and Chief Resident in the...
Breast Needle Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My mother underwent a needle biopsy on her breast today. Her doctor told her last week when he scheduled the biopsy that he was sure it was cancerous and started planning her surgery. Today he did the...
Breast Papilloma Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have a family history of breast cancer and am 38 years old. I had a workup for an abnormality found on mammogram and was seen by a surgeon. They have concluded that the area is a papilloma and recommend removal. Is...
Breast reconstruction after lumpectomy and radiation treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," It has been a year since I received 25 radiation treatments for Stage II Breast Cancer. Though I had a lumpectomy, I would like to reconstruct the breast to make it look more symmetrical. The plastic...
Breast reconstruction after lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a bi-lateral mastectomy July 2002, the left side was cancerous, right side done for prophylactic reasons. Lymph nodes were removed on the left side only. I recently developed lymphedema. I see a therapist 3...
Breast reconstruction after radiation therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy for my advanced breast cancer. I completed radiation 3 months ago and have healed fine. I would like to have reconstruction. My oncologist recommended...
Breast reconstruction after radiation therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy for my advanced breast cancer. I completed radiation 3 months ago and have healed fine. I would like to have reconstruction. My oncologist recommended...
Breast Tenderness Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am having pain in my breasts (both of them, but more on the left side) at the base - towards the ribcage side. Should I be concerned? The pain is not regular, but is uncomfortable when it does come and has occurred...
CA15-3 Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the significance of CA15-3 in the management of metastatic breast cancer? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the...
Calcification Findings on a Mammogram My wife had a mammogram this week and was told that "calcifications" were seen in the left breast. She has been advised to see a surgeon and schedule a biopsy. Would you please explain "calcifications" and discuss the...
Calcification Seen on Chest X-Ray Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," During a recent physical examination, my physician sent me for a chest x-ray, and the x-ray tech had me repeat the frontal chest x-ray. During the follow-up appointment, my doctor said that there was a spot on my...
Can I Change Radiation Facilities for a Week? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How difficult would it be to temporarily transfer radiation treatment for 1 week? Chemotherapy is completed & a full mastectomy was done. The radiation is the last step to treat any cells remaining in the breast...
Can trauma to the chest cause breast cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was in a serious car accident in January of 2004. I had massive trauma to my chest, so much that it collapsed my lung on the right side. Now I have lumps in both my breasts. On the right side the lump is about the...
Chemo for Breast Cancer: Every 2 weeks or 3? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 49-yr old woman who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Going for the whole wash, cut, and blow dry. My question is - reading about chemo, every two weeks works better than every three. One article says...
Chemotherapy Before or After Surgery Question Why did my friend get chemo before her surgery and I am supposed to get it afterwards? Answer Brian Czerniecki, MD, Breast , responds: We give chemotherapy prior to surgery to attempt to improve breast conservation surgery. You may or...
Chemotherapy Before Surgery for Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother has been diagnosed with stage 3-breast cancer. They are telling her that they want her to do chemotherapy before the surgery to remove her breast. Can you please explain to me why they would be doing...
Complications from a TRAM flap breast reconstruction I had tram-flap reconstruction. A reaction to Morphine caused me to vomit. I pulled out a stitch at beginning of my incision as well as internally. I am not in any excessive pain but must wear a binder to hold my stomach when I stand up. It's...
Conservative breast surgery with radiation vs. mastectomy for Paget's Disease Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What are the pros and cons of choosing Conservative breast surgery with radiation over a mastectomy when Paget's disease of the nipple is suspected and no underlying cancer is detected by mammogram? My concerns are...
Considering breast implants with a family history of breast cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife is 25 years old and considering breast implants. However, she has a family history of breast cancer (mother, grandmother, and great grandmother) Would the implants decrease or increase her chance of getting...
Considering genetic testing for colon and breast cancers Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 48 yr.old white female who was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the colon contained within a polyp. I have a strong family history. My father died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 79. My mother was...
Coping With Chronic Illness Question My Doctor mentioned that I should view my cancer (breast) as more of a chronic illness because there is no cure, however there are treatments and medicines that can help. What tips do you have for living with this uncertainty? Answer Jodi...
DCIS diagnosis and treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother is 71 years old, and has a ductal carcinoma in situ. The doctors scheduled her for a sentinel node biopsy, and informed us that regardless of the outcome, she would have to have radiation therapy,...
DCIS Hormone Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Has any new information come out at recent conferences about the addition of aromatase inhibitors after 2.5 yrs. of Tamoxifen for estrogen-positive DCIS, after a lumpectomy with clear margins? A consultation indicated...
DCIS: To radiate or not to radiate? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had the removal of a 1/2 centimeter, stage 0, DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) from my left breast. The second biopsy was clear of cancer in the surrounding area. Is radiation necessary, or can I take a chemo...
Detecting Recurrence in Blood Work Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2005 at the age of 43. It was Stage I breast cancer, had 4 rounds of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and am now on tamoxifen. I recently went in to have routine blood...
Detection of local recurrence after mastectomy and breast reconstruction using a tissue flap Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Does breast reconstruction using the flap procedure interfere with early detection of breast cancer when having a mammogram, ultrasound or MRI. I have had a mastectomy and radiation after stage 3 and finished a year...
Diet after treatment for ductal carcinoma of the breast Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with Stage I Invasive Ductal Carcinoma 2 years ago at age 44. Chemotherapy of Adriamycin and Cytoxin followed my mastectomy. I am currently taking Tamoxifen (my cancer was estrogen positive and...
Differences between core biopsy of the breast and a stereotactic needle placement Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the difference between a core biopsy of the breast and a stereotactic needle placement? Lawrence J. Solin, M D, F ACR, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of...
Different approaches to radiation treatment of the breast Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother was recently diagnosed and her first treatment will likely be radiotherapy. Is 3D conformal radiation overall better than conventional external beam radiation for breast cancer? Is 3D conformal radiation...
Do I need to have any special supplies at home for my recovery after breast reconstructive surgery? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Do I need to have any special supplies at home for my recovery after breast reconstructive surgery?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania...
Do I need to have breast reconstruction after my surgery for breast cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Do I need to have breast reconstruction after my surgery for breast cancer?>Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:It is...
Do my breast implants last forever? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Do my breast implants last forever?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:Implants are not lifetime devices, and both...
Does hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of breast cancer I have a very simple question. Does hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of breast cancer? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds: Hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) has been an issue for women's...
Drinking Alcohol on Treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Are there any specific negative effects of drinking alcohol while taking tamoxifen after chemotherapy and radiation therapy? Is it OK to have small amounts of wine or alcohol? Nancy Zieber, RN, MSN, CRNP,...
Drive Through Mastectomy I've heard that insurance companies are trying to rush inpatient care. Is that going to happen to me? Maggie Hampshire, RN, BSN, OCN of the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds: Over the...
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) of the Breast I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer - labeled DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ). I understand this means that the cancer is still in the milk ducts and hasn't spread to other parts of my body. I have no family history of breast...
Ductal carcinoma in-situ grade 3 vs. grade 1 treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," If a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ is made what is the significance of the grade. How is grade 3 treated differently from grade 1? Lawrence J. Solin, MD, FACR, Professor of...
Ductal Carcinoma In-situ of the Breast Dear OncoLink, My mother has a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in-situ and has been given an option for a mastectomy or lumpectomy followed by XRT. She is leaning towards mastectomy, but is still unsure. Can you help us weigh the...
E-String Use After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a lumpectomy on Sept 7th and have ended 16 radiation treatments. Prior to my diagnosis, I had been taking Premarin 0.3 mg for approx 18 years. I stopped cold turkey when diagnosed. I have been having problems...
Effects of Idoxifene Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Recently my sister who has breast cancer at an advanced stage, was invited to participate in a clinical trial: Title : A multicenter, ramdomized, double blind study of idoxifene 40mg/day versus...
Efficacy of Tamoxifen for Metastatic Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," How can you tell if the anti-cancer drug you are taking is working? For, example, I am taking Tamoxifen for metastatic breast cancer. How will I know if it is effective? Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN,...
ER Positivity Percentages Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How do you determine if an ER or PR receptor is positive or negative when the results are reported as a percentage? I have seen 15% considered negative in some of the research, but positive in others. Is there...
Estrogen receptor negative breast cancers Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Does breast cancer run along some continuum from estrogen-receptor positive to estrogen-receptor negative tumors? Are ER+ tumors a different disease than ER- tumors? I have been diagnosed with an ER- breast...
Evista as adjuvant therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can Evista (Raloxifene) be used as a substitute if someone cannot tolerate Tamoxifen for treatment after breast cancer?Angela DeMichele, M.D., MSCE, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University...
Exercise after a tram flap Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I'm interested in knowing how tram flap breast cancer survivors handle exercise and muscle toning. I am a 5-year survivor with a tram flap and have gained 100+ lbs. and am now getting back in to the exercise mode and...
Exercise After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Although my wife and I have been told that squash and tennis (which my wife played before her mastectomy) is not recommended, I am curious to know why? Whereas weight training seems to be getting a cautious 'green...
Family History of Breast Cancer I have a strong family history of breast cancer in my family. My maternal grandmother had it, as did all three of her daughters, one of which is my mother. One of her daughters died from it, the other two, including my mother are still...
Fertility after breast cancer treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with hormone negative, stage II breast cancer at age 29. I was treated with CEF ( cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and fluorouracil) chemotherapy and then radiation. I am now 32 and was considering getting...
Fibrocystic Breast Disease and Mammogram My doctor last week diagnosed me with fibrocystic breast disease and ordered a mammogram. My mother also has this condition, and our family has no history of breast cancer. I am only 30 and do not think a mammogram necessary. What would be...
Fibrocystic Condition of the Breast I am a 20 year old female who has had bilateral breast "cysts" since I was 11 years old. I went to the doctor for this condition 2-3 years ago and again this past August. My doctor claimed I had some type of fibrocystic disease. They have...
Follow Up After Bilateral Mastectomy Question What is the current advice on post bilateral mastectomy follow up, short term and long term (mammograms, manual palpation, mri's etc.? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: After a woman has undergone a...
Follow up mammography Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am 36 years old, when I went for my yearly check up, they sent me to have a mammogram since I now have a family history. The results came back saying I have a 4 mm...
Frequency of Mammograms After Breast Cancer Hi, I am 39 and had breast cancer two years ago. Cancer is high on both sides of my family. I found a lump in my other breast nine months ago. Mammogram was done at that time and showed no cancer. How often do I need to have a mammogram? ...
Genetic Nature of Anaplastic Breast Cancer What is the correlation between the type of breast cancer the mother had and the type of cancer the daughter will get? In other words, am I at risk for the same exact type of cancer my mother had? Jill E. Stopfer, MS...
Gummy Bear Implants Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Please explain the differences in scars and results if one chooses mastectomy with immediate implants or has tissue expanders with permanent implants placed 4-6 months later. I do not hear favorable comments about...
Hair loss in rare patients on tamoxifen Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Please advise whether the use of tamoxifen causes hair loss. I have used tamoxifen for 7 months and I noticed that I am losing quite a bit of hair in front. Should I continue to use tamoxifen? Thank you for...
Herceptin I am hearing alot about Herceptin lately. What is it and what does it do? Angela DeMichele, M.D., MSCE, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania and Senior Scholar in the Center for Clinical...
Herceptin after CAF Treatment I would like to know whether giving Herceptin after CAF treatment is done as a prevention or does it stand alone? Thanks D Bradley Somer, MD, OncoLink Editorial Assistant, responds: Dear D, Herceptin...
Herceptin for Pre-Menopausal Women Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I would like to know the reason that Herceptin is not appropriate for breast cancer in premenopausal women? Kevin Fox, MD Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of...
Herceptin Weekly or Every Three Weeks Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, and am now receiving Taxotere, Cytoxan, and Herceptin every 3 weeks. Is there any benefit to doing Herceptin weekly? I've been given the option of weekly or every 3 weeks...
Herceptin: How Do I Know it's Working for Me? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How do you know if Herceptin is working? I have stage III, HER2+, ER/PR- breast cancer. I had neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 4 cycles of Adriamycin/Cytoxan and 4 of Taxotere, then bilateral mastectomy. I've been...
Hormone Receptors Explained Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was told that my cancer is hormone receptor positive. Please explain what that means. Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson...
Hospitalization Period After Breast Reconstruction Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Tell me about the hospitalization period after breast reconstruction surgery.Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:After...
Hot Flashes on Tamoxifen Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) and osteoporosis 3 yrs ago. I am taking Tamoxifen as a breast cancer preventative and am experiencing frequent hot flashes. I would like to know if there are any...
How Family History Effects the Probability of BRCA1 or BRCA2 Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am wondering what the probability is of finding the gene alterations BRCA1 or BRCA2 in a family where: only one person in the family is affected by breast cancer or ovarian cancer; two persons in...
How Long is Radiation Treatment? Question How long does it take to get a radiation treatment? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: A daily radiation treatment will usually take about 5-10 minutes. There is more time needed to set up a patient into...
How long will I need to be out of work after breast reconstructive surgery? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How long will I need to be out of work after breast reconstructive surgery?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:For...
HRT for Breast Cancer Survivors Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the current information regarding estrogen replacement therapy for former breast cancer patients? I am now in menopause and am affected [by it] both physically and emotionally. I was treated 12 years ago with...
I am interested in breast implant reconstruction after my breast cancer surgery. What is involved? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am interested in breast implant reconstruction after my breast cancer surgery. What is involved?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania...
I do not want any muscle taken from my abdominal wall during my breast flap reconstruction surgery. Can my doctor guarantee this prior to surgery? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I do not want any muscle taken from my abdominal wall during my breast flap reconstruction surgery. Can my doctor guarantee this prior to surgery?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of...
I keep hearing about TRAM flap breast reconstruction. What is this all about? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I keep hearing about TRAM flap breast reconstruction. What is this all about?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:The...
I may need chemotherapy for my breast cancer. Can I still have breast implants? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I may need chemotherapy for my breast cancer. Can I still have breast implants?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital,...
I may need radiation to my breast area. Can I still have implants? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I may need radiation to my breast area. Can I still have implants?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:Radiation and the...
Inflammatory breast cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you please give me some information on inflammatory breast cancer? I recently had a relative diagnosed with this condition and I am not sure if it is different from regular breast cancer . Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN,...
Interpreting Mammography Reports Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I recently had a mammogram and when I was mailed the findings it said "non-malignant findings" and that I should have another mammogram in a year to see if anything develops. Should I ask for the actual report so I...
Interpreting radiologic findings Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a Stage 4 breast cancer survivor. I have been through chemotherapy. I also had a stem cell transplant. The cancer cells that were in my lungs and the tumor on my liver are not present. There have...
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Versus Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am trying to research the differences between invasive ductal carcinoma and DCIS (ductal carcinoma in-situ) to determine which form of breast cancer from which our client is suffering. I know that she has...
Is implant removal necessary for breast cancer surgery? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast. I have already had a lumpectomy and now have to go for a wedge excision and lymph node axillary dissection. I have had saline breast...
Is Massage Safe for Breast Cancer Patients? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have breast cancer and I would like to know if I could have reflexology and or massages done. I have been told not to do massages and I was wondering if that is true? Can you please tell me if this is true?...
Is the risk of breast cancer increased due to ovarian cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife is an ovarian survivor. She finished chemo three years ago and we have been told she should live a long life. She is now Undergoing tests for Breast cancer. Is the risk of breast cancer increased due to...
Itching a Sign of Breast Cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have read that itching of the breast may be a symptom of breast cancer. Is this a myth or is it true? Angela DeMichele, M.D., MSCE, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of...
Joint pain and Taxol reaction Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have recently finished treatment for male breast cancer, including a mastectomy with removal of some lymph nodes and 6 months of chemo with A/C and Taxol. Now, 2 months after very difficult treatment I am...
Large Breasts and Breast Cancer Hello, My girlfriend believes that she has heard that there is an increased risk of breast cancer among women with larger than average breasts. She is also under the impression that having her breasts reduced would lower that risk. ...
Laterality of Breast Cancer Incidence Dear OncoLink, I know that it is much more common for breast cancer to begin, or only take place, in the left breast. My question for you is do we know why this is and if not, are any studies being done to show us why this seems to be...
Likelihood of Benign Disease Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," A 33-year-old friend of mine has found a lump in her breast. What proportion of breast masses turn out to be benign? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of...
Lobular Carcinoma in situ of the Breast Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have been diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). I can find no information on this and I am very confused. Can you give me any information? Your help would be greatly appreciated. ...
Long-term effects of Taxol Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Where can find out information on the long-term effects of Taxol? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the...
Long-Term Herceptin Usage Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My sister has stage IV breast cancer and is being treated with Herceptin and Tamoxifen. Assuming the treatment continues to work effectively, is taking Herceptin long after the chemotherapy treatment is over...
Lump Not Detected on Mammogram Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed 2 years ago with breast cancer. I had yearly mammograms and lived a healthy life. Eight months after my last mammogram, I found a lump. Following lumpectomy, the path report indicated a 6.3 cm tumor,...
Lumpectomy Versus Mastectomy Question I have been given the choice of lumpectomy and radiation vs. Mastectomy. Can you please give some advice to help me make my decision? Is one treatment better than the other? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn ,...
Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy My mother who is 61 years old has a T1 (bordering on T2) breast cancer diagnosis which qualifies to be treated with a lumpectomy and radiation. What are the reasons for selecting a lumpectomy over a mastectomy? Carolyn Vachani,...
Lymphedema and air travel Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Two years ago I had a masectomy and a sentinal node biopsy which removed 7 lymph nodes. I am planning a trip in a few months and will be on a plane for 20 hours. Does this trip increase my chances of lyphedema? Are...
Male breast cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 69 year old male who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. My doctor has never seen this before in a man. How is this treated compared to a woman with breast cancer? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN,...
Mammogram After Breast Cancer Treatment? Question Do I still need to get a mammogram after breast cancer treatment? If so, how often? Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: If you have had breast conservation surgery for your breast cancer, then mammograms once...
Mammogram after Mastectomy? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a nipple-sparing mastectomy last year. Do I need to have mammograms because of the nipple sparing? I have seen reference to this in clinical practice guidelines, but I think they mean if you only had one breast...
Mammogram Guidelines for Women with Prior Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I received mantle radiation for Hodgkin's disease at the age of 26. I have been advised that radiation to the chest leads to an increased risk of breast cancer in patients treated under the age of 30....
Mammographic Needle Localization Biopsies Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," In my last mammogram they found 9 microcalcifications in a cluster in my left breast, which was an increase over past mammograms. It was suggested to my husband and me that I have a biopsy procedure done....
Mammography screening guidelines Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Do you have suggested references for mammography screening guidelines? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds: The American Cancer Society provides guidelines...
Metastatic Breast Cancer to the Liver Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer to her liver last year. Her oncologist tracks her alkaline phosphatase level monthly, recently the numbers are climbing up, but her AST/ALT are stable. What could...
Mortality rates from breast cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I understand that the mortality from breast cancer has dropped. I would be grateful if you could tell me the reasons for this and what is the most significant factor, which has caused this drop? ...
Neutropenic Fever Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer two months ago. She had surgery and has been going for chemo treatments. She was taken to the hospital today for fever and chills. They admitted her and are keeping...
Nipple Reconstruction Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a simple mastectomy 5 years ago. I had a tram flap and later a skate flap nipple-areola reconstruction. I have been satisfied with the outcome with the exception of the nipple projection, which has failed. I...
Nodal Status in the Treatment of Ductal Carcinoma in situ Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have a question regarding invasive ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS). I was first diagnosed with what my physicians assumed was DCIS, after my mammogram showed numerous calcifications. I had a...
Non-Estrogen Options for Vaginal Dryness Question I am interested in something other than low dose estrogen to help with vaginal dryness and spotting. Is there something 'natural' - no estrogen, no phytoestrogen, no xenoestsrogen for ER 100% positive patients? Answer Kevin Fox, MD,...
Non-Hormonal Treatments for Hot Flashes Question Can you recommend non-hormonal treatments for hot flashes/symptoms of menopause? Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: The non-hormonal treatments, which have been shown conclusively to help with hot flashes,...
Nottingham Score and Recurrence Question My breast cancer came back just few months after lumpectomy. My pathology report says nottingham grade 3 of 3. What does this mean? Answer Brian Czerniecki, MD, Breast , responds: This means it is high grade. The significance of...
Nottingham Score for Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I do not understand my Nottingham score of 9, or the histologic grade of III/III. Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of...
Obesity and Breast Cancer I learned from your site and others that there are many risk factors for breast cancer. My question is whether larger waist size is a risk factor for breast cancer. Thanks! Li Liu, MD, OncoLink editorial assistant,...
Onycholysis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I went thru 8 rounds of Taxotere & Xeloda for breast cancer, and finished the last treatment almost 90 days ago. I have the discolorations in my finger & toe nails, and my finger nails are somewhat loose. I...
Oophorectomy to Lower Breast Cancer Risk Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am at high risk for developing breast cancer and am contemplating having my ovaries removed. How much would I be decreasing my risk if having this procedure done? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical...
Open Biopsy After a Negative Fine Needle Aspiration Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Please comment on when you should have an open biopsy after a negative fine needle aspiration (FNA). In 2001 I had a FNA, which was negative, and several months later the lump turned out to be breast cancer after an...
Optimal screening for a 23 year old with a family breast cancer history Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the optimal screening for a 23 year old with a mother that was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 years old? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of...
Optimal treatment of breast cancer in an elderly patient Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma at the age of 85. A lumpectomy was performed and lymph nodes were clear. Radiation therapy has been recommended. We are trying to weigh the pros and cons to help her...
Paget's Disease of the Breast I have been having itching, burning, and redness on my left breast. The pain wakes my up at night. I did not feel any lumps in either breast. I was reading a magazine about breast cancer, and came across Paget's disease. I just had a mammogram,...
Paget's Disease of the Breast and Bone Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Is there such a disease as Paget's Disease of the nipple? I?m asking only because there is a strange e-mail being circulated about it and I?ve never heard of it, though our family has a history of...
Partial Breast Irradiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you please tell explain Partial Breast Irradiation? Lawrence J. Solin, MD, FACR, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, responds: For patients with early stage breast carcinoma...
Partial Breast Irradiation in Second Cancers Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," A friend has recently been diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer, HER-2/neu positive, ER/PR positive. She had invasive ductal cancer 10 years ago with a full course of radiation. She is considering lumpectomy...
Partial Breast Irradiation Versus Traditional Radiation Question Why do I have to come for radiation every day for weeks? I have heard about some radiation for breast cancer that is done in only 5 days- what is that and is it just as good? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn ,...
Peripheral Neuropathy while on Taxol Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was given Taxol as part of my chemotherapy treatment. My feet hurt so bad that I cannot walk. Is this normal?Julia Draznin Maltzman, MD, Attending Physician at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine,...
Phantom Breast Syndrome I had a mastectomy 6 months ago. For some reason, I continue to feel pins and needles as if the breast had never been removed. Is this normal? What can I do with it? Thank you. Li Liu, MD, OncoLink editorial...
Physical limitations after breast reconstruction Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I teach fitness classes and am trying to find information on exercising after breast reconstruction due to cancer. Lora Packel MS, PT, Coordinator of Cancer Therapy Services for the Hospital of the University of...
Pleural Effusion after Diagnosis of Breast Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei My wife has a history of breast cancer with left mastectomy in 1996 and diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei in 1997. She now has right pleural effusion. Have you ever heard of the pseudomyxoma peritonei becoming more aggressive and growing...
Positive Sentinel Node Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had sentinel node biopsy and had 1 of 4 positive nodes. From what I have read, dissecting more nodes does nothing to decrease mortality, can cause lymphedema, and would be an additional surgery. I understand doctors...
Possible Herceptin Reaction Question I am undergoing a year’s worth of Herceptin infusions. My question has to do with a possible side-effect, though none of my doctors seem to be able to help. When I get hot (typically outside in the heat), I get a stinging and prickly...
Precautions After Sentinel Node Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What restrictions should be followed after sentinel node biopsy? Do the same rules of lymph node dissection apply (no blood pressures, IVs, or blood draws in the arm)?Nancy J. O'Connor, MSN, CRNP, Oncology Nurse...
Pregnancy & High Risk for Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother died of breast cancer and secondary bone cancer in 1971, approximately a year after giving birth to my brother. She was 42. Her cancer was diagnosed 3 months after his birth. I am 40 and have 8-year-old twin...
Pregnancy and breast cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How is breast cancer managed in a patient who just found out she is pregnant? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:Approximately 1 to 3 patients out of 10,000 deliveries will be diagnosed...
Pregnancy and Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," If you are pregnant and discover that you have breast cancer are there treatments options available?Angela DeMichele, M.D., MSCE, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania and...
Pregnancy and Breast Cancer Question Does pregnancy make you more likely to develop breast cancer? I have been hearing more and more about women who find out they have breast cancer when they are pregnant. Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: ...
Previous Breast Cancer and Secondhand Smoke I am a breast cancer survivor. I never smoked. But my husband smokes and often does it at home. Being a second hand smoker, am I at higher risk of dying from this? Thanks! Li Liu, MD, OncoLink editorial assistant,...
Previously Irradiated Skin Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Thirty years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with cobalt-based radiation therapy and chemotherapy. A year ago, I was diagnosed with DCIS and had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction....
Prophylactic compression garments following lymph node dissection during air travel Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a mastectomy and lymph nodes removed in August 2001 because I had Paget's Disease. I am planning a trip and a friend told me I need to wear some sort of a arm bandage on my arm to prevent swelling...
Prophylactic Mastectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I do not as yet, have breast cancer, however, I have so many signs and symptoms I am looking for information to help me decide if I should have a mastectomy before cancer develops. Please Help!!! I...
Radiation after breast implant Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My 52-year-old mother, who has silicone breast implants, has had a tumor removed from her breast (size 1cm). According to her surgeon, the tumor was a solid mass with "irregular" margins and the breast cancer cells...
Radiation after Mastectomy with Reconstruction Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a left-sided mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and tissue expander. I had DCIS with invasion and had a sentinel lymph node biopsy, which came back with 2 positive nodes out of 11. I'm undergoing chemo...
Radiation and Tamoxifen for DCIS Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," In August, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. I had a lumpectomy and am currently going through 38 days of radiation. Will the radiation make less the chances of it recurring? And would...
Radiation for recurrent breast cancer after prior radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My sister-in-law had breast cancer two years ago. It now has returned. She told me that she could never receive radiation again because she had it already. Is this true? Thank-you. ...
Radiation Recall Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I would like to know any information regarding radiation recall. This was not mentioned to me when I underwent radiation therapy for breast cancer in 2001. Lawrence J. Solin, MD,...
Radiation Tattoo Removal Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have just completed radiation therapy, following successful neo-adjuvant chemo and a lumpectomy (1.5 cm). Can I have my radiation tattoos removed with a laser, or do I need to keep them?Maggie Hampshire, BSN, OCN,...
Radiation Therapy for Micrometastasis in Lymph Nodes Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with an invasive ductal breast cancer. I underwent a right mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy (which was negative at the time of surgery). My permanent biopsy report showed that out of 8 lymph...
Radiation Therapy for Micrometastasis in Lymph Nodes Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with an invasive ductal breast cancer. I underwent a right mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy (which was negative at the time of surgery). My permanent biopsy report showed that out of 8 lymph nodes,...
Radiation timing Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer and I have read where radiation treatment should commence within 3 to 4 weeks after a lumpectomy is performed. How critical is the 3 to 4 week window? If it is...
Radiation Timing after Chemotherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife has completed breast cancer treatment, specifically surgery and chemotherapy. My question is, after chemotherapy, how soon should radiation therapy start? We got an appointment with the radiation oncologist,...
Radiation to the chest after previous radiation for breast cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother had radiation for breast cancer two years ago. She now has been diagnosed with lung cancer. She will have the spot removed, but one doctor said she needs radiation and the other said she could not have it...
Rash on the breast after cancer treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had breast cancer 6 yrs ago. I had radiation at that time. Now I have a very sore rash in the same area. I have a high fever and flu like symptoms and fatigue. I take antibiotics but it comes back in 2...
Reconstruction Years after Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is it too late to get breast reconstruction after a 1986 lumpectomy with radiation? I have neck pain [that] I think is from scarring from the cancer treatment. I have had the acute pain for over a year and want some...
Recurrent Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am looking for treatment options for women who have had breast cancer, had a mastectomy, radiation, and chemo, only to find two years later that a cancerous tumor has appeared in the other breast. My aunt is the...
Recurrent breast cancer on the chest wall Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you give me any information about breast cancer that has spread to the skin? I have recently been diagnosed with this recurrent disease after undergoing chemo and radiation plus mastectomy. James M. Metz,...
Reoccurrence in BRCA1 Patients after Lumpectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife was just confirmed to have the BRCA1 Gene. She is 2 weeks post lumpectomy. We start chemotherapy on Tuesday, Sept 10th for 8 weeks. She is 44 years old. The oncologist recommends that she have her ovaries...
Risk of Breast Cancer With Family History Question How much more likely is a person with a family history of breast cancer to get it than the rest of the population? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: In general, a woman in the United States has an...
Risk of Heart & Lung Damage with Breast Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the risk of damage to your heart or lung from radiation treatment for left breast DCIS? Terry Styles, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, responds: After many...
Risk of pregnancy after a diagnosis of breast cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is it really a risk to become pregnant when diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, which has been stable for 2 years? Is the breast cancer likely to "flare up" due to the increase in estrogen? ...
Risk with Negative Genetic Testing Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My sister was diagnosed with DCIS and had mastectomy. My Mom was just diagnosed as well. My sister tested negative in the genetic testing to see if she carried the gene that would affect her daughters. Does that mean...
Safety of evening primrose oil for breast cancer patients Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had stage I breast cancer last year. I am presently on tamoxifen, and of course I began hot flashes and night sweats. I am premenopausal. My surgeon recommended I take evening primrose oil for the hot...
Safety of Pregnancy After Breast Cancer Question How long after breast cancer treatment is it safe to become pregnant? Will the hormones of pregnancy increase the risk of my cancer coming back? Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: First, the hormonal situation...
Saline Implants and Breast Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had silicone implants for 33 years. I was told that there is a lump that will have to be removed. Are there risks of my implants being punctured during this procedure?Don LaRossa, MD, Professor of Surgery at...
Screening for Metastases in Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Having presented with back, shoulder and ear pain, together with loss of balance, I was referred for x-rays and scans, and metastases from the same "non-aggressive" breast cancer I suffered [with] ten years...
Screening Mammography and Radiation Exposure Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 44 years old. As a result of this, I have been having routine mammograms annually since age 30 (I am currently 37). Am I doing more harm than good by doing this in terms...
Screening Under Age 40 Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What can you tell me about testing for breast cancer under the age of 40? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds:Many women are now getting baseline mammograms at age 35, then another at 40...
Secondary Leukemia after breast cancer treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My Mom has been recently diagnosed w/ AML and I was wondering if there was any information on "therapy related AML". Her bone marrow biopsy showed that her leukemia was caused by chemotherapy she had in 2/95...
Secondary radiation exposure Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother in law got a cancerous lump taken out of her left breast a few months ago, as well as the lymph nodes under her left arm. She is currently receiving chemotherapy (3 weeks cycles) and will be doing...
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mom is having a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Can you tell me what she should expect from this test?Nancy J. O'Connor, MSN, CRNP Oncology Nurse Practioner for Breast Surgery at the Rowan Breast Center of the Abramson...
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for DCIS Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS) in my left breast. My surgeon has recommended a total mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (slnb). I am concerned that the procedure is...
Sentinel Node Biopsy False Negative Rate Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer after having an excisional biopsy performed. We are now facing additional surgery to determine whether the lymph nodes are involved. One option proposed by the...
Sentinel Node Biopsy: Who is a Candidate? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), which the pathology report called grade II/III. Am I a candidate for sentinel node biopsy? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate...
Sentinel Node Labeling What is sentinel node labeling? Can it be done AFTER an excisional biopsy of an invasive intra-ductal solid breast tumor or must this be done before the surgery? Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator responds: ...
Sentinel Node procedure for DCIS Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 45 years old, I have DCIS. I am scheduled for a lumpectomy. I have two different opinions on the sentinel node procedure. I am very afraid of the side effects. Is there any benefit to this? ...
Signs of breast cancer recurrence Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in May 2001. I had a radical mastectomy. My surgeons tell me I am free of cancer. I would like to know what I should be looking for in case of reccurrence. I...
Skin Sparing Mastectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is your opinion of skin sparing mastectomy? Is there any sensation left?Don LaRossa, MD, Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, responds:Skin sparing mastectomy is excellent for...
Skipping the last chemotherapy cycle Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have breast cancer and am receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. I have been through 5 cycles and feel that I simply cannot take the last one. I am following up with radiation. There is no data on 5 vs.6 cycles. Anything...
Smoking After Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you please provide more information on the subject of smoking while receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment for breast cancer? What is the effect of continued smoking while receiving treatment, due to...
Soy Foods After Breast Cancer Question I do not eat soybeans, tofu, tempeh, flax seeds. I do not consume any soy supplements. I am looking for a complete list of those foods that are no-no's for ER 100% patients re: estrogens, phytoestrogens, xenoestrogens. I have a list from...
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Please send information on squamous cell carcinoma of the breast. Anything you could tell us would help. BC John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD, Editorial Assistants for...
Starting Aromatize Inhibitors Years after Diagnosis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have Stage I breast cancer and was treated with lumpectomy and radiation. I tried tamoxifen for about 9 months and then stopped because I was worried about stroke and didn't like the side effects. I was diagnosed in...
Stiffness in Area of Radiation Treatment Question I feel stiffness in the area where I had radiation. What can I do about this? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: Stiffness in the area of radiation is relatively common, depending on the site treated, the...
Stop Hormone Therapy After 5 Years? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," After five years of Arimidex, I have now been told by my oncologist to stop taking it. Wouldn't it be better to take it just in case it might do some good? There are many problems I would prefer to a breast cancer...
Sun exposure after radiation treatment to the breast Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have just finished my radiotherapy to my breast and would like to know if I can be exposed to the sun. I'm asking because I live in South America and now it's summer down here. I used to go to the beach...
Surgical Clips Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," In May 2000, I had a lumpectomy done. I had a clip left in my breast to mark the location of the procedure. Is it possible to be allergic to this clip? I am very aware of this breast and have the sensation...
Surgical Drains After Breast Reconstructive Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Tell me about the surgical drains after breast reconstructive surgery. Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:Jackson...
Swelling Under my Right Arm Pit Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My recent mammogram revealed a stable nodule in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast, likely an intramammary lymph node. For many years, I have had a swelling under my right arm pit which doctors tell me is...
Swimming and Exercise While on Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am about to start radiation therapy for breast cancer. Can I swim during this time? I have heard conflicting reports about exercise during therapy. Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and...
Talking to Your Employer About Cancer Diagnosis Question Can you help me in how to talk to my employer about my diagnosis? Answer Jodi Sandos, MSW, LSW, Oncology Social Worker at Penn Medicine, responds: It a good idea to know your options for employment whether or not you choose to work...
Tamoxifen & Radiation at The Same Time? Question I will be getting radiation and also tamoxifen treatment following a lumpectomy T2N0. Is there a downside to concurrent treatment? Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: There have been several studies that have...
Tamoxifen after Mastectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a mastectomy at age 36. The pathology report indicated the presence of both DCIS and LCIS. No lymph node involvement was seen and the estrogen receptor status was negative, so I had no further treatment. ...
Tamoxifen after total hysterectomy and ovary removal Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," One year ago, I was diagnosed with DCIS. The tumor was excised successfully with free margins but the words "microinvasive" were used. To be on the safe side, my surgeon performed an axillary node...
Tamoxifen and Radiation Therapy for Early Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a lumpectomy for a Grade 1 breast cancer of 12mm with lymph node clearance. I am now taking Tamoxifen and my surgeon and radiation oncologist are advising follow up radiotherapy, due to start within...
Tamoxifen and vaginal estrogen use Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Over the counter lubricants do not alleviate the atrophic vaginitis that I am experiencing with tamoxifen use. Will using estradiol(25mcg) twice weekly inserted vaginally nullify the efficacy of tamoxifen? ...
Tamoxifen and weight gain Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," How does one reconcile the clinical studies results that Tamoxifen does not cause weight gain with the anecdotal evidence of women who have taken or are on Tamoxifen and report weight gains of 20 to 30 to 50 pounds?...
Tamoxifen for DCIS Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I recently was diagnosed with high nuclear grade, multifocal, comedo-necrosis type DCIS. I underwent a modified radical mastectomy. No invasive cancer was found, & all 13 nodes excised were negative. ...
Tamoxifen for Male Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Having had a mastectomy in July 2005, I was prescribed Tamoxifen. I am having difficulty in finding any information on the side effects [of this drug] in men. I appreciate that we are a small number [of all breast...
Tamoxifen for weakly positive Estrogen and Progesterone breast cancers Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 31-year old ER negative and "weakly" PR positive breast cancer patient. I have had a mastectomy with no lymph node involvement and chemotherapy and now deciding whether to go on Tamoxifen. Does your...
Tamoxifen Therapy for Estrogen Receptor Negative Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am a medical student with a parent who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I understand that tamoxifen is used for breast cancers and is highly effective in preventing recurrence. However,...
Tamoxifen Withdrawal My mother is a 5 year breast cancer survivor. Her oncologist recently took her off Tamoxifen after her 5 year anniversary. She gradually weaned herself off the drug. And approximately two months after she was completely off the medication, she...
Tamoxifen-induced Cancer? My sister has breast cancer. She has been on a drug called tamoxifen for about 2 years. She recently started bleeding as if having a period. She had a D&C and biopsy and the results showed she now has a tumor with some cancer cells in the...
Taxol Reaction Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I treated a 36-year-old Japanese woman with Taxol last week. She has the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency and, despite an extra dose of IV Benedryl, got very ill with the nausea, vomiting, flushing, and...
Ten Year Survival With Aromatase Inhibitor Use Question What are the statistics of 10-year survival of Arimidex based on? Low risk breast cancer patients having lumpectomies? Single mastectomies? Bilateral mastectomies? Locations of tumors? etc. What were the circumstances in the studies and are...
Testing for BRCA1 Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am a 48-yr. old female who had breast cancer at age 29. I come from a family of high risk. My mother had breast cancer AND my 3 sisters. We were all pre-menopausal. My twin sister died of the disease....
The use of tamoxifen in patients with DCIS Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I underwent a lumpectomy recently (age 52). The pathology report said I had DCIS as well as LCIS. There's no testing to see if I'm estrogen receptor positive or negative. I'm scheduled to receive 6 weeks of...
Timing of Breast Reconstruction Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is it advisable for someone who had stage III lobular breast cancer to seek reconstruction immediately or wait for a certain length of time?Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate...
Timing of first mammography after radiation treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you tell me when I should have my first mammogram after radiation treatments? Lawrence J. Solin, MD, FACR, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, responds:After lumpectomy and...
Timing of Radiation and Chemotherapy with Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," In patients with node negative breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy after lumpectomy, what is the best timing for radiation therapy with respect to chemotherapy (such as eight 3 week cycles of CMF)? ...
Tips to Prevent Complications of Lymph Node Dissection Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Other than choosing an experienced breast cancer surgeon, are there any preoperative or postoperative steps that can be taken by the patient to mitigate risk of side effects in axillary lymph node dissection? Linda...
TOP2A FISH Testing Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What are your thoughts on the new genetic test TOP2A FISH pharmDx? For whom is the test appropriate? Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the...
TRAM Flap and Future Pregnancy Question I am 31 years old and just diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer, but due to family history, my doctor is recommending a double mastectomy. If I have the TRAM flap surgery, will I still be able to have a successful pregnancy in the...
Treating Blisters From Radiation Question What should I do for the blisters that I am getting from radiation treatment? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: Radiation dermatitis can be treated with many approaches depending on the severity. Early...
Treatment after lumpectomy in small estrogen negative tumors Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife has undergone a lumpectomy for a 0.8cm nodule, sentinel lymph nodes were clear. Pathology stated that the estrogen and progesterone receptors were less than 10% positive. We find very little information...
Treatment for DCIS Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was recently diagnosed with DCIS and LCIS. I have had a lumpectomy and will soon start radiation. My concern is that it has been suggested that I take Tamoxifen. I am 43 and I have not yet gone through menopause....
Treatment for skin reactions during breast radiation treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am getting conflicting stories on the effects of aloe to treat breast cancer radiation irritation. Several people tell me it is beneficial but my Radiation Oncologist prefers the use of only small ...
Treatment for Triple Negative Disease Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Are there any specific recommendations for treating triple negative disease? My sister has had conflicting recommendations. Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds: Triple negative breast...
Treatment options for an ER+ premenopausal breast cancer patient Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed, of 19 lymph nodes one was affected. The tumor was 1.2 cm; my cancer was diagnosed as ER+. I am now considering treatment specifically looking at the chemotherapy plus...
Treatment options for invasive ductal carcinoma Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 48 years old and have been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, Stage 2B, ERPR negative. My oncologist feels that I need 4 rounds of AC chemo followed by 12 rounds of Taxotere...
Treatment options for metastatic breast cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in '99. She had a lumpectomy followed by 4 cycles of chemo (Taxol) and radiation therapy. The doctor told her the cancer was gone and she regularly did checkups. ...
Trouble Swallowing Pills Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have always had some difficulty swallowing pills, to the point that I have significant anxiety when I need to swallow a pill. I have completed surgery and radiation for DCIS and my doctor has prescribed 5 years of...
Tumor Marker for Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," The Ca 27-29 blood test has a “normal” level below 30. Is it possible for the level to reach zero in a person who had invasive cancer with no lymph node involvement? Suzanne M. McGettigan, MSN,...
Underarm Care after Recovery from Lymph Node Removal Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," All my treatment has now finished, all body hair has grown back, and I am wondering about the hair under my arm where I had the lymph nodes removed with my mastectomy. What is the best method of hair removal, and...
Using Lotions During Radiation Question Is it ok to put lotion on the area that is getting radiation to help with the dryness and burning? Answer Gary Freedman, MD, Radiation Oncologist at Penn , responds: During radiation therapy to the breast, we recommend that you use a...
Weaning Tamoxifen? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," After 5 years on tamoxifen, my oncologist has told me that everything is fine now and to stop taking my Tamoxifen. I have been told to stop instantly, not gradually. Is this a good thing? What side effects am I likely...
Weight gain after breast cancer treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago in July. She underwent an axillary dissection along with a lumpectomy. She had aggressive chemotherapy for 9 months. She has been on Tamoxifen for about 3...
Weight Gain After Chemotherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago. She had the chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant and mastectomy done. Her doctors are very optimistic about her outcome. Now she is...
What are the major types of breast reconstruction available to patients who have had breast cancer surgery? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What are the major types of breast reconstruction available to patients who have had breast cancer surgery?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of...
What is Standard Course of Herceptin Question Please comment on the Finnish protocol of giving 9 weekly administrations of Herceptin versus the 18 - three-weekly administrations that are currently done in the US. Answer Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds: The...
What is the difference between immediate and delayed breast reconstruction? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the difference between immediate and delayed breast reconstruction?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:Many...
When can I drive after breast reconstructive surgery? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," When can I drive after breast reconstructive surgery?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:It is safe to resume driving...
When Must I Decide on Reconstruction? Question How long can I wait to make a decision regarding reconstruction after a mastectomy? Must I decide before I have my surgery? Answer Brian Czerniecki, MD, Breast , responds: You can do reconstruction at any point after treatment finished...
When to Get a Wig? Question I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and told I will lose my hair from treatment. When is the best time to find a wig? How do I know where to go? Are there any resources to help pay for one? Answer Jodi Sandos, MSW, LSW, Oncology...
Why do people choose flap reconstruction after breast cancer surgery? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Why do people choose flap reconstruction after breast cancer surgery? Doesn’t it take longer to recover from than breast implant surgery?Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery...
Why do you need to do tissue expansion for breast implants? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My friend had breast augmentation and they just put the implants without tissue expansion.Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital,...