Common Questions

  • Missing

    Breast lumps on both breasts, sized 3cm, 2.8 0.8 & 0.5 on the ultrasound. I also have a family history of breast cancer - my dad's Aunt. It increases my risk that it's breast cancer. What should I do?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    almost 2 years ago 5 answers •
    • View all 5 answers
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      You should go to your doctor immediately. Early detection makes a big difference.

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      I'm a nurse myself too. But I am afraid of having it removed. Am not afraid of the surgery, I am afraid of the biopsy results. I'm only 24 years old...

      3 comments

  • What is the survival rate of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 2, Triple Negative and what are the side effects of TAC Chemo treatments?

    Asked by anonymous

    Stage 2A Patient
    over 1 year ago 3 answers •
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2006

      Hi Kristine I honestly don't have a definite answer for you regarding the survival rate . I have researched and read conflicting answers. I do know that it depends on the type of breast cancer that you are diagnosed with as well as other issues. However, I hope that you are encouraged by...

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      Hi Kristine I honestly don't have a definite answer for you regarding the survival rate . I have researched and read conflicting answers. I do know that it depends on the type of breast cancer that you are diagnosed with as well as other issues. However, I hope that you are encouraged by knowing that I celebrated my 5th year of being cancer free on 8/23/11. I was diagnosed with Triple Negative, Invasive and Stage 2A. I was 52 Yrs old when diagnosed and I am now 58.
      I know that God is in control of all our lives therefore I live my life a day at a time staying focused on what is most important to me and what makes me happy no matter what and that is my family and God. Follow your Dr's Advice:) always have hope, faith and love.
      Stay encouraged and enjoy each and everyday!
      Your Sister of Hope!!

      3 comments
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Don't get caught up in numbers for "survival rate." If those statistics were important, we might never drive a car! I was diagnosed w Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Triple Neg in Jan 2008. I had chemo, lumpectomy, and radiation. This past March 2011, I felt a lump in the same...

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      Don't get caught up in numbers for "survival rate." If those statistics were important, we might never drive a car! I was diagnosed w Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Triple Neg in Jan 2008. I had chemo, lumpectomy, and radiation. This past March 2011, I felt a lump in the same breast...diagnosed DCIS, again TNBC. I elected to have bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Post op pathology showed 2 additional types of micro malignant cells waiting to happen. I feel totally at peace with my decision. Life is good. I am back to playing golf and exercising. Yoga and meditation are high priority for staying focused and strong. The path to wellness starts in our own minds...know it, believe it, and you will be better than ever!

      3 comments

  • I was recently reading my pathology report and it said Triple Negative Breast Cancer grade 9 (3+3+3) on the nottingham scale - my tumor was about 6cm but had not spread to any lymph nodes - what is grade 9?

    Asked by anonymous

    Survivor since 2009
    about 2 years ago 2 answers •
    • anonymous
      Family Member or Loved One

      Hi Blair,

      I was curious about your question and did a bit of research. Here is the best answer I came up with. It was given by:

      Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of...

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      Hi Blair,

      I was curious about your question and did a bit of research. Here is the best answer I came up with. It was given by:

      Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:

      The Nottingham histologic score is simply a scoring system to assess the "grade" of breast cancers.

      It is a total score based on 3 different sub-scores. The 3 sub-scores are assigned based on 3 components of how the breast cancer cells look under a microscope. (The details of these 3 components are not critical for you to understand). Each of the 3 components is assigned a sub-score of 1, 2, or 3, with 1 being best and 3 being worst. Once the 3 sub-scores are added, a Nottingham score is obtained: the minimum score possible is 3 (1+1+1) and the maximum possible is 9 (3+3+3).

      A histologic grade of III is assigned to any patient with a Nottingham score of 8 or 9. Grade I refers to Nottingham scores of 3, 4, and 5, while Grade II refers to Nottingham scores of 6 and 7.

      In the end, the Nottingham score and histologic grades are not very useful in the big picture, as they do not alter final overall treatment recommendations. High-score cancers tend to relapse more often than low-score cancers. Ultimately, however, we don't use the score in making clinical decisions.

      I hope that this helps clear up any confusion. I wish you the best.

      3 comments
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2010

      Do you have a family history? If yes, I suggest genetic testing for the BRCA gene mutation.

      1 comment

  • What type of cancer is DCIS?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    almost 2 years ago 4 answers •
    • View all 4 answers
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      dcis is stage 0, or pre cancer. dcis can be ductal or lobular. some docs now consider dcis cancer and others pre cancer. listen to your intuition, get 2nd opinion if you aren't happy with what your doc has told you so far.

      1 comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most common NON invasive breast cancer! Ductal means is in the milk ducts. In situ, or encapsulated, means the tumor is in it's early stages, inside it's capsule. Better to understand is like a bubble that didn't rupture yet so the tissue around is,...

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      Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most common NON invasive breast cancer! Ductal means is in the milk ducts. In situ, or encapsulated, means the tumor is in it's early stages, inside it's capsule. Better to understand is like a bubble that didn't rupture yet so the tissue around is, probably, contaminated!

      Comment

  • Are grade and stage of cancer the same?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    about 2 years ago 1 answers •
    • anonymous
      Family Member or Loved One

      From what I know, the stage refers to how much the tumor has spread, while the grade refers to how abnormal the cancer cells are. So you could have a smaller tumor that has not really spread, like in Stage I, but it could be made up of aggressive, more abnormal cells, which would give it a...

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      From what I know, the stage refers to how much the tumor has spread, while the grade refers to how abnormal the cancer cells are. So you could have a smaller tumor that has not really spread, like in Stage I, but it could be made up of aggressive, more abnormal cells, which would give it a higher grade.

      1 comment

  • What is the difference between the grades and stages of breast cancer?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    8 months ago 5 answers •
    • View all 5 answers
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2007

      Tracy,
      Arrrgh... by the time you have completed your treatment, you will be an expert! So sorry it has to be an expert in breast cancer treatment. Have you heard what type of breast cancer you have yet? As several have said.... Stage is the size of the tumor and how much it has spread. My...

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      Tracy,
      Arrrgh... by the time you have completed your treatment, you will be an expert! So sorry it has to be an expert in breast cancer treatment. Have you heard what type of breast cancer you have yet? As several have said.... Stage is the size of the tumor and how much it has spread. My stage was was a 2B..... (a 2.3cm with 1 positive lymph node.) The grade is how agressive the cells are.... grade 1-relatively non-agressive, grade 2 - middle of the road. grade 3 more aggressive cells. Within the grade, there can be varying degrees of aggressiveness. You will also have a report on your cancer's sensitivety to hormones. It will be ER+ or - PR + or - and HER2 + or -
      Breast cancer is very individual to each person. You can have the same type of breast cancer as the next woman and that is where the similarities end. Your cells are unique to you. Your treatment will be developed because of the cells seen at your biopsy. You will wonder why your treatment is different from mine but it is because our breast cancer may be completely different on a cell level. It's confusing for sure. Each woman reaction to their treatments are all different too. Just as Jo says... bring every single itty bitty question to your interview. Best too, if you bring a friend who can either take really great notes or bring some kind of recorder with you. You are given a lot of information and you won't necessarily remember it all. We are always here for you as you go through your treatment. Hang in there.... there's a wonderful bunch of "sister's" out here to help. Take care, Sharon

      3 comments
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      i have grade 3 breast cancer but i dont understand that, im scared it is growing everywhere else. what does that mean?

      11 comments

  • My mom was recently told she was in stage 2 of breast cancer - I'm really scared and want to know how bad is stage 2?

    Asked by anonymous

    Family Member or Loved One
    almost 2 years ago 7 answers •
    • View all 7 answers
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Its going to be okay. I am a survivor that was diagnosed with stage 3c. I have completed surgery, chemo and radiation. My cancer also went into my lymph nodes. I'm praying for you and your mom.

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Family Member or Loved One

      Thank you so much you going thru that I know u are a very strong women .... Ive been trying to spend so much time with my mom and just trying to make smile because she is really depressed because I'm 10 weeks pregnant and she feels like she isn't enjoying my pregnancy but I don't care I just want...

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      Thank you so much you going thru that I know u are a very strong women .... Ive been trying to spend so much time with my mom and just trying to make smile because she is really depressed because I'm 10 weeks pregnant and she feels like she isn't enjoying my pregnancy but I don't care I just want everything to be okay with her ...

      Comment

  • What Kind Of Impact Does Stress Have On Breast Cancer?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    about 2 years ago 6 answers •
    • View all 6 answers
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Although some studies have shown that factors such as traumatic events and losses can alter immune system functions, these studies have not provided any evidence of a direct cause-and-effect relationship between stress and breast cancer. An area currently being studied is whether or not stress...

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      Although some studies have shown that factors such as traumatic events and losses can alter immune system functions, these studies have not provided any evidence of a direct cause-and-effect relationship between stress and breast cancer. An area currently being studied is whether or not stress reduction can improve immune response and slow progression in women diagnosed with breast cancer.

      2 comments
    • anonymous
      Stage 1 Patient

      I have to say that I do believe stress is a huge factor in my getting breast cancer. My husband and I lost our company, then our jobs and then our home in 2009. I kept telling him that one of us were going to get cancer because of all the stress. And sure enough I was diagnosed on July 23, 2010...

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      I have to say that I do believe stress is a huge factor in my getting breast cancer. My husband and I lost our company, then our jobs and then our home in 2009. I kept telling him that one of us were going to get cancer because of all the stress. And sure enough I was diagnosed on July 23, 2010 with Stage 1B breast cancer.

      2 comments

  • Is there an expected phase of depression after a lumpectomy or mastectomy? During or after chemo?

    Asked by anonymous

    Family Member or Loved One
    about 2 years ago 14 answers •
    • View all 14 answers
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2011

      I'm only four weeks out of surgery but i already know i will never be the same. Not physically or emotionally!! It forever changes you but not all bad. Alot of wonderful things have come from this!! I have learned to be more patient, not sweat the small things, appreciate things i took for...

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      I'm only four weeks out of surgery but i already know i will never be the same. Not physically or emotionally!! It forever changes you but not all bad. Alot of wonderful things have come from this!! I have learned to be more patient, not sweat the small things, appreciate things i took for granted, found kindness where i never knew it existed, and met amazing courageous ladies, like all of you!! I get depressed, but i try to focus on the good things that have happened. We just all have to find and accept our new "normal" We can do it, with each others help!!! Us pink ladies ROCK!!! Stay strong and focused!!

      11 comments
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2009

      I am a BC survivor. Diagnosed in August of 2009. Had single total mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of chemo. As I was going through everything I was sort-of in a holding pattern. Just doing everything day by day as I needed to, but once the chemo was finished I felt this overwhelming sense of...

      more

      I am a BC survivor. Diagnosed in August of 2009. Had single total mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of chemo. As I was going through everything I was sort-of in a holding pattern. Just doing everything day by day as I needed to, but once the chemo was finished I felt this overwhelming sense of depression. I felt lost, left at the side of the road. There were no more treatment appointments, doctor's appointments went to every 3 months then every 6, and I really felt like...ok, it's time for me to pick up the pieces now. But I didn't know how. I didn't know how to feel, what to feel, or what to do for that matter. On top of all that, my body decided that it was time to launch me into menopause. Now, almost 2 years later, the depression has pretty much subsided, thanks to taking walks with my dogs. I do have a very bad case of extreme exhaustion, which has been very challenging. I can sleep from 10pm until 4 or 5pm the next day sometimes. I find I have to force myself to get up, and even then, my legs feel like they are lead. I am back to work part-time, and it is getting a little easier as time goes on. I found that most of my depression came from guilt. I felt that I should be able to bounce right back into my life. I don't think after breast cancer you ever bounce back into your life. For me, anyway, it's a somewhat "different" life. You look at things differently, you will notice that many things don't matter anymore...little things, that shouldn't have mattered before. You will also see people in a different light. I noticed the triteness in many people. People who take their lives for granted, and are focused on what they have and are going to get, rather than if they are kind to other people, and accepting of other's mistakes. Anyways, I digress. I guess in a nutshell, you very well may experience depression, but there are a whole lot of other emotions you will also experience. Just learn to take the bad with the good, and know that it WILL get better! Good luck to all you women who have yet to start on this journey. It really is a journey of the body, mind, and spirit. So, be good to all of them, because this journey really never ends...you will always be a survivor!

      8 comments
  • Missing

    Is there a way to manage the shock I am having from the diagnosis of breast cancer a week ago?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    over 1 year ago 12 answers •
    • View all 12 answers
    • anonymous
      Stage 0 Patient

      Hello,

      I am newly diagnosed with DCIS. I fully understand how you feel right about now. I put this situation into God's hands. I educated myself about my diagnosis and I feel much better than I did at first. Just take it one day at a time. Find people you can confide in too. Stay active...

      more

      Hello,

      I am newly diagnosed with DCIS. I fully understand how you feel right about now. I put this situation into God's hands. I educated myself about my diagnosis and I feel much better than I did at first. Just take it one day at a time. Find people you can confide in too. Stay active and I know this part is hard, but stay busy. I have found when I stay busy I do not think about it as much. My MRI and surgery is next week (just days away) then radiation treatments. The hardest part thus far for me is the waiting. If that is where you are, just hang on. We are all in this journey together. God be with you, P Carter

      15 comments
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      I can only tell you what we've been able to do. We cried a lot than figured we have to do this so we have become educated as much as we can. Talk about it to those close to you. For us, our faith plays a major role also. God bless you.

      Comment

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