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JenMarie
One day at a time
Member since 11/07 7397 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Who's familiar with breast cancer?
My MIL has had fluid drained from her breasts as part of a new test for breast cancer. She has what they thought was a calcium deposit in her breast. Yesterday the doctor told her she's at level 4. Level 5 is cancer. I don't understand what that means and she's so upset she can't really explain it. I'm taking her for another biopsy on Monday that they're doing on the "calcium deposit" to see if it's cancer or not. If they're not sure if it's cancer or not, what is the whole thing about her being level 4? I've only heard of levels/stages when it comes to actual cancer, not "pre-cancer" if that's where we are. Anyone have any insight you could share?
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Posted 7/1/08 9:29 AM  |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Who's familiar with breast cancer?
It's not by levels either it's by stages.
Stage 0 is not cancer
Stage 1 is cancer and there are other stages that dictate how much the cancer has infiltrated.
If she had micro calcifications it could be nothing.
Only a biopsy will tell.
I had stage 0..not cancer but a pre-curser which puts me at higher risk than the general population. I get checked very often now.
Please tell her not to freak out until she has something to freak out about. I know it's hard but if it's caught early it will be taken care of completely and without too much medical intervention.
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| Posted 7/1/08 11:05 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Who's familiar with breast cancer?
I'm sorry she's going through this - I know how scary it can be...
Actual cancer has stages, yes, but I believe this doctor is talking about something entirely different from the stages of cancer. If the doctor said it's NOT cancer, or he still doesn't know if it's cancerous, then he's certainly NOT telling her it's stage 4 cancer.
Honestly, your MIL should call the doctor to get clarification. She'll get a much better explanation than she will from non-doctors here (or from anyone who hasn't examined her personally). If, not that the entire thing is starting to settle, she has interim questions before her next appointment, she should call her doctor. Most are excellent about returning calls and explaining things better to their patients.
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| Posted 7/2/08 8:49 AM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Who's familiar with breast cancer?
Posted by Kara
I'm sorry she's going through this - I know how scary it can be...
Actual cancer has stages, yes, but I believe this doctor is talking about something entirely different from the stages of cancer. If the doctor said it's NOT cancer, or he still doesn't know if it's cancerous, then he's certainly NOT telling her it's stage 4 cancer.
Honestly, your MIL should call the doctor to get clarification. She'll get a much better explanation than she will from non-doctors here (or from anyone who hasn't examined her personally). If, not that the entire thing is starting to settle, she has interim questions before her next appointment, she should call her doctor. Most are excellent about returning calls and explaining things better to their patients.
totally agree..and the biopsy is key. I was just giving perspective on my personal experience.
It doesn't sound like she has a definitive diagnosis yet. Support her emotionally now, but wait and see what happens.
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| Posted 7/2/08 8:54 AM |
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JenMarie
One day at a time
Member since 11/07 7397 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Who's familiar with breast cancer?
Thanks ladies. From what I understand, the doctor placed her at level 4 in terms of her risk for getting cancer again (she had cancer in her uterus that was removed back in the 90s). We're just going to wait and see what the biopsy results are. Thanks again!
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| Posted 7/2/08 3:45 PM |
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MrsFlatbread
Skinny jeans are in my future
Member since 6/06 10258 total posts
Name:
Baby Momma
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Re: Who's familiar with breast cancer?
Posted by Jennifer907
Thanks ladies. From what I understand, the doctor placed her at level 4 in terms of her risk for getting cancer again (she had cancer in her uterus that was removed back in the 90s). We're just going to wait and see what the biopsy results are. Thanks again!
7 years ago my mom was told that she was at high risk for breast Cancer based on a mammogram and biopsy.
5 years later she developed Cancer. It's no joke. She should aggressively follow up according to her doc's recomendations.
And not to frighten you, uterine Cancer and Breast Cancer are highly correlated. It's usually a genetic marker. Please make sure you get your Mammograms yearly!
Message edited 7/3/2008 7:10:44 AM.
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| Posted 7/3/08 7:09 AM |
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