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New to BC --- a few questions

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Breast Cancer
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Posted 9/2/2012 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I am a regular in the prostate cancer forum and know most things that relate to this disease.  Unfortunately, I have to learn some similar things about breast cancer. 

My mother-in-law was recently diagnosed wit BC.  She is 69 and in great health.  She gets yearly mammograms and her last one was a few weeks ago.  She returned for a another mammogram, had a biopsy, and just had an MRI.  There are no lumps to feel.  She meets with the surgeon next Friday.

I don't have all my questions formed, but I wanted to at least ask the following:

- I don't think there is a gleason score like there is for PC.  How do we know how aggressive this is?  I think I heard she has a grade 3, but I don't have all the fact yet.

- Are most cases of breast cancer considered caught early if yearly mammograms are done?   For example, most guys that get their PSA check yearly and have a digital rectal exam (DRE) yearly can have surgery or radiation and get on with their life (I am a unique case though....and that is a whole different story)

- I think I also heard that her biopsy report stated that she is hormone receptor postive?  Is this a good thing, a bad thing, doesn't matter.

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions....so thank you...

Jerry L.

Posted 9/2/2012 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, I have her biopsy report:

- Infiltrating Carcinoma with Ductal and Lobular Features

- Microcalcifications

- Sections reveal a poorly differentiated (grade 3) infiltrating carcinoma which diasplays ductal and lobular features.  Rare foci of comedo-type DCIS are noted.  The tumor displays marked nuclear plemorphism, minimal tubule formation, and a moderate mitotic rate.

- Estrogen Receptor (Positive); strong nuclear staining in 95% of tumor cells

- Progresterone Receptor (Positive): Strong nulcear staining in 80% of tumor cells

- Her2/New (cerbB-2) (Negative), score 1+

Just trying to understand what all this means...thanks

Posted 9/6/2012 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
It saddens me that the BC forum on HW isn't very active, especially compared to the PC forum.  A newby coming to our forum would not wait more than a few hours, not several days, for a response.   But, I understand, every place is different.
Posted 9/6/2012 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Jerry, I have to agree with you that the BC forum here is almost stagnant. I wish I could send you to one that is more informative, but I'm still looking as well.

My husband had prostate cancer and I learned so much from that forum that helped both of us.
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