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my friend had a mastectomy. What meds would she be on?

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Posted 4/11/2005 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!

I'm coming over from the lupus forum!

A good friend of mine had a full mastectomy on one breast. She also had her lymph nodes removed. She didn't take any radiation treatment, because the cancer was completely taken in the mastectomy. (no cancer in the lymph. Took them out just in case)

So my question is... What type of medication would she likely be on now? I'm curious because many cancer drugs are also used to treat lupus.

 

Thanks for your input,

ginny

Posted 4/12/2005 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ginny-
None of us can answer this for you, there are a number of factors that would play into the decision. Some people are treated with chemotherapy, heavy duty cancer drugs that might likely cause her to lose her hair. Those are typically for 4-8 weeks, depending on the type and other pathology factors from the tumor. Some people take a hormonal medication for 5 years after diagnosis, but it depends if her tumor was positive for hormone receptors. If it was positive, she should be on Tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, depending on her age and doctor's preference. There is another medication that is infused weekly, called herceptin...but it sounds like her cancer was found nice and early...not everyone is a candidate for herceptin, again it depends on certain traits of the tumor and her stage of cancer.

But it is also very possible and appropriate that she is on no meds at all. You might suggest that your friend come here and get more feedback.

Lori
Posted 4/12/2005 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Ginny,

I question the fact that she MAY not be followed up with rads or chemo either one disturbs me. I myself had breast cancer in 1985 (at the age of 33), I had a modified radical and was told that my lymph nodes were clean too so I wasn't given radiation or chemo. Two years later I had a recurrence in my sternum. My radiologist told me that HAD I had some radiation done to that area with my original DX that I probably would have not gotten the recurrence in that area. I guess that I am just paranoid about no rads or chemo and just surgery because of my own history. But I think that we should do everything we can to prevent "it" from coming back again.

Hopefully I do not scare anyone that reads this. I just want to help anyone from getting a recurrence like I had. I don't think we can be careful enough.

Debbie
^j^ ^j^
Posted 4/12/2005 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks gals for your input. They did catch the cancer very eary, so maybe she isn't on anything like you said? I'll just have to ask her won't I! she's been very quiet about talking about the whole ordeal. In fact she didn't let anyone know until she had been out of the hospital for a week. It came as a huge shock to all of us. I just don't want to ask any questions that might upset her.

 

Well, thanks again. I appreciate your feedback!

 

Ginny

Posted 4/13/2005 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
On my goodness, she may have all the information she needs and then again she may be in a blackout mode.  DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK HER QUESTIONS.  If she is in denial she may need the push to get exactly the right kind of information and treatment she needs.  If nothing else you will be getting the information that you need. No one is immune to the disease.  Most will not have breast cancer, but the randomness of it creates a need for ALL women to be knowledgable.  Please talk with her and encourage her to teach you.  Also it will help her to talk about the process she has been through.  Maybe not now, but in the future.  You are a good friend to want to support her. Hugs, Candy
Posted 4/13/2005 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
I had a mastectomy eight years ago at age 58 with no further treatment. My daughter had one two years later and was given chemo as a precaution so the onc said because she was 39. So far we are both doing just fine. I pray your friend will do the same. Hugs MK
Posted 4/14/2005 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, you're a good bunch here!

I appreciate each post very much. I'll definitely talk with her and support her as much as I can!

 

Ginny

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