Question 1

in metastatic breast cancer what does elevated esr mean?

Accepted Answer

Not much: It is a non specific test which means it can increase in all kinds of ailments such as chronic infections(TB for example and in Chronic arthritis) and in many different Cancers. So it is not useful test for Breast Cancer....pure waste of money!

Question 2

is stage 4 breast cancer patient still have the chance to survive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, kinda: According to american cancer society the 5 year survival rate for stage IV breast cancer is only 22%.  It's possible to survive but rare.

Question 3

why are markers left in the chest of previous breast cancer patients? i can see them on x-rays and do they hurt?

Accepted Answer

Depends: These can be from prior radiation or at the site of previous surgery.  These can help in the future if further treatment is needed. In the case of radiation it help to position the beam. It also pinpoints the precise area of the previous tumor. This not harmful to the pt to remain.

Question 4

if a patient has breast cancer and breastfeeds her child, do the stray cancer cells in the milk have any effect on her child?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: The stray cancer cells in breast milk of a woman with breast cancer are not likely to be viable.  Even if viable, such cells are likely to get digested in the stomach.  However, it is probably not a good idea to feed a baby on the breast that is known to have cancer as cancer tissues often release products that are not healthful and may be harmful.

Question 5

what diet is best for breast cancer patient?

Accepted Answer

I'm not : Sure that anything beyond a sensible diet is proven to reduce breast cancer recurrence.  I may be wrong but keeping the weight at a good level may play a role but with estrogen receptor blockers i'm not sure that there is data on that.  The study size would have to be huge, i would think, to notice these subleties.

Question 6

what food should a breast cancer patient avoid eating?

Accepted Answer

Food  to avoid: No food is associated with exacerbating breast cancer . Enjoy what ever you want but in moderation of course

Question 7

if a breast cancer patient breast feeds her child will he be affected?

Accepted Answer

No: It is safe to breast feed after having breast cancer, although the affected breast may not produce milk following radiation therapy.  Of course, any medication you take, including chemotherapy, may be passed to your child in the breast milk;  therefore, your child's pediatrician needs to be aware of any medication you are taking before starting breastfeeding.

Question 8

is soy milk safe for breast cancer patients?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: It is unknown for estrogen receptor positive (er+) breast cancers.  Soy has estrogen-like properties.  In lab studies, some soy products have caused breast cancer cells to die, while other products have caused the same cells to grow.  I tell my patients not to take soy supplements in the form of extracts, pills, or powders, but if they enjoy drinking soy milk they may do so, in moderation.

Question 9

can all breast cancer patients carry the brca genes?

Accepted Answer

No!: Many patients with breast cancer have no genetic predisposition or risk for breast cancer.

However, there are several genetic markers which increase the risk of developing breast cancer over a person's lifetime.

Question 10

how can i transition from breast cancer patient to cancer survivor?

Accepted Answer

Survived: If you have survived the treatment and you are cancer free then you are a survivor. Congratulations!  www.Drlugo.Com.

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Doctor answers about:

High esr levels in breast cancer patients

A member asked:

In metastatic breast cancer what does elevated esr mean?

A member asked:

Is stage 4 breast cancer patient still have the chance to survive?

A member asked:

Why are markers left in the chest of previous breast cancer patients? i can see them on x-rays and do they hurt?

A member asked:

If a patient has breast cancer and breastfeeds her child, do the stray cancer cells in the milk have any effect on her child?

A member asked:

What diet is best for breast cancer patient?

A member asked:

What food should a breast cancer patient avoid eating?

A member asked:

If a breast cancer patient breast feeds her child will he be affected?

A member asked:

Is soy milk safe for breast cancer patients?

A member asked:

Can all breast cancer patients carry the brca genes?

A member asked:

How can i transition from breast cancer patient to cancer survivor?

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