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How To Rule Out Metastatic Cancer?
Question: I had I had stage 4 breast cancer 3 years ago. I went through chemo (taxotere, carbonating, herceptin), bilateral mastectomy, and radiation. In Decemer, after a bone scan, CT chest scan and biopsy, it was determined that the cancer had spread to my chest, liver and bones (shoulder snd hip). My doctor says my prognosis is good because I responded very well to chemo last time. She has given me a protocol with Kadcyla and Xgeva.
Is what I have metastatic cancer? Can I expect it to return even after this one goes into remissions?
Is what I have metastatic cancer? Can I expect it to return even after this one goes into remissions?
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
It sounds like your oncologist has provided you with the optimal treatment for the recurrent cancer. At this time since the cancer is in multiple areas we would consider it metastatic.
I agree since you responded very well to the first line treatment at your initial diagnosis that you should also expect excellent results with the Kadcyla.
The Xgeva help to maintain good bone strength as well and might even also help in battling the cancer.
The goal of treatment at this point is to achieve another complete remission with the chemotherapy. Hopefully the cancer will not come back but your doctor will be checking you on a regular basis with imaging studies and labs. Sometimes we are not able to eliminate the cancer but we can control it for a very very long time.
Thank you again for sending your question. Again I think your oncologist is doing a very good job in designing your treatment plan.
sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
It sounds like your oncologist has provided you with the optimal treatment for the recurrent cancer. At this time since the cancer is in multiple areas we would consider it metastatic.
I agree since you responded very well to the first line treatment at your initial diagnosis that you should also expect excellent results with the Kadcyla.
The Xgeva help to maintain good bone strength as well and might even also help in battling the cancer.
The goal of treatment at this point is to achieve another complete remission with the chemotherapy. Hopefully the cancer will not come back but your doctor will be checking you on a regular basis with imaging studies and labs. Sometimes we are not able to eliminate the cancer but we can control it for a very very long time.
Thank you again for sending your question. Again I think your oncologist is doing a very good job in designing your treatment plan.
sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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