I am wondering if Proton beam radiation is the best way to go if a tumor has begun to grow within the chest wall, under the ribs? There is a Proton radiation clinic as part of UW Cancer treatment (Fred Hutchinson); have been using various hormone blockers that have shrunk it, but wondering why my Dr. is not suggesting the Proton therapy? Anyone had that within the chest wall? Thanks.
Yes. I have invasive lobular ER/PR+HER2-. I was stage 2 when discovered and it was infiltrating the pectoral muscle. I did 6 months neo-adjuvant therapy with Letrozole . Shrunk it about 40% and pulled it away from the muscle. During surgery the Dr. took the area of the muscle as one of the margins, and it was clear. Did radiation, still on Letrozole.
I had er/pr + her2- stage 2B. 2 weeks after the single mastectomy there was a hard lump on my rib cage surgical area near the bandages. It was on the ct scan measuring 2 cm which was missed by the medical professionals. My daughter discovered it. By the time it was addressed 6 weeks later it was 4 cm. Neoadjuvant chemo 9 sessions was used to shrink it. No letrozole was applied. It was 2022. Six months later the mri showed it to be gone. However, surgical pathology revealed 3 bad margins and 36 mm of tumor. I had to beg plead and lobby in two Canadian provinces for re-excision. In Alberta I was turned away by a tumor board a 7 people. A 2 minute phone call directive in which they were guessing with my life without my approval. I left. 1.2 cm of cancer (1.2 billion cancer cells) was taken out. As far as I know there was clear margins. This was followed by max radiation with a boost to the scar. Then I had to lobby for the other side to be removed with a double reconstruction. Letrozole an verzenio folled. All good following a ketogenic diet as prescribed by Thomas seyfreid the cellular biologist at Boston college.The spread to the chest wall moved me to stage 3B.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year, and I had a left breast mastectomy on September 25. At my follow-up meeting with my surgeon, he told me that he had not been able to remove the cancer because it had spread to my chest wall. I met with a radiologist on November 18, and he said that the cancer was in my blood. My oncologist is going to prescribe three oral medications that I will take during radiation treatments. I am worried that other parts of my body will become cancerous.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year, and I had a left breast mastectomy on September 25. At my follow-up meeting with my surgeon, he told me that he had not been able to remove the cancer because it had spread to my chest wall. I met with a radiologist on November 18, and he said that the cancer was in my blood. My oncologist is going to prescribe three oral medications that I will take during radiation treatments. I am worried that other parts of my body will become cancerous.
My heart and prayers go out for you upon reading your post! I am so sorry for what you've been through in such a short time frame...
Praying hope and peace of mind for you, and wisdom & caring hearts for your care team, my friend! Wishing you a smooth and successful treatment ahead, for our thoughts and prayers be with you along the way!
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year, and I had a left breast mastectomy on September 25. At my follow-up meeting with my surgeon, he told me that he had not been able to remove the cancer because it had spread to my chest wall. I met with a radiologist on November 18, and he said that the cancer was in my blood. My oncologist is going to prescribe three oral medications that I will take during radiation treatments. I am worried that other parts of my body will become cancerous.
@jwhitt17
My goodness. Have you been told the three oral medications? It is hard to stop the cancer spread worry. I imagine all this news is crazy. What in the world. You are showing how we must advocate for ourselves. This site will bring members who will share what they have done. Treatments they walked through and all that.
There is a reason for the oncologist deciding on this treatment. Are you at a hospital that is known for treating cancer? I hope you have family, friends, faith to steady you each day. Come back here and let us know how you are doing.
@jwhitt17
My goodness. Have you been told the three oral medications? It is hard to stop the cancer spread worry. I imagine all this news is crazy. What in the world. You are showing how we must advocate for ourselves. This site will bring members who will share what they have done. Treatments they walked through and all that.
There is a reason for the oncologist deciding on this treatment. Are you at a hospital that is known for treating cancer? I hope you have family, friends, faith to steady you each day. Come back here and let us know how you are doing.
@katgob Yes. My oncologist is associated with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center. And the hospital where I am being treated, Menorah Medical Center, is an excellent hospital where many of the people who work there know me.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year, and I had a left breast mastectomy on September 25. At my follow-up meeting with my surgeon, he told me that he had not been able to remove the cancer because it had spread to my chest wall. I met with a radiologist on November 18, and he said that the cancer was in my blood. My oncologist is going to prescribe three oral medications that I will take during radiation treatments. I am worried that other parts of my body will become cancerous.
@jwhitt17
I had to fight for a re-excision for clear margins. They wanted me to skip surgery and go straight to radiation. You would have to get a shot gun to my head to make me agree to that. Can you convince the surgeon go in again to debulk the tumor load? A breast cancer calculator from Cambridge said the surgery is 56 percent of the cure ( that’s why I faught like crazy for more surgery). I even advocated taking out the rib if necessary and replacing it with a titanium rib in order to achieve some middle road to surgery. The tumor boards were reluctant to go in again even though the surgery was equivalent to taking out a zit. The surgeon had all the power and eventually agreed. They took out another 12 mm with clear margins. After that result the doctors said it was a good call. It was followed be an AI (letrozole) and a CDK 4/6 inhibitor (Abemaciclib/Verzenio - which stops the cancer cells from dividing). If the cancer has spread to your blood it is not good but perhaps debunking the tumor could help (less cancer cells to shed). I would also recommend getting on a ketogenic diet as quickly as possible. Critically no sugar or things that turn into sugar (mostly bread and pasta and anything made with flour) See Thomas Seyfreid and Maggie and Brad Jones. Go to Jesse Chappus podcast he has interviews with them. My oncosaid more and more people are living longer with metastasis. I sincerely believe that by removing the sugar and carbs the cancer can be managed to the point that people live a normal lifespan. There are lots of N of ones were people with glioblastoma (the most aggressive brain cancer) have lived well past (plus 10 years) past their doctors terminal 16 months. I recommend doing your own research and getting on to it fast. Surgery. Diet. Exercise.The establishment is not always right. I also saw a natural path for mistletoe infusions and other treatments. If you have any questions I would be happy to help as I have been researching hard for the past :3 years. My prayers go out to you.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year, and I had a left breast mastectomy on September 25. At my follow-up meeting with my surgeon, he told me that he had not been able to remove the cancer because it had spread to my chest wall. I met with a radiologist on November 18, and he said that the cancer was in my blood. My oncologist is going to prescribe three oral medications that I will take during radiation treatments. I am worried that other parts of my body will become cancerous.
@jwhitt17
I also want to add in addition to prayers, this is not a death sentence:?there are things you can do. Dr. Veronique Desoulniers has a podcast. She had stage 4 and is doing incredible. What I am trying to say is that there is lots of hope.
@jwhitt17
I had to fight for a re-excision for clear margins. They wanted me to skip surgery and go straight to radiation. You would have to get a shot gun to my head to make me agree to that. Can you convince the surgeon go in again to debulk the tumor load? A breast cancer calculator from Cambridge said the surgery is 56 percent of the cure ( that’s why I faught like crazy for more surgery). I even advocated taking out the rib if necessary and replacing it with a titanium rib in order to achieve some middle road to surgery. The tumor boards were reluctant to go in again even though the surgery was equivalent to taking out a zit. The surgeon had all the power and eventually agreed. They took out another 12 mm with clear margins. After that result the doctors said it was a good call. It was followed be an AI (letrozole) and a CDK 4/6 inhibitor (Abemaciclib/Verzenio - which stops the cancer cells from dividing). If the cancer has spread to your blood it is not good but perhaps debunking the tumor could help (less cancer cells to shed). I would also recommend getting on a ketogenic diet as quickly as possible. Critically no sugar or things that turn into sugar (mostly bread and pasta and anything made with flour) See Thomas Seyfreid and Maggie and Brad Jones. Go to Jesse Chappus podcast he has interviews with them. My oncosaid more and more people are living longer with metastasis. I sincerely believe that by removing the sugar and carbs the cancer can be managed to the point that people live a normal lifespan. There are lots of N of ones were people with glioblastoma (the most aggressive brain cancer) have lived well past (plus 10 years) past their doctors terminal 16 months. I recommend doing your own research and getting on to it fast. Surgery. Diet. Exercise.The establishment is not always right. I also saw a natural path for mistletoe infusions and other treatments. If you have any questions I would be happy to help as I have been researching hard for the past :3 years. My prayers go out to you.
@worried1111 I have a chest abnormality (pectus excavatum) where the left side of my rib cage is lower than the right side. My cancer had invaded the tissues beside it. At the time of my mastectomy (left side only), I weighed 85 lbs. My surgeon could not remove the cancer that had invade the area near my rib cage because it would have left a hole in my skin that could not be repaired. Thank you for telling me about sugar. I didn't know that it would make my cancer worse. I've been eating a lot high-protein foods that I hope will help.
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I am wondering if Proton beam radiation is the best way to go if a tumor has begun to grow within the chest wall, under the ribs? There is a Proton radiation clinic as part of UW Cancer treatment (Fred Hutchinson); have been using various hormone blockers that have shrunk it, but wondering why my Dr. is not suggesting the Proton therapy? Anyone had that within the chest wall? Thanks.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsYes. I have invasive lobular ER/PR+HER2-. I was stage 2 when discovered and it was infiltrating the pectoral muscle. I did 6 months neo-adjuvant therapy with Letrozole . Shrunk it about 40% and pulled it away from the muscle. During surgery the Dr. took the area of the muscle as one of the margins, and it was clear. Did radiation, still on Letrozole.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsI had er/pr + her2- stage 2B. 2 weeks after the single mastectomy there was a hard lump on my rib cage surgical area near the bandages. It was on the ct scan measuring 2 cm which was missed by the medical professionals. My daughter discovered it. By the time it was addressed 6 weeks later it was 4 cm. Neoadjuvant chemo 9 sessions was used to shrink it. No letrozole was applied. It was 2022. Six months later the mri showed it to be gone. However, surgical pathology revealed 3 bad margins and 36 mm of tumor. I had to beg plead and lobby in two Canadian provinces for re-excision. In Alberta I was turned away by a tumor board a 7 people. A 2 minute phone call directive in which they were guessing with my life without my approval. I left. 1.2 cm of cancer (1.2 billion cancer cells) was taken out. As far as I know there was clear margins. This was followed by max radiation with a boost to the scar. Then I had to lobby for the other side to be removed with a double reconstruction. Letrozole an verzenio folled. All good following a ketogenic diet as prescribed by Thomas seyfreid the cellular biologist at Boston college.The spread to the chest wall moved me to stage 3B.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year, and I had a left breast mastectomy on September 25. At my follow-up meeting with my surgeon, he told me that he had not been able to remove the cancer because it had spread to my chest wall. I met with a radiologist on November 18, and he said that the cancer was in my blood. My oncologist is going to prescribe three oral medications that I will take during radiation treatments. I am worried that other parts of my body will become cancerous.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions@jwhitt17 :
My heart and prayers go out for you upon reading your post! I am so sorry for what you've been through in such a short time frame...
Praying hope and peace of mind for you, and wisdom & caring hearts for your care team, my friend! Wishing you a smooth and successful treatment ahead, for our thoughts and prayers be with you along the way!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions@jwhitt17
My goodness. Have you been told the three oral medications? It is hard to stop the cancer spread worry. I imagine all this news is crazy. What in the world. You are showing how we must advocate for ourselves. This site will bring members who will share what they have done. Treatments they walked through and all that.
There is a reason for the oncologist deciding on this treatment. Are you at a hospital that is known for treating cancer? I hope you have family, friends, faith to steady you each day. Come back here and let us know how you are doing.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions@katgob Yes. My oncologist is associated with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center. And the hospital where I am being treated, Menorah Medical Center, is an excellent hospital where many of the people who work there know me.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@jwhitt17
I had to fight for a re-excision for clear margins. They wanted me to skip surgery and go straight to radiation. You would have to get a shot gun to my head to make me agree to that. Can you convince the surgeon go in again to debulk the tumor load? A breast cancer calculator from Cambridge said the surgery is 56 percent of the cure ( that’s why I faught like crazy for more surgery). I even advocated taking out the rib if necessary and replacing it with a titanium rib in order to achieve some middle road to surgery. The tumor boards were reluctant to go in again even though the surgery was equivalent to taking out a zit. The surgeon had all the power and eventually agreed. They took out another 12 mm with clear margins. After that result the doctors said it was a good call. It was followed be an AI (letrozole) and a CDK 4/6 inhibitor (Abemaciclib/Verzenio - which stops the cancer cells from dividing). If the cancer has spread to your blood it is not good but perhaps debunking the tumor could help (less cancer cells to shed). I would also recommend getting on a ketogenic diet as quickly as possible. Critically no sugar or things that turn into sugar (mostly bread and pasta and anything made with flour) See Thomas Seyfreid and Maggie and Brad Jones. Go to Jesse Chappus podcast he has interviews with them. My oncosaid more and more people are living longer with metastasis. I sincerely believe that by removing the sugar and carbs the cancer can be managed to the point that people live a normal lifespan. There are lots of N of ones were people with glioblastoma (the most aggressive brain cancer) have lived well past (plus 10 years) past their doctors terminal 16 months. I recommend doing your own research and getting on to it fast. Surgery. Diet. Exercise.The establishment is not always right. I also saw a natural path for mistletoe infusions and other treatments. If you have any questions I would be happy to help as I have been researching hard for the past :3 years. My prayers go out to you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@jwhitt17
I also want to add in addition to prayers, this is not a death sentence:?there are things you can do. Dr. Veronique Desoulniers has a podcast. She had stage 4 and is doing incredible. What I am trying to say is that there is lots of hope.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@worried1111 I have a chest abnormality (pectus excavatum) where the left side of my rib cage is lower than the right side. My cancer had invaded the tissues beside it. At the time of my mastectomy (left side only), I weighed 85 lbs. My surgeon could not remove the cancer that had invade the area near my rib cage because it would have left a hole in my skin that could not be repaired. Thank you for telling me about sugar. I didn't know that it would make my cancer worse. I've been eating a lot high-protein foods that I hope will help.