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Becky · 05-06-2008, 07:06 PM

There are studies to support the fact that oncologist's are changing their thinking on breast surgery (lumpectomy or masectomy) on Stage 4 women.

First, the metastatic disease needs to be contained (usually) to one area. Basically, they don't want you loaded with disease.

Second, they want the mets to be stable via treatment (that you are or have responded to chemotherapy).

Getting the primary tumor removed does improve the chance of getting to and possibly staying NED.

The thinking has changed because Stage 4 women can and do do very well for many, many years. Long ago, getting mets was a true death sentence, but that is old thinking. A stage 4 diagnosis does not mean that any longer.

I would continue to investigate surgical options and get even another opinion if you are uncertain. There are studies that show it can throw the odds in your favor even more.

05-06-2008, 07:06 PM	#8
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	There are studies to support the fact that oncologist's are changing their thinking on breast surgery (lumpectomy or masectomy) on Stage 4 women. First, the metastatic disease needs to be contained (usually) to one area. Basically, they don't want you loaded with disease. Second, they want the mets to be stable via treatment (that you are or have responded to chemotherapy). Getting the primary tumor removed does improve the chance of getting to and possibly staying NED. The thinking has changed because Stage 4 women can and do do very well for many, many years. Long ago, getting mets was a true death sentence, but that is old thinking. A stage 4 diagnosis does not mean that any longer. I would continue to investigate surgical options and get even another opinion if you are uncertain. There are studies that show it can throw the odds in your favor even more. __________________ Kind regards Becky Found lump via BSE Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45 1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side) 2 micromets to sentinel node Stage 2A left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg lumpectomies 9/7/04 4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol Used Leukine instead of Neulasta 35 rads on right side only 4/05 started Tamoxifen Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations Oophorectomy 8/05 Started Arimidex 9/05 Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06 Arimidex Only Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia NED 18 years! Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"