Breast cancer discussion on Oprah

ElaineM · 05-25-2009, 09:37 PM

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20080911_tows_breastcancer.
Although the discussion was not about Her 2 breast cancer some good information was presented. The after show with Christina Applegate's oncologist was also informative.

Patb · 05-26-2009, 05:37 PM

Thank you for posting. I read, watched and listened
to the information. We all know so much and I have
learned so much about breast cancer but every time
I listen, it seems I learn something new. Thanks
patb

MJo · 05-27-2009, 05:22 AM

I watched too. Several times they referred to "aggressive form of breast cancer" but they never were specific. Maybe it's too much info for a television audience to hear Her2 BC or Inflammatory BC.

Yorkiegirl · 05-27-2009, 06:01 AM

I wayched it the 1st time that was aired and then when it was re-aired just a few day's ago.

Margerie · 05-27-2009, 08:43 AM

I did not see this program, but I am curious about CA's oncologist and what he/she told CA because this actress seems to think she is 100% cured

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=5606034

and while I really hope she is, I don't appreciate her giving the impression that anyone can know this for sure.

Soccermom · 05-27-2009, 08:45 PM

In those who are BRCA+ there was found to be a specific type tumor..basal cell- like...in young women who are BRCA+ the types of tumor they have is often extremely agressive,much like our Her2.
"
Basal type: Most of these cancers are of the so-called "triple negative" type -- that is, they lack estrogen or progesterone receptors and have normal amounts of HER2. The gene expression patterns of these cancers are similar to cells in the deeper basal layers of breast ducts and glands. This type is more common among women with BRCA1 gene mutations. For reasons that are not well understood, this cancer is also more common among younger and African-American women.
These are high-grade cancers that tend to grow quickly and have a poor prognosis. Hormone therapy and anti-HER2 therapies like trastuzumab and lapatinib are not effective against these cancers, although chemotherapy can be helpful. A great deal of research is being done to find better ways to treat these cancers"
Christina Applegate is BRCA+ as is Melissa Etheridge (they both have come out publicly with their status.)

ElaineM · 05-27-2009, 09:00 PM

I agree with all of you. I learn more everyday from everything I read and everything I see about breast cancer. Mjo you may be right that Her2 breast cancer might be too much data for a talk show or news program to focus on, but on the other hand alot of these programs give the impression that breast cancer can always be cured quickly. I am very happy for those who have been cured fairly quickly. Sometimes it can and sometimes it can't be cured quickly or at all. All of us on this board are doing what we can to help ourselves live through the breast cancer experience.
Breast cancer comes in many forms. I would like one of the serious talk shows or news programs to feature her2 and/or inflamatory breast cancer someday. People need to know the symptoms of these and other sub groups of breast cancer. People also need to know that there are many of us living with chronic breast cancer. Maybe people can learn something from our successes and our failures to help themselves if one of those shows could feature her2 and/or inflamatory breast cancer.

Soccermom · 05-28-2009, 07:50 AM

It has taken the BRCA community (and FORCE) 10+ years to get any mention (of significance) by the media. I would be happy to help HER2 to that end...Unfortunately it wasnt until a celebrity
"came out" that the media jumped on it. It is up to this community to do what it
can to help people ntice us. Joe and Christine do a phenomenal job but we need to do more..
Off my soapbox...
Indeed ,BC does have its share of successes and failures (all types)
FORCE members wrote to Oprah for YEARS to no avail....

Marcia

Cant wait to meet the contingent at ASCO!