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Debbie L. · 06-17-2011, 07:22 PM

I have learned that there is no point to discussing abortion. At least for we "mature" women -- we have figured out by now where we stand on this one. I honor each individual stance. I have my thoughts, and you have yours, and we each want the best for those who come after us. Let's let that be.

As far as breast cancer risk factors, there is really no need to even talk about this -- abortions MAY be just one more "risk factor", whether valid or not -- another one that is SO damn small that it would not be even worth mentioning, if we had some stronger risk factors to talk about, imho. And I doubt that at this point, we're going to find one single (or even a few) risk factors that are reliable causes of breast cancer. It's a crap shoot.

So far, ALL risk factors are in that same miniscule category (BRCA+ or strong family hx excepted). Those miniscule risk factors are so often quoted in the media that most people think they are important (no childbearing, late childbearing, not breast feeding, blah-blah-blah).

But I'd wager that the majority of us on this list, with a diagnosis of HER2+ BC, and many with mets -- had NONE of the most-often-noted risk factors. That's what statistics show -- that breast cancer is mostly totally random. The "risk factors" that we know (BRCA+ and strong family history excepted) are so minor as to be barely worth mentioning.

Debbie Laxague

06-17-2011, 07:22 PM	#9
Debbie L. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 463	Re: Abortion/breast cancer linked I have learned that there is no point to discussing abortion. At least for we "mature" women -- we have figured out by now where we stand on this one. I honor each individual stance. I have my thoughts, and you have yours, and we each want the best for those who come after us. Let's let that be. As far as breast cancer risk factors, there is really no need to even talk about this -- abortions MAY be just one more "risk factor", whether valid or not -- another one that is SO damn small that it would not be even worth mentioning, if we had some stronger risk factors to talk about, imho. And I doubt that at this point, we're going to find one single (or even a few) risk factors that are reliable causes of breast cancer. It's a crap shoot. So far, ALL risk factors are in that same miniscule category (BRCA+ or strong family hx excepted). Those miniscule risk factors are so often quoted in the media that most people think they are important (no childbearing, late childbearing, not breast feeding, blah-blah-blah). But I'd wager that the majority of us on this list, with a diagnosis of HER2+ BC, and many with mets -- had NONE of the most-often-noted risk factors. That's what statistics show -- that breast cancer is mostly totally random. The "risk factors" that we know (BRCA+ and strong family history excepted) are so minor as to be barely worth mentioning. Debbie Laxague __________________ 3/01 ~ Age 49. Occult primary announced by large (6cm) axillary node, found by my husband. 4/01 ~ Bilateral mastectomies (LMRM, R elective simple) - 1.2cm IDC was found at pathology. 5 of 11 axillary nodes positive, largest = 6cm. Stage IIIA ERPR 5%/1% (re-done later at Baylor, both negative at zero). HER2neu positive by IHC and FISH (8.89). Lymphovascular invasion, grade 3, 8/9 modified SBR. TX: Control of arm of NSABP's B-31 adjuvant Herceptin trial (no Herceptin, inducing a severe case of Herceptin-envy): A/C x 4 and Taxol x 4 q3weeks, then rads. Raging infection of entire chest after small revision of mastectomy scar after completing tx (significance unknown). Arimidex for two years, stopped after second pathology opinion. 2017: Mild and manageable lymphedema and some cognitive issues.