My sister is currently receiving chemo w/ Avastin - last week FDA said there was no proof of benefit w/ it - what is your opinion - should she change course of treatment immediately, get a second opinion, what? She has the same oncologist who told her for 5 yrs. that she was "clear" and 3 mo. after that last follow-up appt., she landed in the hospital w/ pleural effusion- after being treated for that was referred back to the oncologist who said "tamox. just didn't work for you...."....what kinds of tests should have been run to be able to follow her properly for the last 5 yrs...and not have this present itself so suddenly in that manner?
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7/30/10 3:56am
Veronica, I'm sorry your sister has had this recurrence. Unfortunately, this is often what happens with metastasis - things look good until suddenly the metastasis becomes serious enough to reveal itself. The usual course of action for followup care for survivors is regular checkups that involve mammogram, asking about bone pain, and a clinical exam to check breasts and liver. Unfortunately, there's no good way to monitor brain and lungs for mets. My opinion is she had good care and bad luck.
As for Avastin, I'd say she should stay on it if it looks like it's keeping her cancer from progressing. Data shows that it works well for some women, not for others, and that on average, therefore, it doesn't provide enough benefit to say that it works. But if it's working for her, she should stay on it. It's really been an effective stage 4 drug for some women; hopefully your sister continues to be one of them.
A second opinion is always an option, especially if the Avastin isn't working for her. But if it wasn't working, I'd think the oncologist would have switched her to something else already. Best of luck to both of you - PJH
7/30/10 2:51pm
Veronica, usual method is to check the size of the tumors and see if they've shrunk, or at least haven't continued to grow. the best care can be found at Comprehensive Cancer Centers - check to find the one nearest your friend, and see ify ou can get an appointment with a breast cancer oncologist. Best of luck - PJH
7/30/10 2:55pm
Thanks much - will do.
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By veronica— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 07/29/10
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Thank you so much for your quick and expert reply - she is halfway through her 3rd course of chemo now (each course is 3wks & 1 wk. off - I think they told her to expect 4 courses like this and an "eval" in Sept.)- what is done to see if this has been effective? She started all this chemo in May...she was last "cleared" last Feb....). I did see that there is a tech. method to detect via thermogenesis if chemo is "effective" before a person spends too much time "waiting" on the wrong treatment to find out otherwise.If you could also suggest a way to select another oncologist for a 2nd opinion, I would appreciate that.I am really grateful for your feedback. With appreciation....