Edwards pulls out

[Bunz]

n 10% of breast cancer diagnoses, the cancer has already spread to distant organs in the body. A primary diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer may indicate a rapid progression of the disease or that the cancer was present but not detected in the breast for some time. To help detect breast cancer in its earlier stages when it is most curable, women should follow the guidelines for early detection established by the American Cancer Society which include monthly breast self-examinations, annual clinical breast exams, and annual mammography (the latter beginning at age 40).

Metastatic breast cancer may also occur from a recurrence (return) of breast cancer after initial treatment. There are three types of breast cancer recurrences: local, regional, and distant. Local and regional recurrences are usually less serious than distant recurrences and may be detected by mammogram or seen as abnormalities with breast imaging exams (such as ultrasound or T-scan). Once a local or regional recurrence is detected, physicians will order a variety of other tests to determine whether the cancer has metastasized (spread) to distant organs. These tests include:

* Bone scan
* Chest X-ray
* CAT scan
* MRI scan
* Blood Tests (see description below)

Blood tests (also called tumor marker tests) measure non-specific markers found in the blood that can be followed over time. Two such markers for breast cancer are CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and CA 15-3. These markers tend to be elevated in women with metastatic breast cancer. However, because the tests are not very sensitive, they are not usually very useful for patients with early-stage breast cancers.

CEA, or carcinoembryonic antigen, is a "marker" for breast or other cancer recurrence. It is a special protein that is actually produced in embryonic cells and regenerating cells, as well as cancer cells. This protein is found on the surface of cells and can be measured in blood tests, as cells shed these proteins. In the past, these markers have been used to monitor a patient after treatment for cancer; a rise in the level would indicate the need to search more fully for a recurrence of cancer. For example, it may trigger a patient's doctor to order a battery of tests, such as chest x-rays, CT scans and so on, to look for recurrent or metastatic tumor in organs such as the lung or liver.

However, the CEA level can also be elevated in a number of benign (non-cancerous) conditions. Some of these include stomach ulcers, colon polyps, cigarette smoking, among other causes. If an oncologist has not found any reason to suspect cancer recurrence, then patients are usually correct to follow his or her advice. Some oncologists do not use these markers to follow patients anymore as it sometimes creates unnecessary anxiety.

CA 15-3 is another serum cancer antigen that is used in the management of some patients with breast cancer. It is most effective at monitoring metastatic breast cancer, but has not had high success at detecting early stage breast cancers. While CA 15-3 is not typically used alone in evaluating metastatic breast cancer patients, it can provide useful additional information about whether a patient is responding to treatment.

If the cancer has not spread to other organs, treatment of local or regional recurrences often depends on how the initial treatment was performed. If lumpectomy was performed, recurrent breast cancer will usually be treated with mastectomy. If the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, the situation is more serious.

[sabar]

She will probably live a few more years.

Anyways, she made some semi-controversial comments about her legacy and her wish to keep campaigning.

"That would be my legacy, wouldn't it, Katie?" Elizabeth Edwards said, according to a transcript of the interview with Katie Couric, which was taped Saturday in Las Vegas. "That I'd taken out this fine man [John Edwards] from — from the possibility of — of giving a great service [being president]. I mean, I don't want that to be my legacy."

Glenn Beck went on a tangent about how her legacy should be her children, not her husband's job. I agree to some extent. I wouldn't spend my last years on a political campaign, I'd be making myself a better person and all that other cliche end-of-life stuff.

The Edwards' have a 6 and 8 year old. They also have a 25 year old and their 16 year old son was killed in a car accident several years ago.

[thispego]

You are so D U M B. You have any idea at all what
bone cancer is? I thought not. The lady has a painful
death approaching. And believe me it will not be for
"a" decade much less a couple.

But I'm not surprised at your ignorance.

do YOU know what bone cancer is? If so, thats great, but it's not what Elizabeth Edwards has.

But I'm not surprised at your ignorance.

[xrayzebra]

do YOU know what bone cancer is? If so, thats great, but it's not what Elizabeth Edwards has.

But I'm not surprised at your ignorance.

Better go back and check you facts.

[thispego]

her BREAST CANCER spread to her bones. check YO fax son

[xrayzebra]

her BREAST CANCER spread to her bones. check YO fax son

Dumb ass, SPREAD TO HER BONES=bone cancer......sheeeeesh, talking to kids can get tiresome.
Google would help some people, sometimes.

[thispego]

lol, WRONG, it's not considered bone cancer unless thats where it originated.

so you're retired eh? tell me... when was your last prostate exam?

[xrayzebra]

lol, WRONG, it's not considered bone cancer unless thats where it originated.

so you're retired eh? tell me... when was your last prostate exam?

Well smart ass, I had mine removed some years ago,
and yeah, you guessed it. For Cancer......so yeah, I know
a little bit of what I speak. And bone cancer is is bone
cancer, has nothing to do about where it originated.
And bone cancer is terminal and painful.

The only hope someone has for relief is through radiation
which may or may not help relieve the pain.

[thispego]

Well smart ass, I had mine removed some years ago,
and yeah, you guessed it. For Cancer......so yeah, I know
a little bit of what I speak. And bone cancer is is bone
cancer, has nothing to do about where it originated. (common misconception)
And bone cancer is terminal and painful.

The only hope someone has for relief is through radiation
which may or may not help relieve the pain.

palliative treatment, in other words.

[ggoose25]

all bone cancer's are not equal. some occur in children exclusively and other's in adults. the most common type of bone cancer is metastatic. but each type of "bone cancer" carries with it various prognosis and treatments.

not all bone cancer is terminal. but not all of it can be cured either.

and it does matter where it originated. it affects the treatment, symptoms, prognosis, and the survival rate.

[rascal]

Dumb ass, SPREAD TO HER BONES=bone cancer......sheeeeesh, talking to kids can get tiresome.
Google would help some people, sometimes.

Why don't you pick up a hobby instead of arguing for hours on the computer with dummies?

[rascal]

all bone cancer's are not equal. some occur in children exclusively and other's in adults. the most common type of bone cancer is metastatic. but each type of "bone cancer" carries with it various prognosis and treatments.

not all bone cancer is terminal. but not all of it can be cured either.

and it does matter where it originated. it affects the treatment, symptoms, prognosis, and the survival rate.

Good post. All cancers are unique to the individual.

[thispego]

Why don't you pick up a hobby instead of arguing for hours on the computer with dummies?

[thispego]

Good post. All cancers are unique to the individual.

psshh, thanks for your contribution