In a message dated 2/15/04 7:32:49 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:


> Date:    Sun, 15 Feb 2004 23:37:46 +0100
> From:    Renate Rietveld IBCLC <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Help needed with lactating breastcancer case
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> 
> HI All, I'm in need of your collective wisdom again....
> 
> A colleague of mine is working with a mother recently diagnosed with
> breastcancer.
> The info I'm giving is all I have. It was discovered 'in time' ?? She was
> induced with 38 weeks and delivered last Thursday.
> Plan of care has been made. Tumor removal will be in 14 days and after that
> she'll get radiation and chemotherapy.
> Until that time.......she'd love to breastfeed !
> 
> Questions asked: What are points of special attention, my colleague thinks
> that the engorgement will put extra pressure on the tumor ( I've given her
> info on management already )
> her question was if that could be harmful. She'd also like to know if
> there's an additional risk for mastitis and if the milkflow could somehow
> be disturbed by the growing tumor.
> 
> For now, everything seems to be OK but the breasts are 'growing' and
> engorgement is lurking around the corner alrready. The breast seems to be
> very painful as is.
> 
> Any and all input and wisdom are more than welcome. I've given her my
> knowledge but I'd love, value and appreciate your input as well !
> 
> TIA,
> 
> Renate Rietveld, IBCLC
> 
> Engorgement will clearly happen with or without breastfeeding so I would 
think that an empty breast would be preferable to a full one.   Mastitis and 
blocked milk flow is certainly a possibility, depending on the size and location of 
the tumor but there is only one way to find out.
Estrogen does enhance Breast CA tumor growth but does Prolactin?   Estrogen 
drops off considerably after birth so that is a blessing.   In light of the 
speed at which they are acting (14 days), it is doubtful that breastfeeding would 
change the course of this disease much.
Just my 2¢.
Annie Brown, IBCLC



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