invasive duct carcinoma NOS

Bonnie02

invasive duct carcinoma NOS

Bonnie02

I have recently had my right breast removed and am just going to see two oncologists, one this week which is a medical and the one next week is the radiologist.  I also had 6 lymph nodes removed and two of them were positive.  I do not understand what the NOS means on the diagnosis if anyone can help. I didn't realize this would affect my mind so badly I thought oh well at 64 what do I need a breast for lol. Not true, really bothers me.  Hope some of you out their can tell me what to expect.  Thanks

Anonymous

Bonnie...I'm so sorry that you had to join us, but you've definitely come to the right place. Many, many of us have been through exactly what you're now going through and our ages range from mid-20s to in the 70s (and maybe older). Anytime a personal part of us is altered or especially when it is removed, it's perfectly natural to grieve and to feel any number of emotions as a response. Breasts are a part of us that we often have associated with our very identity as women and as mothers and, so, it's important to recognize that their loss is important and worthy of sadness, etc. So I encourage you to keep coming here and share what you're feeling as you go through this journey. The women here are incredible....wise, strong, funny and so very supportive.

As for the "NOS" part of your diagnosis, it means "not otherwise specified" and, I believe, is used in conjunction with the histiologic grade and other characteristics of the tumor to determine how aggressive it is and how it is best treated. I had IDC and DCIS, but don't recall if NOS was in the path description. Maybe you can ask your medical oncologist when you go to that appointment? In fact, you might want to write all of your questions down beforehand so as not to forget anything as s/he provides alot of technical information. Some women even bring tape recorders or someone else to write down the doctor's responses.

Hang in there, Bonnie. I can promise you that, eventually, the sun will shine for you again!

~Marin

Anonymous

Bonnie

Im sorry you are going through this....age doesnt matter!!!!! I think breast cancer is a head trip for any woman that goes through it.....It takes awhile for us to wrap our minds around the fact that we just lost a body part...for a woman there is so much more to loosing a breast.....it is such a huge part of who we are (yes, I know, its said that is not true, but IT IS!).....I think I was more afraid of that that a chemo than anything else really...

I was fortunate and was able to do a lumpetomy and my tumor growth was Grade 1 (slow) and I had no nodes infected so I was also able to not do chemo....which was controversial as was 46 at dx and not even close to going into menopause yet....

I cant remember what the NOS means on your report but someone will be along shortly that does know....

These next two appts will be to talk to the medical oncologist about treatment plans and options and the one for with the rad oncologist will be to talk about whether you might need radiation treatment but I dont think that is as common with having a mastectomy....but is ALWAYS recommended with a lumpectomy.

This is a wonderful site to ask questions and to connect with others that have been down the same path that you are looking at...they will help guide you with things they learned along their way to make things easier for you....

Again, I very sorry we have to me this way, but Im always happy to have a new friend...

Hugs

Jule