ILC JUST DIAGNOSED HELP!

Jalsmama55

Ok everyone, path report came back with ILC with "ductal features but favoring lobular"  Does this mean that I might have both ILC and IDC?  I have no idea what to expect.. Have appt with Ucla oncologist Monday.  Anyone here have any opinions or insight of what this now means for me and my family? Tryin to stay calm but part of me just wants to scream!  Still dont know about staging or hormone reactions yet. Still waiting for that info. Maybe by tomorrow when i see surgeon to have drains removed..  Thanks in advance for all replies, and best B9 wishes to all of you who still have no diagnosis.. Much love and prayers to all of you already fighting the good fight of this nasty beast.. xoxoxo

gingersfavorite1

I don't know all of the terminology.   I've not even detailed my "diagnosis" sig line here .... because I sent the papers to my mom the nurse.   I have an advocate girlfriend who goes with me to all appointments who takes notes and confirms that I know what I need to know.     LOL .....  I'm just one of those people who don't care much for all of the details.

What I do know is that I was diagnosed with lobular cancer in early May.   It was confirmed in my right breast and I had suspicious spots in the left.    That doctor suggested I have a bilateral mastectomy and I came to term with that right away.    I never hesitated.    I was small to begin with and felt I wouldn't be losing a lot.    I had no desire to keep one breast and continue to worry about it ... having mammogram after mammogram and more biopsies in my future.

So I had that surgery on June 14th and it went very well.   It was what my oncologist called advanced stage 2 - because six lymph nodes tested positive and were removed.   I have two rounds of chemo down and about 13 more to go {sigh}     But I'm doing well.    Better than I expected to be. 

You will learn as you go and this is a great place for support.    Surround yourself if you can,  with plenty of IRL  (in real life)  support as well.     Many faithful / positive and optimistic friends to feed off of.    Hugs to you as you embark on your journey ~ 

momand2kids

Hi

It is possible that it is IDC/ILC-- but even if it is, there is treatment for it.  ILC has a tendency to grow very slowly... which can be a good thing.  

I recommend bringing a tape recorder along with your list of questions.  You do need to know what type it is, how big it is, lymph node involvement, vascular involvement, hormone receptors.  Most of this should be on the pathology report and your surgeon should go over it with you--- then you need an oncologist to work on the treatment plan.  

You will be fine-- but you need to gather this information so you can make informed decisions.  Also, consider a second opinion on any treatment plan.

I had a lumpectomy in 2008- chemo and radiation in early 2009.  I feel great!  You will get there too.....

good luck- keep us posted.  

Jalsmama55

Much thanks to u both.. just so freaked out as im sure is the norm in the beginning. Then it probably becomes "old hat" haha.. Anyway, thank goodness im seeing oncologist monday. Hes got an awesome reputation and I'm just nervous to see what he says. I have 3 little boys 3,6, and 9 that are depending on me and just want to be able to keep going at my usual (crazy) pace.. loads of love and heartwarming wishes to you all!! xoxoxo

momand2kids

It is normal to be freaked out--you will be for a while.  My kids were 7 and 12--and believe me, that was my motivation to do all I could to eradicate this..... you will slow down a little, but it is temporary!