Partner Just Diagnosed

jbslugger

Hi all. Thanks for having this forum, 'cause right now frankly my head is just spinning.

My partner, age 45 w/no hx, just got diagnosed with IDC Grade 3. The tumor is about 15mm or 1.5cm. Seemed like one day it just showed up. It doesn't look like any of the receptor readings are in yet.

We have an appointment with a surgical oncologist on the 29th. Currently, I'm just having a really, really hard holding it together, but from what I am reading, the Grade 3 looks pretty common.

Is there a "normal" course of treatment for this or does a lot of it depend on the receptor results?

dlb823

jb, I'm sorry about your partner's diagnosis, but let me try to answer your questions.  1.5 cm is a small tumor.  Grade 3, as you may have figured  out, is the most aggressive of 3 possible grades.  Her hormone receptor status (ER, PR) and Her2 readings are important and will help determine her treatment.

Normally, if a lesion is not too big, depending on where it's located and the size of a woman's breast -- and assuming it's the only problem area found after more thorough testing (usually an MRI) --  a lumpectomy is often the surgery of choice.  A mastectomy may be necessary or recommended when the tumor is large, or if there are multiple tumors, etc.  Reconstruction in one form or another usually accompanies mastectomy.

There are two more components to most traditional treatment -- chemotherapy and/or radiation.  Two factors most commonly influence the recommendation for chemo -- positive lymph nodes, and/or Her2+ breast cancer.  Radiation is pretty much standard with a lumpectomy, to ensure that no cancer cells are left behind.

That's a really quick overview, but I hope it gives you some idea of what to expect.

Happy to answer any other questions you or your partner may have.  Glad you've found us, and hope we can be a support to you both.   Deanna 

jbslugger

Hi Deanna. Sorry to have met you in this place huh?! Thank you so much. That information really helps me right now. I'm hoping Friday we will have the hormone receptor results. Like I said, we go to the Surgical Oncologist the 29th (Dr. Stephen Grobmyer at Shands UF). I really appreciate you responding and I will keep you updated. Thanks, Joni

Luah

Joni:  You will also find a wealth of information right here on this web site. Click on the Symptoms & Diagnosis and Treatment & Side Effects tabs at the very top of this page. Sorry you have to join us here, but it's a great bunch of women, a collective brain trust and wonderful support group.

jbslugger

Thanks Luah. I am finding a ton of great information and more importantly loads of support. I appreciate it all! Joni