diagnosed waiting on surgeon consult, need help understanding

txranchmom

Ok I got my cancer diagnosis today's. After finding a lump about 2 months ago, having an ultrasound and mammogram and core needle biopsy. They gave me my pathology report. I have been about run around the Bush with no answers, so need some help.  Just how bad is it? And is it safe to wait a week or week and a half to get in with the breast surgeon? A local surgeon at our small hospital wants to do a lumpectomy, but I'm guarded and would preferr a surgeon skilled in this and more importantly a hospital that is more than a Podunk one. Lol 

I'm 34.

My report said I had invasive mammary ductal (E-cadherin positive) adenocarcinoma. (Doc right? But I don't know what the positive is?)

Historic grade is 6/9 (medium right?)

Angiolymphatic Invasive is not identified (good or bad?)

Associated DCIS is not identified. (No idea)

It's estrogen + (95%) and progesterone + (30%)

Her2 negative

And the Ki-67 proliferative index is high(25%)

Someone please help me figure this out.  On a scale how bad? What the prognosis?

Moderators

Hi txranchmom. it's good that you've got your test report, and for help understanding it we'll refer you the reply on your other thread, with resources for checking the meanings of the various results on the report. You'll find the link to it here:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/62/topic/...

Best wishes,

• The Mods

txranchmom

Thanks I'll have to go to the Midland/Odessa area for treatment. 

Mod thanks for the link, I'd already looked and still can't make heads or tails of it.

farmerlucy

Hi txranchmom - So sorry you find yourself here. I'm not completely sure about invasive mammary ductal - but perhaps it is more commonly known as invasive ductal cancer or IDC. That is the the most common type. The invasive part means it is no longer contained in the ducts, but has "infiltrated" other tissue in the breast. This does not mean it has spread to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body, only surgery and further testing can determine that. I had IDC ki 67 22 percent, 6/9 on the nottingham scale which is grade 2. It looks like you are ER+, Her2-

My report also mentioned the e-cadherin staining which I think is a regular test that determines whether the tumor is ductal in nature. I believe positive means it is ductal in nature. 

You are at the scariest stage of not knowing all the detail. As your treatment plan comes together things will get a little easier. Consider joining the surgery sisters for the month you'll be having surgery. It helps a lot to be with other ladies who are going through the same thing as you. 

Please let us know how you do. Take good care of yourself. Try to get some good sleep if you can. If things get too scary ask your docs for med to help get you through this time. We've all been where you are. It totally sucks. Please let me know if I can help with anything. Feel free to ask any questions here or by private message.

Gentle hug to you.

farmerlucy

You can also check out this thread in the Young with Breast Cancer forum. I hate that you have to deal with this at such a young age. Please know that you are not alone. Ladies in their 30s

Cuetang

txranchmom--  sorry you had to join us and now have to have a crash course in all the terminology, and decisions that have to be made.  You've been given great advice so far by the ladies here, and unfortunately with this cancer business, none of us can truly tell you exactly what your prognosis is.  You will feel better once you get a plan in place. 

When I was first diagnosed, I freaked because it was 1 week before I could see the first breast surgeon and another 1+ week before I saw a second breast surgeon, and ultimately 2 months before I had surgery (I'm a firm believer of second opinions, particularly something like this).  I was glad I did get a second opinion, because I went with the second breast surgeon (who was very detailed, and made me do things like an MRI, etc.).   

As for your question on lumpectomy, you'll eventually come to that decision when you learn a bit more about the details of the cancer, and what you are comfortable with.  The thread farmerlucy provided has some great ladies in there.  I've also used the Young Survival Coalition's (YSC) forums too to seek advice (I'm the same age as you).  There's also a thread with a lot of ladies from Texas that may be able to provide recommendations as to doctors for you as well: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/8... .  There will be someone on these various threads on BCO that will be able to share their experiences with any questions you have throughout this process.  HUGS.