Yesterday I was diagnosed with IDC

Nancy2581

I was diagnosed with IDC yesterday.  The only thing I know is the tumor is 1.2cm x 1.5cm x 1 cm.  It is grade 1.  I am devastated.  I have an appointment on Monday with a breast surgeon.  The radiologist knew it was cancer before I even had the biopsy.  It seems to be just in one spot. The rest of the breast looked good on ultrasound.  She said the lymph nodes look good, but I don't know how they can determine that from ultrasound.  The radiologist thought I would have a lumpectomy and radiation.  I hope she is right - not sure I can handle chemo (I know I shouldn't go there until I get there, but I can't help it).  I feel so overwhelmed and having a hard time concentrating on anything, but this.  I know this sounds dumb, but I really never thought it would happen to me.

Nancy

Moderators

Hello Nancy, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry you've had to find this awesome community, but glad you're here for support and information.

Until you hear from other members about their experiences, you can read much more about IDC on the main Breastcancer.org site. There is also more general information that can help you, such as the section Questions to Ask Your Surgeon. 

Best wishes,

• The Mods

Sunshineinky

Hi Nancy, I'm so sorry about your diagnosis as you can tell I'm recently diagnosed as well.  The people here and a bit of Xanax were what saved me those 18 days before surgery.  I lurked and read and followed advice and I finally asked my primary doc for a anti anxiety med.  it worked, I got through surgery, healed well, and now I'm halfway through rads.  Once you have your lumpectomy if it's ER positive with minimal or no lymph nodes ask for the Oncotype test.  Mention it to your breast surgeon so it can go ahead and be requested. I also had an MRI prior to my surgery just to make sure we were only dealing with the one lump.  

Remember to breath. It's ok to cry. I know it's hard but I promise it'll get better.  

farmerlucy

Hi Nancy - So sorry you find yourself here. None of us really thought it would happen to us but it did. Of course you are devastated. Things are going to be really scary for awhile then as you plan comes together it does get a little easier.  The tumor is small and grade 1 is good. Please consider joining the surgery group for the month you'll be having surgery. I found that helped a lot. Ask for full copies of all your reports If I can help with any thing please let me know. Oh and ask your doctor for meds to help you cope for the short term if you need them.

Nancy2581

Thank you all for the words of encouragement.  I wish I could stop crying over this, but I have never experienced anything even remotely close to it.  My son graduated from high school tonight.  One minute at the ceremony I am fine - the next I feel my eyes tear up and I'm about to lose it.  

Oh and I am thinking of getting xanax.  I am sure my doctor or the breast surgeon will give it to me.

Nancy

farmerlucy

I started shaking as soon as I heard the news and it didn't stop for months except when I was sleeping. I was a crying shaking mess. Congratulations on your son's achievement! You know BTW that you are going to be around for many many more milestones. - right? Xanax is a good idea. Hang in there. What you are feeling right now is going to get better, I promise. Gentle hug.

Nancy2581

Thank you for your words of encouragement.  I actually took Xanax last night and had the best sleep I've had all week LOL.  

Nan54

You are right in the middle of one of the toughest parts - not knowing critical details, the waiting that seems endless! It gets better as you have more information and get a treatment plan in place. Just keep breathing, putting one foot in front of the other, and know that you can always get lots of understanding & support here. Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jlg1067

hi Nancy, 

I too am sorry you had to find this group. I actually found it only a couple days ago as i was looking at reconstruction and tattooing options.  I was diagnosed in May 2012 with IDC, it took me 2months to have surgery. I started out as just a lumpectomy and quickly went to a double Mastectomy as a result of an MRI.  I knew i didn't ever what to hear "you have breast cancer again" so i removed the problem.. Looking back, i don't think i really heard anything so take someone with you to take notes for you to your dr appointments, write down every question when it comes up and take the list with you because you will not remember when you are sitting there with your doctor. Slow, down, breathe and know that you. Have lots of folks here who can help you who have been through a similar experience. Its ok to cry, curse and yell if you need to...i did a lot of all of it and thank God for a great support system at home and work!

Nancy2581

Just out of curiosity why would they make you wait so long for surgery?  That just seems cruel to me.  I know for me a lot of the anxiety will be relieved once surgery is over.  I just want the evil effer out as in yesterday.  

On a happier note I'm not crying as much - sort of accepted what's happened now.  Still have that evil black cloud hanging over my head from the time I wake up until I go to bed.  Have taken Xanax the last two nights (not during the day) and it has helped tremendously.  Thanks to everyone for their support.  Monday cannot get here soon enough.  

Nancy

voraciousreader

Nancy....if you are premenopausal, I suggest you do a search for annicemd's thread, "Stage 1, Grade 1 , premenopausal.". Furthermore, while you are waiting for your appointments, register at the NCCN website and read the professional's version of the breast cancer treatment guidelines.  Knowledge is power!  I wish you well!

peggy_j

I'm sorry to hear your news and hope you find the warmth and support here that I've had. These women rock!

Some cancer centers have a staff member called a nurse navigator. Mine was terrific. If you have that option, I'd recommend talking to her. (she can help educate you and answer any questions as you go through Tx, so you can hear info from a reliable source, vs. the scary stories you sometimes hear on the internet). I also stopped by the local cancer support center before I had surgery and that was helpful too. I got a little tour and saw all their resources (including a library of books I could borrow, Guided Imagery CDs, hats and scarfs I could borrow or have, etc), learned about all their free services and...I got to meet other survivors who were super helpful and immensely kind.

It sounds like your doctor's appointment may be next week. You may be planning to do this, but many people find it helpful to take another person (another set of ears). I agree with the suggestion to take notes.  I now take a notebook to all doctors' appointments, even ones unrelated to cancer. It's a good habit. (I sometimes jot notes during the appointment and then write more in the waiting room afterward)

I agree with the other comment that the beginning can be one of the hardest places--the Dx, finding doctors, getting educated, figuring out Tx, making decisions, etc. I'm glad you're feeling better and yes, it will continue to be up and down, unfortunately. It's important to take care of yourself. I hope you're able to do something good for yourself too, like take a walk out in nature or ? (my ex-husband also advocated for "distraction therapy," doing something to completely take your mind off it, like going to see a movie, etc. and there can be a place for it, too). Take care. (((hugs)))

Jlg1067

Nancy,  I wanted the evil effer out too! I think somebody would be crazy not to!!!...but I had to wait because, my journey started with a diagnosis of a tumor the size of a small bean( about 1 cm or so) I actually called it "the bean" when talking about it. My surgeon wanted to do an MRI and some other tests and it took that long to get them all scheduled and done and thank God he did! as you can see by my stats below, if I had just gone through with the single lumpectomy, I would have had to go through all this again later. The MRI picked up cancer cells that the ultrasound did not. I then had to have a MRI guided biopsy on the new areas, since the untrasound equipment couldn't see it. ..also helped me know that the left side had to go as well and I thank God for my surgeons thoroughness! It's a roller coaster no doubt. One day you are riding on the top, one day coasting around the curves and the next, you are plummeting towards the ground. Just remember that those are the times you lean on others... I was and to some extent still am, one of those folks who do for others, but have a hard time accepting help from anyone... I had to with this, and so will you... I think the first few months, (especially the first 2) I honestly was on auto pilot. My mother and my SIL were God sends and I still don't remember much from that time. But I got through it and so will you!   It also true, I did better knowing everything I could about my diagnosis... And I'm thankful for my mom and SIL for taking such good notes during those doctor appointments... Remember a notepad is your friend during this... I would wake up at night and write down questions...

Nancy2581

Thank you all for the words of encouragement.  I'm doing better - still don't know anything about it really other than what I mentioned up above.  I am going to see the breast surgeon in a few hours.  I also have a radiation consult lined up and a medical oncology appointment as well.  I knew I wouldn't sleep last night - so apprehensive that the breast surgeon will tell me more bad news so I took xanax.   Honestly, how much more can someone take?  I don't know how some of you do it.  You all amaze me.  I hope and pray that each and every one of you has kicked or will kicked nasty C's butt.   I'm not even going to call it by name  because it's not worthy of a name IMO.  I still feel like I am in a nightmare that I just can't wake up from.  

Nancy

farmerlucy

Oh Nancy - You have a real gift for speaking what you are feeling. That will really be helpful in the long run. It does all get to be too much. You'll do what we all do - keep on keepin on. There is no other choice. It is a nightmare. Good luck with the docs. 

Mimidi

Nancy I will soon be reaching my three year anniversary for being NED (No Evidence of Dease).  I was diagnosed with IDC, Stage 3, Grade 1 in November, 2010.  I went through six months of chemo, 30+ radiation treatments and am taking femera.  I am doing great.  Living life to to the fullest.  I am also doing volunteer work at a local Breast Health Center.  I love being able to encourage ladies who are beginning the walk of dealing with breast cancer.  It is a rough road but it is doable and you will survivie, you will live, and you will be happy again.  My prayers are with you.

Beatmon

Nancy, you can do it... Because you must.. You will find the strength and the courage to face it just like we have. Now, you don't have to like it, that's for sure. BCO is a lifesaver for sure. I am  2 years out very soon and still feel line the ladies are my besties. I'm sure after your appointment today your head and heart are full. Make lists and just do what you can. Stay in touch here. We are here for you.

Lakegirl1

Nancy....hang in there, the waiting was the worst for me too.  I needed to know the plan and what we were DOING to make this all go away!  I had a few detours, but would still make the same decision. 

I couldn't say the BC words for a long time and still can't very well..  As those before have said, educate yourself, I would also encourage a consult with a plastic surgeon, even if you don't know what route you want to take.  It doesn't mean you have to go that route, but you have the info to make informed decisions.

I am 43 with 6 & 8 year old girls. Every decision I make is based on what will give me the best opportunity to be around for them for a long time to come!!  

Also, talk to the MD re meds, you don't have to feel awful all day too...there are no medals handed out at the end for not taking anything!

Hugs...

Janice

Nancy2581

Thank you again everyone.  Your support means so much.  I did see the breast surgeon today.  She was awesome.  I am ER +/PR+ HER2-.  She said that was a good thing along with grade 1.  I am having a partial mastectomy (i.e. a lumpectomy.  Dr says they are not allowed to call it that anymore LOL) next week Tuesday June 24th.  I told her I was petrified it was in my lymph nodes.  She said she didn't think it was and felt I had about a 10% chance it was, but I won't rest until I know for sure.  Sounds like radiation and tamoxifen unless it's in the lymph nodes - then I guess the ball game changes.  I am so happy they will be getting me in so quickly for surgery and I don't have to stay in the hospital.  Yippee.

I was a nervous wreck at the appointment.  My blood pressure was 159/104 OMG - it has never, ever been like that.  The nurse looked at me and I told her I was a little stressed (ok a lot stressed LOL).  My pulse was 112.  I really liked this breast surgeon.  She got me to laugh which I haven't done much of since diagnosis.  

I feel much better now that things are moving so quickly.  Can't wait to get this little effer out.  

Nancy

Mimidi

Nancy you are in a rough spot right now but things will get better.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.  Take one day no take one minute at a time. 

Lakegirl1

Nancy...my BP is like that every time I go to see MO or treatment at the cancer center!!!  Cracks me up, usually I'm 120/70 kind of girl!!!   So glad your appt went well today!!  Here's to getting the effers out and moving on with the plan!!

Nancy2581

Just out of curiosity the tumor is er+ 100% and pg+ 58%.  My doctor said the estrogen factor was a good thing and they don't really care about the progesterone aspect of it.  What does being 100% positive mean?

Nancy

voraciousreader

nancy, the simple answer is that the estrogen that your body is making is fueling the tumor cells.  Just curious, did you discuss the latest studies regarding premenopausal women with your doctor.  Last week there were meetings sponsored by ASCO. A lot of important data regarding premenopausal women streamed out of the meeting.  Did you discuss the SOFT and TEXT preliminary studies?  Also, did you look at annicemd's thread regarding Stage 1, Grade 1, premenopausal?  There are a lot of us with similiar diagnoses there.

Nancy2581

I did start to read that thread and honestly I got overwhelmed.  Just in the sense I don't know what you mentioned means.  Kind of clueless.  I'll take a look again, but I didn't understand some of the discussion.  

Nancy

voraciousreader

nancy... Perhaps you can contact your physician's office and ask to speak to someone so that you can have all your questions fully answered.   The bottom line is you have great prognostics and many treatment choices.  I wish you well!

Mimidi

IDC is hormone driven.  That is why when you finish your treatments you take a hormone blocker for at least 5 years.  My body was killing me with the hormones.  I will take femera or another hormone blocker the rest of my life if I have to.

voraciousreader

mim....ER positive IDC is fueled by estrogen hormones.  Other types of breast cancer such as ER negative are not.  Since Nancy is premenopausal, her treatment protocol may be very different from yours.