Just diagnosed. Understanding biopsy results

allicat1214

Hello ladies. I discovered this board a few days ago and have been pouring over pages to learn all I can. I had an appointment with my BS yesterday and got the biopsy results in person after a call the day after Christmas that I had IDC.

Doc said tumor was 1.5 cm which is small and about the average size for newly diagnosed cases. Here's the specifics of the biopsy results:

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Supplemental Diagnosis

Immunohistochemical stains for hormonal markers are completed on the breast tumor and reveal the following:

Estrogen receptor: Positive; strong nuclear staining in 95% of tumor cells.

Progesterone receptor: Positive; weak to moderate nuclear staining in 20% of tumor cells.

HER-2/neu: Indeterminate (Stain score = 2+) This biopsy will be sent fo analysis by FISH and results will follow in a supplemental report.

Final Pathologic diagnosis

Left breast mass, biopsy:

Infiltrating ductal carcinoma, well differentiated (He could not tell me an official grade until post-surgery but does this mean grade is likely low?)

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Even though the results say HER indeterminate, doc said likely positive, too. hmmmm... Guess I'll need to call in a few days to get supplemental report.

In any event, we talked about treatment options, i.e. lumpectomy w/rad vs mastectomy. Doc said there is only 3-5% recurrence chance of this breast cancer. (IS THAT CORRECT???) And that up to me but encouraged me to NOT take the drastic measure of mastectomy for such a small risk. He said both options treat the whole breast and one wasn't more effective than the other. (IS THAT RIGHT???)

He also said nothing on my biopsy indicated that this was a fast growing tumor and nothing on ultrasound before biopsy indicated node involvement. So because of that AND because I'm in process of moving out and leaving my alcoholic and abusive husband in next 3 weeks, I'm going to have a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy (is that correct term?) in early February...about six weeks away. I feel this is right move for me at this time. I'd rather go more conservative than drastic initially.

I asked about whether having dense fibrosystic breasts could make diagnosing future lumps & possible recurrence more difficult so might I be better off with double mastectomy. He said as we age breasts get less dense. (IS THIS CORRECT?)

In the meantime, I'm increasing vegetables in my diet which is already no sugar, no dairy, no grains. I'm also increasing flaxseed, vitamin D, and turmeric supplementation. I'm also going to start drinking more green tea.... all in effort to keep environment anti-cancer!

Thanks in advance for any help with my questions

momand2kids

allie

to answer your questions--- our breasts do get less dense as we age. sounds like you made a decision regarding surgery--- it is a very personal decision. I also had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy. Don't regret it at all. You can always do more later if you need to.... doc is right-- mx = lx and radiation--- and just because some has an mx does not guarantee no recurrence......

Check out some of Beesie's post on this topic--they are excellent. Sounds like you are in good hands with your doc and your own gut instinct. Sorry about your home situation.

sorry you have to be here-but you will get great advice.

good luck

mysunshine48

How did you get so much information from a biopsy? I had a core needle biopsy this past week and the report said very little other than an MRI was recommended. Also, since you live in N.O., what cancer center did you use for your surgery. Did you have the lumpectomy, and, if so, will you share your experience. Are you pleased? Did you have reconstruction?

I have so many questions and no answers yet. Very nervous.

JeniisStrong

Hello all! I find it so terrible that others are going through this too!! I am 31, single, 1 child, and a few years ago I had the scare of my life!! I ended up in the hospital for a month and was diagnosed with behcet's disease. I had to relearn everything from walking, to talking, to bathing myself and feeding myself. I'm still disabled from it. My fine motor skills are off a bit, my speech is difficult.  I have to literally process what I'm going to say or do. I'm in the process of fighting for disability and I promise you that this is NOT where I saw myself at 31!! So what else could go wrong right!??! I was diagnosed with breast cancer!! I received the phone call the other evening while making dinner... and of course who has an appetite after that kind of news!? So I am still in the "shock" stage and I don't know where to go or what to do!? I thought that maybe having people to talk to that are and have gone through it would be a good thing!! I'm trying to stay positive about the whole situation! But I have to tell you ALWAYS follow your instincts!! My primary dr found the lump and he said to "just watch it", but it was so abnormal for me to have a lump. I have never had a lump in my breast before. So I was paranoid and got a second opinion. He sent me to mammography and they ordered a biopsy right then and there. I'm so glad I went with my instinct to get a second opinion!! I hate to think "why ME" but it's hard not to! Especially with what I've already been through! I'm horrible at keeping up with things, just an FYI, but I am going to try to stay here and really get support and knowledge. Anything is a helpful thing at this point!! My next step is an MRI on the 18th to see if it is localized or if it has spread, and to find out what stage I'm in. it is IDC, which I can look at in a positive way, as it is the MOST common type of breast cancer. Good luck to all! Many prayers and thoughts are with you! Hope to make some new friends!!