My mom has breast cancer

darlad615

I never thought I'd say those words. I'm trying to keep from falling into depression but it is difficult. This is all I know so far...

She has invasive ductile carcinoma. My dad has been going to all of her appointments with her. The doctors and nurses have told them that she has the "most common type" and it has a 90% success rate. One node tested positive during biopsy.

They met with the surgeon two days ago. He ordered an MRI to see if there is anything other than what they know about in her breast tissue. He highly recommends a lumpectomy and node removal if there is nothing else seen. He set her up with an appointment with an oncologist and radiologist on Monday. The surgeon said all that could happen is removal of the mass and node, and then a few rounds of radiation. No mention of chemo.All of the nurses have been telling her that the type of cancer she has is easily treatable. Are there different types of IDC?

I'm a total wreck and need to be strong for my mother. I just need some reassurance that this feeling is normal.

mustlovepoodles

I'm very sorry for your mother's diagnosis. I think it is just as hard on the family as it is on the patient to hear this news.

The short answer to your question is, yes they are different styles of IDC. Some breast cancers are hormone responsive some breast cancers are not. The size and stage are also factors in determining treatment. Some cancers respond well to lumpectomy and radiation. Some require mastectomy or chemo. Most require hormone suppression meds, but not all.

There is no one-size-fits-all course of treatment. The doctors may give her an estimated treatment plan, but it can't be finalized until they get the mass out and examine it. n the meantime you'll all be in a holding pattern--and this is the worst part, not knowing what happens next.

darlad615

I just can't even function right now. I've always assumed breast cancer was a death sentence. I've never known anyone who went through it. I had no idea there were so many :

darlad615

The waiting and not knowing is pure agony. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I keep thinking, what if it has already spread? I have two little boys who need their mom and I amin such grief. Thank you for listening.

mustlovepoodles

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Darla, what your experience is quite common. Just hearing the word breast cancer is terrifying. But take comfort in the fact that breast cancer is highly treatable today . There was a day when breast cancer treatments were really truly terrible. Today there are so many more treatments and the treatments are much more tolerable, even for advanced stage cancers. As my oncologist told me," this whole year is gonna suck. But you're not going to die." And she was right. Last year sucked. But I made it through.

At this point in the process, all you can do is trust in the team. Get second opinions if you need to. Get some Xanax, if necessary. Eventually, you will have more information and a plan, and then you'll all feel more in control.

ElaineTherese

Eh, the percentage of women who are diagnosed at Stage IV "right out of the gate" is pretty small. It happens, but most of us are initially diagnosed at an early stage (Stages I - IIIA). Early stage breast cancer is highly treatable. Over 90% of women diagnosed at Stages I and II are here after five years. Compare that to pancreatic cancer (which my Uncle has). He was diagnosed at Stage II and his cancer was operable. After five years, only 50% of Stage II pancreatic cancer patients like him are still here. I think your Mom is going to be here for a good while. ((Hugs)) and good wishes!

Kicks

There are variables with IDC (Invasive/Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma) that effect the TX (treatment) plan. The Stage (which can only be accurately assessed post surgery), the Grade, ER/PR +/- status, HER2 +/- status all come into play. Also if there is a genetic possibility based on family HX, other tests will be needed. If the full body MRI shows any metastis that also changes things a lot. Possibly Oncotype test also?

IDC is the most common type of BC and has a good prognosis.

It is good that your Mom will be seen by the other 2 Drs on her Team on Monday. It is a Team Effort for the best outcome. Each are specialists in their individual 'fields' - Surgeons - do surgery/cut, Chemo Drs (Medical Oncologists/ MO) do chemo, Rads Drs (Radiological Oncologists/ROs) do radiation. Her DX should also be presented to the Tumor Board at her faculty for input/evaluation.

Neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) chemo has been the SOP for IBC (inflammatory Breast Cancer) for a long time but neoadjuvant chemo is being used more often now for IDC for some. This is to shrink, get better margins, and can, for some, get CPR. Contrary to what some 'think' - surgery is not always the first/best line of treatment!

Those who are ER/PR+ will probably be on a 'estrogen blocker' for years. There are several different ones available. If HER2+, then herceptin will probably be part of TX plan for a year.

It would be good for your Mom (and Dad) to get a notepad and write down every question they have (and make other copies to hand to each Dr) so the questions can be dealt with by the medical personnel who actually have pertinent knowledge for her issues.

It was harder (at least in my situation) for Hubby and adult Son when I was DXd. They had a lot HARDER time dealing with it than I did.

darlad615

Thank you all for replying. I don't have many people I can talk to, and it gives me hope to hear from people who made it through this.

Christyallison

I don't even know if I'm in the right spot. Help.

I'm lost, numb, scared, pissed, upset, tired... my world was turned upside down yesterday when I heard the words "your mom has breast cancer". She went in for pain in her breast last Friday. They found a mass. This past Friday they did a biopsy. Yesterday we got the news.

I don't know anything, she will see the oncologist and surgeon next week. I just need someone to relate to. I am an optimist person, I see the light in all situations, yesterday, I feel as though the light was turned out for good. Waiting... waiting...

What's next? What do I do?! What do you say to someone who is in for the fight of their life? This is unbelievable. I am reaching out to anyone for advice. How did you (or are you) getting through this?

Christy

Moderators

Hi Christy, You are in the right place and so welcomed here. We are very sorry for your mom's diagnosis. WE hope that you will find others here who can share support and information. Take a look at this page of stories from some of our caregivers and also check out the Caregivers Forum. Stay connected here and know that once she meets with her doctors and has a plan of treatment there will be direction for moving forward. We are here for you. The Mods