New Diagnosis and new member

Kathy21

I was just diagnosed with IDC just shy of 1 cm in the upper outer quadrant at 11:00 and Dr. said it might be smaller because MRI stretches your breast. It is also well differentiated and it was already hit with eight passess on a vaccuum biopsy and surgery is scheduled for early February. Because it is small and it was biopsied I have to have wires inserted before the operation so the surgeon can find the spot. I really think this just adds to the anxiety but know I can't do anything about it. I also have a small papilloma coming out of the same breast under the nimple at 6:00. I am still sore from the biopsy a week ago so I am hoping it totally heals by the time surgery starts and I have three new incisions since I have to get a SNB. On pathology idc with tubular features not sure if that is really tubular cancer as it is defined

MY mammo in December was clear and I took an offer because I have dense breast to have a fast MRI for 299.00 that insurance does not cover so I took it never thinking anything would show. I think I am more scared about the possibility of Lymphedema than the surgery? My doctors are at U of Penn and I saw one this week and not sure if I am going to see the second one since mine is early and I don't expect to get a better option with second surgeon. Did anyone else just see one? Last week was pretty much a daze, I think I am facing radiation and tamoxifen - I am proges/estrogen positive so I have to take out my mirena which is stopping me from bleeding to death but no hurry was mad on that end. I am getting worried about ovarian issues since I am pre-meno but near it at 54. Any suggestions?

Suesfineart

I was also just diagnosed with IDC. I am postmenapausal... I'll have to have chemo and radiation.. haven't started yet. And I am nervous. I don't know if this helped but I saw that no one answered... so I thought I would.

Kathy21

Thanks for the reply. Did you have your surgery already?

GAMomma

Hey Kath.. sorry to find your way here but hope you get some help. I have DCIS and am now 3 weeks post op bilat mastectomy. I will not need and rads or chemo,thankfully. Being a newbie I have no wonder for you but I just wanted to offer a listening ear. There is a IDC topic that I'm sure you could find more answers.

I'm formally from Philly and being at University of Pennsylvania you are in great hands.

Kathy21

Thank you

Luckynumber47

Hi Kathy,

I guess by now you've had a chance to do some research here and have found that you have one of the slowest growing/easiest to treat cancers. My dr called it a bump in the road, a minor inconvience. She told me repeatedly that I will be fine and you will be too.

That wire insertion thing is totally normal for lumpectomies. My surgeon said that's how they find exactly where the tumor is during surgery. I didn't have that since I switched to BMX so I can't give you more advice on it. Radiation is also normal with a lumpectomy.

I only had one opinion. I felt very comfortable with my dr and pretty much agreed with all her recommendations so I didn't shop around

My diagnosis was 1 year ago and life is pretty much back to "normal". After the first month or so after surgery I had no restrictions. They only took 1 lymph node for my sentinel node biopsy so my risk for Lymphedema is very low.

Sending you warm hugs

Lucky

Kathy21

Thanks for the encouragement. I am hoping for this outcome.

gently

Kathy, I'm in a similar boat. Diagnosed last month, lumpectomy and snb next month. Radiation and pills later. Bought a seat belt pillow, front-fasten wireless bra and ice pads on line last night.

Started out philosophical and pragmatic but having waves of dread. Missing work and being less available to my 2 teens have me worried. As does risk of recurrence. I am very over weight so I feel guilty about having increased my risks. However, focusing on more productive thoughts and plans makesbetter sense than stewing.

It helps to be in company of so many wise women. I'm glad I found you, and I'll be looking for your news. Thank you for being here.

Kathy21

Dear Gently,

I will be thinking of you and praying for a great outcome. Before surgery I had a different wave of emotion every couple of hours. Under the arm is the worse - get something that comes all the way up to pit or really low so it does not rub. Everyone i know has increased the risk in one way or another just living life. I believe if you are getting it you are getting it - don't feel guilty, just feel strong.

Finally a call today with good news! Clear margins and no lymph node involvement. Feeling blessed.