Mom just got diagnosed

jillybeantabby

My mom is 50 and she just got diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, intermediate grade. I'm her 17 year old daughter and the reason I'm writing this instead of her is because shes blind and can't use the computer. We just found out an hour ago. I'm scared. Is there anything anyone can tell me to ease my mind or something? Is this a death sentence? I don't know what the next step is. Thank you to anyone who can help or who read this.

cive

jilly, The rules say you have to be 18 to post.  But I'll answer your question as much as I am able without a pathology report.  It is not a death sentence.  A number of different treatments are available depending on the biology of your moms IDC so I can't get specific.  Likely she will have surgery, lumpectomy or mx, and may have radiation, and possible even chemo therapy.  It's not fun, but it's doable.

 

MTwoman

jellybeantabby, I am so sorry you are finding yourself here, worried for your Mother's health!

you'll want to start a list of questions to ask the medical provider who diagnosed your Mom. There is a forum for "just diagnosed" as well as a forum for "IDC" and reading through the threads on these may give you some ideas of the early process and some of the important questions to ask.You'll also want a copy of the written report (including the pathology report) to start a binder for your Mom. It can be overwhelming, so taking notes is really helpful.

Initially, they will be collecting information about where in the body cancer cells may or may not have spread to help with "staging" her breast cancer so as to better inform her treatment plan. They may have additional scans ordered. They will make recommendations depending on the characteristics of the breast cancer (things like Estrogen (ER), Progesterone (PR) or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status - +/-) and how rapidly it is replicating/aggressiveness). It is possible that they may recommend chemo prior to surgery, or surgery first. Some women do not need chemo (there is a test that can help determine that). Radiation is common following lumpectomy. Sometimes mastectomy is recommended or preferred by the woman. Your Mom will need a team - a breast surgeon (performs surgery on breast and lymph nodes), a radiation oncologist (determines the course of radiation therapy), a medical oncologist (determines the best course of medications based on your Mom's specific cancer type, stage and other health concerns) and perhaps a plastic surgeon (if there will be reconstruction). Some centers have what they call a tumor board, which is made up on all of these types of specialists which meet to discuss a case together and determine a comprehensive treatment plan.

I am so sorry you are in the position of learning all about breast cancer at such a young age, but am glad that your Mom has such good support. There is also a forum on this site for "Family members and caregivers" which might be a good place for you to get support in those roles.

Please let us know how else we may support you and your Mother. ((hugs))

MTwoman

jillybeantabby,

I just realized that you've got another thread going and getting good information there. It is helpful to try and stick to one thread so that folks who are posting here can see what's already been said over there and not duplicate.

Here is the other thread: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/83/topics/854093?page=1#idx_4