IDC - Just got the diagnosis. Not doing well.

Aymerz33

I don't even know where to start. I am 33 and I have a 7 year old. I'm so scared right now. Terrified. Devastated. I also have generalized anxiety disorder, so I feel completely out of control. Every ache and pain makes me nervous that there might be more cancer lurking somewhere. I've spent the day on the phone with everyone under the sun. Tomorrow I have a breast MRI, and a pelvic exam/physical (this one was my choice just to rule out other things), and Thursday I am meeting with the genetic consultant and the oncologist. Next week on Tuesday is the surgery consult. I have a nurse navigator to help me work through all this - and she's been wonderful. I have talked to so many people and I am just still so scared. We still don't know much, so it's hard not to fall into the 'what if' trap.

Any love, prayers and reassurance that any of you can give me right now would be so much appreciated. I know I'm not alone, even if I feel like it right now.

Here are my pathology results:

LEFT BREAST, 10:30 N+9, CORE BIOPSY: INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA WITH THE
FOLLOWING FEATURES:
1. NOTTINGHAM GRADE: 3/3, DERIVED AS FOLLOWS: POOR TUBULE FORMATION-3,
HIGH NUCLEAR GRADE-3, INTERMEDIATE MITOTIC ACTIVITY-2.
2. TUMOR EXTENT: CARCINOMA SUBTOTALLY REPLACING 3 OF 3 CORE BIOPSY TISSUE
WITH THE GREATEST CONTIGUOUS TUMOR LENGTH APPROXIMATELY 10 MM.
3. LYMPH/VASCULAR INVASION: NOT SEEN IN THE CURRENT BIOPSY.
4. MICROCALCIFICATIONS: NOT SIGNIFICANT.
5. ASSOCIATED DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU (DCIS) COMPONENT: NOT SIGNIFICANT.
6. BREAST MARKER STATUS PERFORMED AT KAISER PERMANENTE PATHOLOGY
LABORATORY WITH THE FOLLOWING RESULTS:

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY (IHC) REPORT:

ANTIBODIES:RESULTS:
1. HER2-NEU (4B5): 0-1+, NEGATIVE
2. ESTROGEN RECEPTOR (SP1): POSITIVE (Allred Score: PS 5 + IS 3 = 8 OF 8)
3. PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR (IE2): POSITIVE (Allred Score: PS 5 + IS 3 = 8 OF 8)

Thanks all

Moderators

Aymerz, welcome to Breastcancer.org.

We know it's easier said than done, but try to take a deep breath and stay calm while you wait for more information about your diagnosis. And, the more you discover, the more knowledge you'll have and the clearer your treatment and recovery path will be. The first few days are the hardest part of all of this. Just know you've come to the BEST place for support, information, and advice. We're all here for you!!

As you wait for the ever-helpful responses from our incredible Community members, we'd like to point you to the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Your Diagnosis, which walks you through what each piece of your pathology report means for you. There's also some great information about Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Diagnosis.

We hope this helps you get started. Please continue to check back in here, ask questions, and get support. We look forward to hearing more from you soon!

--The Mods

NotVeryBrave

Aymerz33 - I'm so sorry about your diagnosis and at a young age. It's completely normal to be afraid and overwhelmed. It's a lot to take in.

The next few weeks will be very full - testing, appointments, researching. Do you have a support system? It's helpful to have someone along with you. Sometimes it's hard to hear and retain all the info.

I would also make sure that all of your providers know about your anxiety disorder. You may need more help with that during this time. Even those who've never had an anxiety problem before find themselves with one during this.

You didn't say the size of the tumor. You can enter your info in your profile and choose to make it public so that it will be listed at the end of your post.

I hope your appointments so far have gone well. Each person will add their part and soon a picture of the plan of treatment will emerge. Be sure to ask questions about things that don't seem clear. And seek second opinions - if for no other reason than reassurance of the first ones.

You can do this. And you are never alone with this great community. Keep us posted.

Suzanne50

I am so sorry you are going through this. It all sounds so familiar - as I remember going through all that you are going through just two years ago. My best advice is just to take every thing day by day. Try not to overthink. I know, easier said than done but there is a lot of help out there for you. You WILL get through this. The first year after diagnosis is rough but you get through it. Before you know it, it will all be behind you. Keep the faith. You have a lot of support here. We have all been where you are and know how tough it is. You are definitely not alone.

Aleksandra30

Aymerz - I am so sorry you are going through this. I am 30 and I just have been diagnosed with IDC myself. I am as crushed and terrified as you are, but you need to remember to take it day by day. Personally, upcoming doctor's visits and appointments give me comfort because I feel like I am doing something productive to fight this sucker! Stay strong and reach out to this amazing community here for support. Hugs!

StaceyR

Hugs to you. This is the worst part (well, after waiting for the diagnosis, of course) - absorbing the implications. I was diagnosed at 33, too. 9 years and 2 babies ago. You've got time, so don't project forward and assume the worst. Deep breaths every day, and one thing at a time. You can do this. Moms are strong!