New with IDC stage 1 grade 2

Wigging2000

Hello all-

Diagnosed with BC yesterday, today met with cancer team and now know that I have IDC stage 1 grade 2 per preliminary staging. I’m 45 and of course in shock. Waiting now on MRI and detailed pathology (receptors and such). Also had blood drawn for genetic testing. My brain is mush...I don’t even know what to ask anymore. The grade 2 thing has me somewhat concerned, just from the bit I’ve read about it. I’m almost to the point where I can’t take anything else in.

Love to all that are here. I’m so glad to have this place to come...not telling anyone except my sister and hubby at this point, I have 3 daughters who I’m trying my hardest to hide this from until we have more info

Wised

Wiggling, I have the same diagnosis as you... It sucks, but the prognosis for us is actually quite good! Do you have surgery planned? It seems like the important number is the OncoDX score which they get from testing the genetics of the tumor. My oncologist want at all concerned by the stage 2 designation. Chemo vs. no chemo is determined by lymph node status and/or OncoDX score. Since I have already had surgery and received my OncoDX score, I will hold your hand through those stages, LOL.

Wigging2000

DWisely, thank you for holding my hand! So comforting! It does suck, that is for sure and I haven’t even started any treatment.

Did you get the OncoDX after lumpectomy, then? I’m not sure I understand so much of this yet!

Surgery is not scheduled yet, they want to do MRI, get the more detailed pathology (with receptors, etc), and the genetic testing. At first they said 2 weeks for surgery but then wobbled a bit on the date when I mentioned an interest in mx. Although truly right now I just want it out!!!!!!!!

Positive prognosis sounds wonderful and hopeful. I did not ask questions about prognosis today...I literally sat there quiet most of the time just processing what has become my new reality. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me and I am holding on to that hand

Cherryi3

Hi Wigging, I’m just a few weeks ahead of you in this. Just had my lumpectomy and waiting for my oncotype dx and meeting with oncologist. I understand your dilemma with telling people. I gave my kids small bits of info as I got it. I have a daughter in her first year of college and didn’t want to spring any big surprises on her. I’m glad I told all of my friends. They have been amazingly awesome and keep me going during all of this testing and waiting bs. Wishing you the best outcome with your upcoming procedures

Wigging2000

Hi Cherry! Thanks for your encouragement...I’d say that it’s nice to meet you but somehow nice doesn’t seem the right word for this place, after all. I am working on a plan to tell my kids...I have a senior in HS so similar in age to yours! Also working on a plan to tell friends...just not there yet. I’m a pretty private person so this is super hard for me to think about sharing.

Hope you get those results soon with the best possible results!

Luckynumber47

Wigging, I'm going to tell you exactly what my dr told me: "You will be fine. This is cancer with a little c, a bump in the road, a minor inconvience. You will be fine". I went thru all the same tests you are having. It's really good to leave no stone unturned.

Try to learn everything you can about lumpectomy/radiation vs mastectomy and if you want an MX then learn everything about the pros and cons of reconstruction.

I didn't tell anyone (except DH) until after surgery. It was the right thing for me,so it's fine to take your time until it's right for you.

They'll do an Oncotype after surgery. It will show your risk of recurrance (mine is 11%) and show whether the benefits of chemo will outweigh the risks.

Hang in there. I know everything feels horrible right now but you'll find that it won't be as bad as you imagine.

Salamandra

In my surgery follow up appointment, I asked my surgeon's office about the grade. She was pretty clear that they don't worry too much about the grade and she doesn't know why people are so concerned with it.

I don't know, I get the impression that there are real segmentations between the surgical and medical oncology specialists (as there should be). I'm waiting to hear from my new medical oncologist, whom I haven't met yet.

I have found this whole thing extremely difficult mentally and emotionally, even though apparently I'm relatively lucky within the range of possibilities for cancer. Do whatever feels most comforting for you in terms of sharing or not sharing. That said, I would move towards telling your kids. Having a sense that something is wrong but no one will tell you what it is, is truly destabilizing, especially when coming from parents. As soon as you feel you are able to speak about it with them in a way that projects concern but not terror, it makes sense to me to open the topic.

ceanna

Wigging, I understand your concerns as I was stage 2 also, but I learned that of more concern is the Onco score that will occur after surgery. The hard time is now when you are still developing a plan of treatment. Once in place, your plan will make it easier to share your story with those you choose to share with. I found it easier just to not tell a lot of people, and with the handful of people I told, many of them were told after the fact. Do what you are comfortable with and realize some people might share with others you don't want to know, even if you tell them your story in confidence.

Anonymous

hello dear wigging,

You have a little posse all praying and sending you gentle cyber hugs.

As you say...the stage 1 grade 2 is intermediary. You won't know your staging for sure until post surgery. The MRI might help clarify what they saw on ultra sound in regard to axilla nodes. The node biopsy there showed no cancer so they want to investigate further.

I found this detailed chart on the grading of tumours if you are inrerested.

Stanford Medicine Grading Chart

Waiting with you for next round of test results. Xx

One day at a time...

Deep breath...ask for help whether practical,friendly, counselling or divine.

Spookiesmom

Another thing, Dr Google is NOT your friend. Stay away. Only go to reputable sites like here, Mayo, Am Cancer.

There will be a boat load of tests, try to breathe and keep yourself busy. It’s a personal decision who to tell, or not. Also extremely personal are any surgical decisions you need to make. This is time to put yourself first, and if you have trouble with anxiety tell your Dr. They can help.

You can do it😍.

Wigging2000

You all are wonderful. I wish I could hug every one of you in person. The feeling of not being alone is real, when I read everyone's posts. I find that each one speaks to me personally in some kind of way.

My MRI is scheduled for Monday, I will be glad to have that behind me and hopefully no surprises come up from there. If they do, I will be ready to tackle them. I do have it in my mind that I'll hit this with every ounce of me, although it just all really sucks

Right now I'm planning to tell my kids after I have the MRI, genetics, and more detailed biopsy info. I want to be able to be as honest with them as I possibly can and feel like I can't do that until I have more info. My mom died of cancer (not BC) when I was 4 and she was close to my age. I have a ton of baggage associated with that whole part of my history...can hardly think of leaving them as I was left...but, medicine and times are different now, and like I said, she did not die of BC.

Whew...thanks for listening to that!

ceanna

Wigging, sounds like you're starting on a plan, and that can be a comforting. Telling your family will be hard but they'll appreciate that you will have more information before you tell them to lessen their worry. Sorry that the story of your mother's passing comes at the same age as your current health concerns, but, thankfully, medicine has come a long way. All the best for the MRI and no surprises. Sounds like you caught it early and the doctor is thorough by ordering an MRI. ((((((Hugs)))))) right back to you! You go, girl!!!!

Anonymous

hang in there wigging.

Thanks for sharing your story a little with us. Losing your mother so young...yeah. this will be triggering all kinds of emotions for you right now.