New IDC Dx and confused

jkalapis

I am new to the site and really looking for information. On 12/12/18 I was found to have DCIS grade 3 on a biopsy. I had a lumpectomy of the area of concern. I had a follow up with my surgeon yesterday to review the pathology from the lumpectomy. He stated the pathology showed a combination of DCIS grade 3 and IDC grade 2 both were ER, PR, and HER2 negative. I am now scheduled for a sentinel lymph node removal on the 8th. I have been searching for any information from others that have the same Dx but the only thing I have really found is more confusion. Any incite would be much appreciated!

Fritzmylove

Are you sure it’s not grade instead of stage? Pathology wouldn’t tell you what stage you are, but it can tell you grade (how quickly the cancer cells are dividing and multiplying). For example, after my initial biopsy, I was told I have IDC grade 2. They weren’t able to tell me stage until all imaging had been done to see how large the tumor was, and how many nodes affected and if it had spread anywhere else in the body. After all was done, my dx was IDC grade 2 stage IIIA. Also, I’m pretty sure DCIS on its own is always considered stage 0.

Georgia1

Jennifer, I'm so sorry you're not getting good explanations. My best guess:

DCIS and IDC together is pretty common.

And it sounds like you have "triple negative" (ER, PR and HER2 all negative) which some people abbreviate to TN. If you use the search function on this site, and use those terms, I'm sure you can quickly connect with women who have had that diagnosis.

A sentinel lymph node removal is usually done during a lumpectomy, but doing it now seems correct.

If I were you I'd get copies of all of my reports (mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, pathology) and get a second opinion after the surgery on the 8th. You would really benefit from talking to a couple of different oncologists, and hopefully you will find one who is a better communicator.

All best wishes to you.

jkalapis

LOL yes I meant grade. Sorry for the confusion!

Tigerlily318

Jennifer, I also learned it is common to have DCIS and idc. They treat for the idc if you have both in the same breast or at all. DCIS is Stage 0. I was diagnosed with idc (had a biopsy) but they found DCIS when I had my lumpectomy and sentinel mode dissection. I hear from 20-30 percent of DCIS will become idc but there is not current way to know. The node dissection, which for me was part of my surgery and I think that’s moat common, will determine if it has spread to the lymph nodes. Hope that helpa

jkalapis

Hello Tigerlilly318,

I noticed that yours was positive for the ER/PR receptor. Did your oncologist order the Chemotherapy because of the hormones or because of the IDC? I do know that Hormonal therapy is standard of care when you have the positive receptors but am unsure if that apply to chemo as well.