Talk me off the cliff

kdholt

So today I found out that I have IDC grade 2. US has it measured at 4cm but that could change with mri. I really don't know if this is a recurrence or a new primary. But I find myself so fearful. This cancer is bigger than the cancer I had 12 years ago and it's a higher grade. It is also deep but am unsure if it's on the chest wall or not so I'm freaking out- worried there won't be good margins. I will need a mastectomy. But I'm worried about my prognosis. What if it's on the chest wall? Is that considered Mets then? I'm a little freaked out. Anyone else have a similar diagnosis and Everything turned out ok. I don’t have pathology back yet. Maybe tomorrow but lymph nodes that were measured during ultrasound were normal.

Beesie

Oh, crap, I'm so sorry. I was hoping this would be a false alarm, although admittedly the signs pointed to a diagnosis.

Okay, size. Yes, it matters, but large doesn't mean aggressive. Some people have tiny tiny tumors that spread and other people have large tumors that stay in the breast and never develop into anything more.

Grade. Grade 2 is average. And lots of people with grade 3 tumors are successfully treated.

Location. Having a localized tumor near the chest wall is actually pretty common. Just because the location is near or against the chest wall doesn't mean that it's in the chest wall. It doesn't mean it's mets and it doesn't mean it's any harder to treat. Don't over-react to a very common tumor location. You'll have the MX, and you find out more including the surgical margins.

Take a deep breath. Cry if it helps. Be angry that you've been diagnosed again. But don't assume the worst. There is so much you don't know yet.

Sending you cyber (((Hugs))).

kdholt

Thank you Beesie! Keep looking out for me. I need you’re knowledge

nopink2019

So sorry to hear your news. I had 1st occurrence in 2008, had mostly put that behind me and now have mets. Treatment has improved in 12 years. Allow time for complete diagnosis. Cry. Have some wine and scream at the stars. As you know, you've got work ahead. Once you've got better definition, read these boards for some good advice from those who understand. Good luck.

Rah2464

kdholt - my tumor was 1.3cm, grade 2 right at the chest wall. We were able to get clean (albeit narrow) margins so I did not have to do radiation there, just the mastectomy. I knew going in that I might have to do radiation for clean up. Sorry you are going through this again - but just wanted you to know its workable. My best to you.