Age 38 / Newly-Diagnosed

arlva24

Hi all,

Today, I got the call that many of you have received - invasive ductal carcinoma. I was particularly stunned (and still am stunned) given that I have no family history of this disease whatsoever. I found a small 0.7 cm lump in my left breast and got the following in my pathology report. I'm scheduled to meet with a surgeon next Monday. I'm in such a state of shock and am so stunned that I'm having trouble interpreting. Thanks for any help that anyone can provide - my brain just isn't functioning right now.

"Well-differentiated invasive ductal carcinoma (tubule formation 1/3, nuclear pleomorphism 2/3, mitotic counts 1/3), measure 0.3 cm in maximal length in this material. Breast prognostic/predictive studies are pending."

Beesie

ariva, sorry that you've had to join us, but glad that you found us.

Here's the thing about breast cancer that most people don't know - while having a family history of breast might increase someone's risk, most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. So you are not unusual in that regard.

Given your young age, there is however the question as to whether there might be a genetic component to your diagnosis. Are there other cancers in your family? While many people are familiar with the BRCA genetic mutations (the "breast cancer genes"), there are many other genetic mutations that increase breast cancer risk; these other genes are also related to a variety of other cancers. So it might be other cancers in your family that are the link to your breast cancer, or there might be no genetic connection at all. Because you are under 40, I expect it will be recommended that you have genetic testing.

It sounds as though your cancer is very small and low grade. That's good. Most important to your treatment plan will be the hormone status - ER, PR and HER2 - and you should get that information from the biopsy report.

Hang in there. I know it's a shock but you'll feel better once you have all the information and a treatment plan. You'll get through this!

LivinLife

Glad you found this site and posted! This is an amazing place to gather information to help in any decision-making, as well as support while you're walking your path. Know anxiety is at it's highest in these earlier weeks - the initial shock, gathering info., appointments, tests, decision-making. Once you know the what and when of your surgery it will get easier b/c you will have a plan and follow it.... Meanwhile post with any questions, worries, etc. As I'm sure you've seen there is a whole host of experiences people have had and a willingness to share....

Moderators

Welcome, Ariva. We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we hope you find this community to be a source of support and encouragement as you head down this road. We know the first days and weeks are a lot to process, but we're here with you every step of the way.

The Mods

msphil

sweetie so sorry to hear news but we know the feeling i was 42 yrs old no history in my family. Was making wedfing plans when i found the lump in shower. Diagnosed with idc too 0/3 nodes stage 2. Got 3mo chemo before and after Lmast got married thank God then 7wks rads and 5 yrs on tamoxifen. I had my cry a few times decided to fightbthe good fight. For Inspiration sweetie now a 26yr Survivor Praise God and 26 yrAnniversary. Positive thoughts as i told myself i will get thru this and lots and lots of Hope with my faith. Hang in there.

mtspacekace

I was 38 when I was diagnosed this June. I know the waiting is agonizing, you just want to know what the next step is, what the plan is, and get on with kicking cancer! At the clinic where I am treated I have a nurse navigator...she set up all of my first appointments with my medical team, and she went with me to all of my appointments, took notes and asked questions. It was amazing and so helpful. I ended up having chemo first and if I had a question and didn’t know where to call...I would call her and she knew exactly what to do and who to contact. Praying you have this resource! My piece of advice right now. Do not google. Once your pathology report comes back you will meet with an oncologist and they will explain everything. Googling will just get your mind spinning, and most of the info will not be pertinent to your situation. The ladies here are supportive and full of advice, embrace it. Hang in there...I have been scared every step of this journey so far, but looking back...none of it has been that bad!

AB45

Hi

I am so sorry you are here but you are in good company. I am 45 and newly diagnosed with IDC. I wanted to provide you with my steps thus far. Biopsy then Breast MRI. I am currently scheduled for a surgery consult. I am hoping you are moving along in the process and if I can help or be support in any way, please let me know

You Got This

LivinLife

Want to welcome you AB45! Have you started your own thread yet? Something you may want to consider if you haven't. I'm not on the IDC threads so you may be on those threads as well... I'm glad you are here! Best with your upcoming consult. Will you please let us know how that goes?

Moderators

AB45, welcome to Breastcancer.org! As newly diagnosed, may be worth a visit to our section called Breast Cancer 101. It is place designed for those just diagnosed that will help you learn more about what to expect now and what to ask your doctors. We hope this helps!

Thank you for posting and please, come back to let us know how you're doing!

The Mods