Hello!

Joplinchick

My name is Jill I am 55 and single from Joplin, MO.I was just diagnosed Wednesday with invasive ductal carcinoma. it is small, 5mm but my grade is 3 and nottingham score is 9 so I am concerned that it is fast growing . They have not done the additional tests on the biopsy yet so that is about all I know. I have an appointment with a surgeon this Wednesday and was told he will have additional labs at that time. I just wanted to say hello and I'm glad this support site is here I think this will be very helpful. I'm trying not to get too caught up on the grade 3 until I know more.... Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving ! I'm just getting oriented to everything.

ElaineTherese

Hi Jill!

My cancer was Grade 3, too. But, that turned out to be a blessing. My cancer had an overexpression of the HER2 protein (known as HER2+ cancer), and so I was slated for chemo and targeted therapies (Herceptin and Perjeta). Chemo works best on quickly-dividing cells, so it completely wiped out my active cancer. As a result, I was able to get a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy.

So, yes, Grade 3 cancer is more aggressive, but it is certainly treatable. And you're lucky that your lump is so small! Mine was 5 cm, and it had a lovely satellite growing out of it. My oncologist literally used a ruler to measure it during chemo -- was exciting to watch it shrink.

Welcome, and feel free to ask any questions you might have!!! ((Hugs))

Moderators

Hi there, Joplinchick! We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we're glad you've joined us, and hope this can be a place of support and encouragement as you begin down this road. Please keep us posted on what you learn when you see your surgeon - we're with you every step of the way!

The Mods

LivinLife

Hi Joplin! Just wanted to welcome you. You may want to check out the IDC threads if you haven't already done so. As you know more those threads may be more specific to and for you and any decisions you are making, pros and cons, etc. Hopefully you're not waiting longer for additional results....

msphil

hello sweetie i was diagnosed after finding lump in shower while also planning for our 2nd marriages. Diagnosed with idc stage2 0/3 nodes 3mo chemo before and after Lmast adriamycin cytixin and 5fu. Then got married and then 7wks rads and 5 yrs on Tamoxifen. This yr Praise God 26yr Survivor and also our 26 yr Anniversary. I had my cries but kept Positive thoughts and with my faith i kept Hope. We are here for you. msphil