Just Diagnosed - IDC grade 3

Mk2615

Hi!

I was officially diagnosed yesterday with IDC grade 3 yesterday. It is in at least one lymph node (they said 15 mm of cortical thickness positive for metastatic carcinoma - don’t really understand what that means, other then the fact that the cancer is definitely in that lymph node). Apparently it had also extended out of the lymph node (extranodal extension). We are still waiting for the results of the other tests.

I met with the radiologist for my results yesterday and they got me set up to meet a surgeon next week. They said the surgeon will act as my team lead and organize my care. I guess my big question is, is that the way it normally works? Should I expect to meet with an oncologist at some point? Do they usually do surgery first and the other stuff later? Also, will they check the rest of my body for cancer, or do we just assume it is only in that boob and lymph node? They did note some other grouping of calcifications on my mammo, that the radiologist said will likely be considered guilty by association.

I am sure that the surgeon will be able to provide me with answers to all of these questions on Wednesday, but I am trying to do research prior to that appointment. I am hoping to understand what most people go through, that way I can get a feel for what question I might need to ask her if my path differs from the norm.

Thank you all in advance for your help! Reading posts in this group was so helpful as I waited for my results to come in last week!

moth

Sorry you find yourself here with a confirmed diagnosis.

Your hormone markers and the size of the tumor often dictate the order of treatment. A couple of presentations call for chemo first, then surgery but most of the time it's surgery first, then you meet with the oncologist and decide on next parts of the treatment.

They should give you a preliminary staging - final stage is determined after surgery but you should have a prelim one one. Stage is not the same as grade, just in case you haven't come across all that terminology yet. Grade just tells you how fast the cells are multiplying.

Whether they scan other parts of the body depends a lot on your age, the tumor markers, and how it's presenting as well as some MO / facility / insurance policies. Some people have scans, others just have a blood test + physical exam and in the absence of symptoms suggesting spread, they won't run more tests. Whichever they recommend, they should give you an explanation for their recommendation.

edj3

Also if you have a nurse navigator at your treatment facility, she/he can be a real help in answering questions and generally helping you sort all this out.

AlwaysMeC

I was diagnosed on a Friday after a biopsy Tuesday. Metastatic node just means there's evidence the cancer is in the lymph node. It's farther than local, but still regional, in the area of the breast. Depending on your treatment plan, they may biopsy during surgery or send you for more scans.

My primary doc set me up with the surgeon first for the following Friday and then the oncologist the Wednesday after. When I met with my surgeon, he went through the explanation of what was going to happen, then set up the CT and Bone scans because I also had a positive node in the axilla. My scans were done the next Friday, so two weeks in all after diagnosis. After, we had a good hour long appointment, the surgeon made sure I understood what was happening and told me that he wouldn't be seeing me until after chemotherapy. I have to do chemo first because of the subtype of bc I was diagnosed with. So at that point, my oncologist took over. He let me know what the chemo plan was and also scheduled an ultrasound of my heart to make sure everything is good to go. I'll be starting chemo next Thursday, April 29. So from start to finish it was a March 29 mammo, March 30 biopsy, April 2 dx, surgeon April 9, onc April 14, scans April 16, scan results April 17, outpatient surgery port April 20, chemo april 29. I also joined a support group early on. They have been very helpful in transitioning me to the start of chemo. I was hesitant at first, but it feels good to know there are more people who understand what I'll be going through and they've been really gracious offering support whenever it's needed. I was surprised that the chemo patient education is only scheduled for the day prior to chemo, so it got me doing research on prepping for the actual day of, like what to bring, etc... I think a day prior is cutting it pretty close, and knowing me I wouldn't be prepared at all for the next day! I'm sending you positive thoughts!

LivinLife

Just want to welcome you mk!!! Sorry you need to be here though as you've likely seen it's a great place for info and support!

Moderators

Mk2615, we're so very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. We hope you find the Community helpful as you navigate treatment and beyond -- we're all here for you!

Please keep us posted with how things go once you meet with your surgeon!

--The Mods