Poorly differentiated ductile carcinoma

AvaG

I am a 43 year old woman who just received biopsy results- poorly differentiated ductile carcinoma- ER+ /PR -/HER2 - . I have an appt with the surgeon and oncologist at Mount Sinai tomorrow morning and a second opinion with a surgeon and Weil Medical. I am trying to stay focused on supportive family and friends and comprehensive insurance and resources to treat this, but my nerves are fried waiting for more information. The doctors want to move as quickly as possible with appointments but said this is very treatable. I am grateful because it doesn't appear to have spread to lymph nodes, but I am obviously terrified and have never had a health scare before. As my primary physician reminded me this morning, "You are my healthiest patient." I've set up appts with all the recommended doctors/surgeons/oncologists, in addition to acupuncturists, herbalists, and integrative medicine places. Any insight would be helpful as I try to navigate these very early stages. thank you in advance for your virtual support!

Beesie

Ava, sorry you got the bad news.

I hope that the full pathology report is available tomorrow when you see the surgeon and the MO. The ER, PR and HER2 status is critical to the next steps. With an ER+ / HER2- cancer, surgery is likely to be next. However for cancers that are HER2+ or triple negative (ER-/PR-/HER2-), chemo is often done prior to surgery. So no decisions can be made without this information.

Be sure to get a copy of the pathology report.

Good luck tomorrow, and let us know how it goes.

moth

Hi, sorry you're joining us here. Does it say if it's in situ or invasive? Poorly differentiated usually refers to Grade but you need to know if it's IDC or DCIS

AvaG

invasive. I should know more tomorrow. Thank you for your kind responses:

Rah2464

AvaG sorry to hear you are joining our little group. Please let us know how your appointment goes. There are so many wonderful, knowledgeable women on here. The first few days it feels like you get information in drips and sometimes the picture changes a bit. I know it doesn't really help to have your GP speak about how healthy you are when you are facing a cancer diagnosis. But in reality it is a big plus. Your body will be stronger to handle whatever treatment that is ahead of you. Glad to hear that you will be working with an acupuncturist and an integrative team, those are two great adds to your arsenal. I hope those services become more mainstream. Best of luck at your appointment.

Melbo

I was diagnosed at 42 and am almost a year into this crap at this point. I was HER2+ so chemo wasn't even a question. I've always been healthy and active and before this and only saw a doctor every year so I could get birth control. Chemo was way easier than I thought it would be, especially with no kids and a very supportive husband. Not my favorite experience at all, and I truly hope I never have to go through it again, but it was not nearly as bad as I imagined it.

LivinLife

I just want to chime in with support Ava! Glad they are getting things moving for you - you will be able to do this! Lots of information and support on this site to help you as was already mentioned....

kstroff

Age 64 Up coming surgery, this Monday, May 24 Left (Lumpectomy). Having a Mammo needle localization and Mammo Sentinel Node Injection. More anxious about needle localization and sentinel node than surgery. Do they numb you up enough for these procedures?

moth

kstroff, yes you should get local anesthetic. All you should feel is the first pinch of the needle and then the freezing starts working very quickly. If you feel pain, let them know!

Also if the local stings, ask them to slow down. It stings if they inject quickly but should be painless otherwise.