Invasive is a scary term -- or not ??

Sherry, invasive (as opposed to in situ) means that the cancer cells have the ability to travel to lymph nodes and beyond.  In situ -- often used as DCIS or LCIS, depending on whether it's ductal or lobular -- is the earlier, non-invasive form, which, in most cases, does not travel.  Many times women have some of both, but invasive or infiltrating (same meaning), which is what most of us have, just means it's capable of moving elsewhere, so cannot be ignored. 

We all freak out in the beginning, but the important thing will be finding out the size of your lesion, and if it's anywhere else, such as in a lymph node.  As long as it's caught early, the majority of women with invasive bc have treatment and go on with their lives. 

Oh, and by the way -- new members are limited to 5 posts within a 24-hr. period.  If you use your 5, you can still communicate through the Private Message feature here by clicking on a screen name or avatar, which will take you to a page that has that feature.      Deanna

Hi SherryBW,

I'm sorry you have been diagnosed-I too was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in July of '08. I think extreme fear is understandable and normal when given a cancer diagnosis. Invasive means that the cancer has invaded surrounding normal tissue and has the capacity to spread to other sites in the body-very scary stuff. I had paralyzing fear for a long time. This site, and the support, information here are a big comfort-glad you have found it early on.

You will get more information from the MRI and other tests that have been done-some factors will be size, hormone receptor status, grade (rate of aggressiveness), and lymph node status. Final pathology will be complete after the tumor is removed-then you will have  a plan of action. That helps with the fear.

I want to leave you with a glimpse of the future: I am home today taking a day off after nipple reconstruction.  I am enjoying the soft breeze under the pergola outside. I don't think about breast cancer all the time like I did when first diagnosed, and I hope I have been of help to you. 

You will get through this.

Hugs,

Catherine 

Sherry,

The word invasive is scary--remember it means the cells CAN move-not that they have moved.  When they remove it they can tell you more about the characteristics (stage and grade) and having the oncotype test will also help you make treatment decisions.  According to my onc, lobulars are slow growing-- so that is a good thing!

 they will give you the info you need to know, then you can start to make decisions.  This will get sooo much better once you have a plan..... I promise.  

 For what it is worth, I am 18  months out of diagnosis-- I worked full time during treatment, I have young children---and I feel fabulous!  I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation and am on hormonal drugs.... doing really really well.  And, I rarely think of breast cancer--I consider myself cured because that is how my oncolgists talks..... I agree with her.....

all the best-keep coming back-we will help you out.