Need info-newly diagnosed IDC & DCIS

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gullwalk
gullwalk Member Posts: 12
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Just looking for some info- 54  and I was diagnosed 2/25 with grade 3 IDC in my R breast after a sterotactic biopsy(mulitple sites) I had a breast reduction done 2 years ,and have done yearly mamos for as long as I can remember. I also have rheumatoid arthritis and have been on Enbrel for about 2 years. I was going thru the VAMC in Pa , but was told that I should go to another Dr since the that medical center has not done a breast surgery.  The info I got from that surgeon there was I would need a masectomy, possibly a dmx, with raditation and maybe chemo.  I saw a BC surgeon @ Memeorial Sloan Kettering on 3/5 and she also reccomended a masectomy of the R breast, but saw no reason to remove the L . She also thought that this may have been caught early enough that radiation & Chemo might not be needed,but that would depend on the lymph node pathology.She was so extremely positive that it made me feel like this was not going to be as bad as it could be(as if losing a breast was not really so bad). I have an appt to see the PS on 3/12 and will be having my mastectomy on 3/21.I'm in a good place mentally,and have a small but supportive family. I've only told a few select  friends,ones that have been thru this and have found that extremely helpful .The others I will tell after the surgery and after I know what follows it. I am an extremely independent woman and the fact that I must lean on others does bother me.it's not something I am completely comfortable with at all.  But I am learning strength and independence means little compared to the support & love of friends & family .

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2012

    I'm an independent single mom with a house. I know how it can be to have to lean on someone. It actually ends up bringing you closer to those who you allow to help.

    Sorry to hear about your cancer though. However, glad you found your way here.

    There's some information on this site. Are you looking for information that doctors would read and study or just general info?

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  • pennylane
    pennylane Member Posts: 177
    edited March 2012

    Hi Gullwalk...I am 6-years out, yet I remember well, the first few months after dx were the most deeply difficult times of my life...Nothing I had done before prepared me for the depth of emotions I would experience when finally facing the concept of mortality....It is utterly humbling and like you I was kind of a private person...dealing with life's more important issues on my own terms.  In many ways, I think I became a kinder human being when I had to ask so many others for help...by that I mean medical professionals and friends and family....Coming to this support group was one of the best things that happened...I learned so much and everyone here understood and helped to abate my worst fears....I was treated at the msk in NYC...So glad you have chosen to go with a them....takes the guesswork out of all the decisions you would otherwise have to make. Grade3 is pretty common...sounds scarey but high grade is the nature of bc and is nothing to worry about...also responds really well to chemo should you decide to go that route...and by the way, if chemo is recommended do not panic (like I did!)...The anti-nausea drugs are so amazing these days....the most I ever felt was a loss of appetite...never even came close to being sick to my stomach....However, sounds like you have mostly DCIS and chemo indeed probably will not be needed...Anyway just came on here to give you a little support and serve as an example for you, as yet another survivor, still here many years later...as you will be too!!!! Best wishes,P

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  • gullwalk
    gullwalk Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2012

    Well surgery is in 3 days and I've been off my RA meds for about 3 weeks now and it's raising it's painful head. Started yesterday in my R knee and has gotten more painful. The only thing I can take now is the pain meds..Still have somethngs left to do but most of the prep for post surgery are done.And yes Pennylane I think I have found a center and that is soo important

    Had another mamo on the L breast and that looked clear, so it just a matter of getting thru the next 2 days ,and then with any luck I should be good.

    Thank you for all the great support and word of confidence.I am so amazed at how everyone has been  . Will post after the surgery. 

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  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,882
    edited March 2012

    Will say a prayer for you Gullwalk but am sure you will do fine. The worst part of this whole process is almost behind you. Most of us feel better once we have our plan and are working towards kicking cancer butt. Like you, I am fiercely independent so asking for help was humbling. Feel free to reach out with any questions as we are here for you.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    Gullwalk- Just found you and hope you are doing well today.  I know tomorrow is your surgery and I'm sending you lots of hugs, positive thoughts, energy and prayers.  If you need to find some helpful thoughts about getting through your surgery, please go the thread for March 2012 Masectomy in the surgery section of the forum.  You will find me and others who are supporting each other through our journeys. 

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  • Natm71
    Natm71 Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2012

    I am 41 recently diagnosed! Freaking out a bit as it has been a whirlwind of information learning I have BC. I go to oncology tomorrow? I was wondering if I should do chemo or surgery first? I plan on double mastectomy because of history of lumps...... just don't want to always worry??? Do I have to lose my hair too? With chemo? Any information would greatly help! I should know more tomorrow!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited March 2012

    Natm71-Take some deep calming breaths.  I know that it may not be easy to do but as you learn more about your cancer and treatment plan, you will feel better.  You have come to the right place to get the support and info you need.  I would make a list of questions to ask your oncologist at your appointment tomorrow--- just like the ones you listed.  I'd also would have someone go with you to your appointment to give you support and listen to and write down what is being said.  You may also take a recorder to record your meeting.   Never hesistate to get on the boards here and reach out for support and information.  Sending you lots of (((HUGS))), positive thoughts, energy and prayers. 

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  • Natm71
    Natm71 Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2012

    Thanks melrosemelrose- I think this discussion board is just what I need right now! Having support from women who have done this is comforting during this crazy uncertain time. I am hoping to feel better when a plan of action is decided! Thanks for the thoughts and I will post more soon!!!!thank you for the thoughts and hugs! I am trying to be positive, Just a surreal moment in my life!?!?


    Diagnosis: 3/16/2012, IDC, 4cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/0 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-
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  • beergirl
    beergirl Member Posts: 334
    edited March 2012

    I had a bilateral mastectomy four years ago today. It was borderline whether or not I needed chemo, but I decided to do it. I'm still here and will soon be 70. My last 3 page lab report was ALL NORMAL,  for the first time.  I want to encourage all women diagnosed with breast cancer.

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  • Natm71
    Natm71 Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2012

    Needed that!!!! Oncology appt today! First time!

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  • beergirl
    beergirl Member Posts: 334
    edited March 2012

    Natm71, How did your oncology appointment go? Let us know how you are doing. Continue reading and posting here. I found the best information on these boards. I went into appointments with my surgeon and oncologist armed with a written list of questions that I compiled by reading here. I remember my surgeon's comments. "You're asking all the right questions. How did you know to ask this?" You are strong. Fight the fight. (((Hugs to you))).

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  • gullwalk
    gullwalk Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2012

    Hey ladies,  Thank you for all your words of support. I think everyone here is amazing . Reading the post and seeing what everyone is experiencing has help me .

    I know it's been a month since surgery and I finally have met with the oncologist Surgery was good, no lymph node involvment.  I do not have to radiation,but the MO thinks because it was a multifocal cancer that I should do chemo, as she says a gentle chemo,is there such a thing??She  also said there were some cells in the lymphatic issue. I think in my mind I thought I would be taking some meds and moving on..boy was I a fool. Nope noting that simple. Medication conflicts, schedualing problems, P/T for cording in my surgical shoulder. One good thing today was I do not have any co-pay for the oncotype testing !!   .There is so much more to learn ,thanks again for shreing & supporting !!

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  • vickilind61
    vickilind61 Member Posts: 338
    edited April 2012

    Gullwalk, so glad to hear the surgery went well.  Hope they are able to get your meds figured out soon so you can get your R/A back under control.

    I understand the idea of "nothing that simple".  My story keeps changing; "easy" DCIS and short radiation, then tumors during lumpectomy, tested positive for HER2, etc, etc.  Now, gotta see what happens with the lymphnodes, which they will take during my mastectomy on the 9th.

    Like you, one plus is that I've reached my max out-of-pocket for the fiscal year (which ends June 30?!)

    Maybe the doc is talking about Herceptin as a "gentle" chemo, which is for when you test positive for HER2?  Let me know and all my thoughts and prayers are with you!

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