Daughter just diagnosed

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Analee
Analee Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Caring for Someone with Breast cancer

Today is a very sad day for me as my 36 year old daughter gave me the news she has breast cancer.  I dont know much about it and I want to learn as much as I can.   The pathology reports says it is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and also Ductal Carcinoma in situ, high grade.  What does this mean?   I am so worried because she had a large lump and we dont know how long this cancer was growing.

I would appreciate any information anyone can give me. 

Thank you and God Bless you.

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  • borntosurvive
    borntosurvive Member Posts: 213
    edited December 2012

    Hi Analee:  I was diagnosed last year at age 33 years.  Mine was also the same type as your daughters and very aggressive.  My surgeon told me that most young woman's breast cancers are level 3 - or most aggressive.  That also means that the more aggressive, the better response to chemo.  Mine was just shy of 3cms when it was removed and I also had DCIS in my left breast.  The DCIS is pre cancer cells that may or may not ever turn into "active" cancer cells.  IDC is the most common form of breast cancer and it means that it started in the duct of her breast.  Given her age and the aggression of her cancer, she'll likely need chemo no matter what she decides/did for surgery.  I chose to have a double mastectomy and that was before I got my pathology and knew about the stage, level etc.  It means she has a bit of a bumpy road but it also means that she WILL get through this.  My boys were 3 and 1.5 years when I was diagnosed.  I am now 1 year past diagnosis and surgery and 8 months post chemo.  It feels like and is a long road but she will come out the other side of it.  Stay positive, stay OFF the internet, trust the team of doctors she has and ask lots of questions.  Stand by her, hold her hand, let her cry, let her scream and just be there.  Thinking of you all and I am sorry that you have to go through this. 

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  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited December 2012

    Hello...im so sorry mama...but, I just wanted to try and help a little...stay away from Dr. Google. Always take one step at a time. Many women go through treatment very well. Check out the Shopping Thread for Chemotherapy if she does chemo. Get her on these boards!!! Tons and tons of love, sisterhood, experience...etc. everyone's journey is so different. ..and be sure to never assume anything as its impossible to fully understand what she is going through mentally or physically....

    ((((Hugs))))

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  • Analee
    Analee Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2012

    Thank you borntosurvive.  I am confused because for the same tumor it says the DCIS and also IDC.  Does that mean she has 2 different types of cancer in one lump.  Also her lymph node is quite inflamed but nothing was mentioned about her lymph node on the report. 

    Thank you fuzzylemon.  I am just going to rely on the boards and get support from here.  No google for me

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  • Musicmomjv
    Musicmomjv Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2012

    Hi Analee

    I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year. Not something I ever wanted to hear. At first I was told it was DCIS. This was after a mammogram and biopsy. Meaning in is noninvasive and only contained to the breast. After my MRI I was diagnosed with IDC invasive ductal carcinoma. This means it had gone beyond the ducts into the breast.

    I had 3 tumors the largest being 1cm. Mine was also multifocal. So it was in 3 areas of my breast. Stage 1slow growing. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy. Pathology showed no lymph node involvement. I will be on hormone therapy tamoxifen for 5 years. In nov. I had expanders exchanged out for implants. Will have 1 more surgery in Feb. this whole thing is very scary. Allow yourself to cry if you feel you need to. Go with your feelings and don't try to suppress them. You will get through it just try to stay positive and rely on others for support.

    Will be thinking of you and wishing you all the best.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2012

    Welcome to Breastcancer.org, Analee.

    As well as the personal experiences and advice from other members, the main Breastcancer.org site is a vast resource to help you and your daughter learn more about BC.

    Your Diagnosis walks through every line of the pathology report, linking to detailed explanations of the terms and their meaning.

    Types of Breast Cancer defines the major types.

    Best wishes, to your daughter and to you.

    • The Mods

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  • angsmom
    angsmom Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2013

    Analee - my daughter Angie has breast cancer too and is IDC grade 3.  She was diagnosed at 32.   It has been an emotional rollercoaster from the beginning.  She went through surgery, chemo, and radiation and was cancer free for nearly 2 years.  Unfortunately her cancer returned in 2011 so now we are battling Stage IV.

    I agree with staying away from google.  The ladies on this board, my daughter and her doctor have provided me all the information I have requested.  It has helped me to learn as much as I can about her condition and especially the type of cancer.  Angie is HER2+ and that makes a difference in treatments, etc.  Right now she is on a new chemo and is doing really well.  She just turned 38.

    I am sorry you have to go through this but the support here has helped me and I am sure it will help you too.

    I will keep you and your daughter in my prayers.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited January 2013

    Analee I just sent you a PM

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