Invasive ductal carcinoma

I know it will be hard to do but start learning about the type of cancer you have so you can make informed decisions about treatments.  You need to know what hormone receptors your cancer has, if any.  Approximate size of the tumor and location of the tumor.  In my case my survival rate was the same with a lumpectomy (partial mastectomy) or a full mastectomy, and the course of chemo and radiation were the same.  I am also 56 yo, age can change things.  The grade of the tumor is important also.  The pathology report should have this info in it, ask for one if the have not provided you with it.

I was diagnosed Nov 13,2013, had last chemo on April 25th, last rads on June 30th, it was tough but do-able.  My MO gave me an 85% survival rate, that means I have beat this!  You can too.  These forums are a great place to learn, listen and bitch to, the support is amazing, you are not alone.

For now, you "only" have to get through tonight.  Treat yourself. Cry if that helps you.  Or have an "adult beverage."  Or do research into the wee hours.  Or snuggle under a blanket and watch a movie-thon until dawn.  Or hug everyone you know.  Or whatever gets you through the night.  (I don't REALLY recommend staying up all night; you'll be getting SO much information tomorrow. But, let's face it, sleep might not come easily anyway unless you have something you can do or take to relax. Unless you're like me.  I wasn't a cryer--I'm very pragmatic and analytical).

Then take a breath and dive in again tomorrow because you'll want your wits about you.  Take a loved one or friend if you can find one and they're willing.  Ask for copies of your reports so you can look at them by yourself later because you won't remember everything they say.  Then have ANOTHER night off.  And maybe even the weekend!  OK, you won't be able to stop yourself from thinking and talking and researching and wondering and deciding.  You'll have been given options, and they may feel like night versus day.  Maybe you'll need to make another appointment once you've thought about things. But don't feel like you're under the gun to jump into a decision.  Take your time. This didn't happen overnight and it won't change overnight.

And, about 5 years from now, you'll be on here giving this same advice to someone else. 

Best to you.

The day I was diagnosed my daughter took me to the botanical gardens where we just enjoyed nature, barely even talked about it, then dinner at out favorite taco place (with an adult beverage).  Just needed that calm before the storm.  There were a lot of tears as I talked with family, a lot of tears when I was alone, tears can be good.
I took a note pad to appointments, my daughter went to some with me, I knew I would not remember everything!

Bippy

this is so anxiety producing-- and the reports are always filled with words that are terrifying to look at.  Here is what helped me.  I took (and still take) a digital voice recorder to every doctor meeting along with a list of questions.  In the early diagnostic stages, while it totally sucked to have breast cancer. there were lots of good things my docs were saying to me--- but I was just too freaked out to hear them.  So, after we would come home and some time would pass, I would listen to the recordings and reassure myself as the docs were talking.  I heard my onc say "this is curable" heard my surgeon say " this is very solvable" heard the radiologist say " this is just a bump in the road".... and all sorts of other things that really helped me through the tough nights during the diagnostic phase.  It is the hardest part.  

I suggest that you review the report with your doc so that they can explain each line to you--- if that is the kind of information you need.  Some people need to know that, others just need to know what the next step is.  You will learn which type you are as you go through the process.  I keep copies of all my reports, etc.  but I really rely on my office visits to inform myself about what is happening with me and my situation.  I am almost 6 years out and I still go to my annual onc visit with the voice recorder.  I also used it recently as I had a thyroid issue and had to have my thyroid removed.  I loved hearing the surgeon say on the tape "your prognosis is outstanding".... this is what worked for me--- may or may not work for you..... 

This is the hardest part-the diagnosis, waiting for results, developing a plan.  It is likely that you have time to think about this, get second opinions if you think it makes sense, etc.  Ask for the oncotype test which would help you in the decision making around chemo.

Like a prior post here- I can tell you my timeline was lumpectomy in November, chemo in Jan/Feb, radiation in March/April/May and 5 years of hormonal drugs.... I worked throughout most of the treatment my kids were 7&12 at the time... it was not easy, but it can be done.  but you may not need all of that or may decide not to do all of that--- once you have all of your data, you can make an evidence-based decision with the recommendation of yourdr.  Always ask"If I was your favorite sister, what would you recommend?"  

I still have all of the recordings on my voice recorder... I can hear the fear in my own voice as I talk with the dr.  So much I did not know-- so terrified that my life was over.  Truth is, they really know what they are doing in breast cancer--- and the type you have is very very common....

We all know what you are going through-- please be sure to come back and let us know as you gather more information.  My new favorite mantra from Robin Roberts' book is "Focus on the solution, not the problem."  That is what you will be able to do once you have all of your information.

Hi Bippy, 

   I was diagnosed yesterday too with IDC.  I am still waiting for more info as well.  I'll be keeping my eye open for your posts.  I hope your day is better than yesterday.  I know that mine is a little bit so far.

Liz

Hi Bippy,

Your pathology report sounds like you are "triple positive" - like me.  Meaning that your tumor has both estrogen and progesterone receptors - and will be responsive to hormonal therapy that blocks estrogen - tamoxifen if you are before menopause, or one of the aromatase inhibitors if you are post menopause.   The Her2neu positive status means that your tumor has a receptor for the human epidermal growth factor - a protein - and there is a drug called Herceptin that treats this.  Her2 positive used to be a bad diagnosis before Herceptin - nowadays, Herceptin works very well.  Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody - without major side effects, but possible heart complications, but most often given with chemo.  

My own trajectory: diagnosis with needle biopsy.  Grade 3, Stage 2.   I had two tumors, not too big.   I had a lumpectomy.   I had one positive node.   After surgery I had 18 weeks of chemo - 2 chemo drugs plus Herceptin - one treatment every 3 weeks for 6 treatments.  After that I just had Herceptin for one year.   I also had Radiation after the 18 weeks of chemo.

I'm doing ok.   Chemo sucked, but it ended.  Radiation wasn't that bad.  It is overwhelming, but it gets easier.  Best of luck to you.

Hello, 

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I got diagnosed June 9. I had double mastectomy and I'm glad I did. My right breast had cell changes too. I will be starting chemo on Wednesday. 

Hi Bippy, How are you doing? I hope you keep posting. It's good therapy and it's good to talk with others who've been where you are.

Hello,

I have just detected and operated also. Could you pls. narrate the no. of cycles of chemo taken, i have started 1st cycle. How many days interval the cycle counts.

Thank you.

I had inductive ductal carcinoma

 Stage 2a clear margins PR 100% and ER 99%  lymph node. Neg Her 2 neg. my onco score was 17. So chemo was no of benefit . Had a lumpectomy . Lots of variables. Other health issues, age, doc recommendation patient choice. If reading about this stuff does not overwhelm you , reading can I power you. Helps to inform decisions . Get more that one opinion, especially if you have not read up or your gut tells you. By reading on here you will find doctors differ on their knowledge.

Thank you guys for all the information.  I will keep you guys posted.

Mindfilnezz

my lump was found mid june and i had surgery mid august. My tumour was grade 3 triple neg.  i felt like it all moved pretty quickly.

Best of luck to you. Stick around here for support and information.