newly diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer in breast

Nancy, this is so rough in the beginning. Once you know your treatment plan things become a little clearer.

You can do this, stay strong. We are all here for you! As Plumster said, ask questions or for support - whatever you need.

Hello!  I also was just diagnosed on 9.18.  I met with a surgeon and have surgery planned for Oct. 26.  Not much else is certain except that my tumor is about 6mm to 1cm and grade one.  I know I will have radiation, but not much more.  I understand how you feel and am here for you.  We can go through this together.

Hi Nancy,

Welcome and sorry for your diagnosis. I had a very similiar DX at the start of my journey too. I am a month shy of my 5 year mark and life is good for me, I hope this gives you hope. Right now you are still gathering information. It does help to have someone go with you to see your surgeon, both before and after, to make sure you get all the information correctly. There is a lot to process. Best of luck to you!

Anna

I was diagnosed on 10/6 and have had two surgeries (segmental mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy). I will find out next Tuesday (the 13th) whether the cancer has spread. My surgeon doctor has told me very little, other than they did find cancer on lumpectomy (previously diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia). It is so hard to wait to find out what is going on. My sister died at the age of 45 of bc after fighting it, off and on, for 10 years. I am grateful I have gotten older, but it doesn't really mean it is easy. I am menopausal (at 64) and realize I have had a great life, but I am worried about treatments (radiation, possible chemo according to my doctor). Even though it seems like a lot of waiting, a lot has happened, too, since that first "suspicious" mammogram in June. I am very sore and anxious, and people keep asking me about "staging" and "type" and I don't know anything except ibc.

Thanks for your reply. I will certainly be asking more questions on my appointment in two days. Seems like all my questions just went out of my head, when he said "cancer". I will ask for copies of the path reports, as well.

Just want to say that often pathology reports and other testing results are available online at patient portals. I found it really helpful to look at them carefully before talking with my doctors, honestly. I also made copies and took them to other doctors because the electronic records don't always work!!

Hi again. Chevyboy, I am wondering about the Onco test. I have received one pathology report, but nothing says anything about this. I was told my "histological report" was not ready yet (I think that is what he called it) and now have been referred on to Radiation. The first visit they didn't schedule me for treatment, because my breast was swollen and red, with several hard lumps (blood?). I go back tomorrow, and things in my breast have calmed down a lot, so I guess they will do a scan (for positioning, they said) and take measurements? I don't know if they will do a first radiation treatment. Is the Onco test you refer to part of a "histological report"? I really don't know what to expect. Everyone says Radiation is a piece of cake, with the worst thing being maybe a "sunburn" affect. I guess I will find out soon enough. I really appreciate your helpful comments.

Hi, Chevy is real worried about a real time friend, she may not be back here for a few days.

Normally what happens with rads, your first visit is with the RO, then you come back for tattoos. They are just tiny ink dots, don't hurt. Then you are on the table for mapping. Then Finally you start actual tx. Seems like that all took a week or so. Then you go Every.Darn.Day. for tx. That's what makes it sooooooo tireing!!

You will see nurse all the time, doc once a week. If your skin even looks like something is going on, Speak Up!!! They can recommend things, write Rx or give you a break.

Best wishes.

Dear jennsaro, Welcome to the community although we are sorry for your diagnosis. Many here will say that the waiting is the most stressful part of the diagnosis. While you are waiting for some additional thoughts here is a link to our site about Questions to ask you Surgeon. It may be helpful to review in advance of your appointment tomorrow. Please let us know how it goes. The Mods

All the tests you may need, the surgeons schedule, it takes time. You want it done yesterday, another month or so is ok. Honest. You may have chemo before surgery. I did.

Remember to breathe, try to stay occupied. If you need to, ask for some meds to help with anxiety.