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iluvgsd5
iluvgsd5 Member Posts: 20
edited December 2015 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I am 45 years old and after week and half of tears and anxiety today my biopsy confirmed that I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. These are words that I thought would never come out of my mouth!! It appears that this was an early catch, I believe the lump was appx 1cm, but I won't know if it has spread until I have surgery and they check the lymp nodes. I spoke with a surgeon today and was presented with two options. A lumpectomy with radiation or a mastectomy. Plus, it was mentioned that since I am young that chemo would be part of that equation.

My head is spinning as what is the right decision to make. Both options have the same outcome and my doctor told me that the cure rate is the same. Does anyone have any advice or experience for this newbie! Loose a breast or keep it and have radiation???

I also see so many story of numerous doctor consults and what not. All I have seen so far, is a surgeon to talk about the lumpectomy/mastectomy, of course, there was the mamo and visits with the radiologist. However, should there be more or does it get more intense after a lumpectomy or mastectomy? Maybe it's just because my nerves are shot but it seems like there should be more.

Right now, as many of you are, I'm scared and not sure what to do! Would anyone suggest asking more questions to the doctor?

I am so glad there is an outlet to ask some of these question...thank you



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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited December 2015

    his probably won't help you decide, but radiation for many of us is painless. I had whole breast radiation 15 years ago and I hardly even pinked up nor was I tired. The biggest pain in the ass is driving there every day. Not everyone has this experience, but I'm pointing out that the side effects of any treatment are NOT universal to everyone.

    I did have a lumpectomy and radiation 15 years ago, but had another primary cancer show up 4 years ago and this time, I had a mastectomy and chemo. For me, chemo was definitely harder to take than radiation.

    If I were you, I'd consult with a radiation oncologist and medical oncologist and get their thoughts. They can also take your case to tumor board if you want, and then you'll get a raft of opinions.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2015

    Jacqueline-

    We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We are so sorry you find yourself here, but we're glad you've found us. We know it's a scary and confusing time, but just know that are not alone, and this entire community is here to support you! Here are some links that you may find helpful as you navigate the first days and weeks of your diagnosis: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/5/topics/....

    Please let us know if we can be of any assistance!

    The Mods

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  • LisaAlissa
    LisaAlissa Member Posts: 1,092
    edited December 2015

    Hi Jacqueline!

    The decision between lumpectomy/radiation and mastectomy is one many of us face. There are so many things to consider when you're making your decision. "Here" is a post from one of our most articulate members (Beesie) about things you might want to consider when making such a decision. Many people have found it very helpful...and you might too!

    Increasingly, your medical oncologist (MO) might want to talk to you about neo-adjuvent (before surgery) therapies. I have no idea if anything of the sort would be suggested for you, given the size of your tumor. But given that they're talking about chemo, making an appointment to interview one or more MOs before surgery might not be a bad idea, so if they want to suggest such a thing they can...

    One of the things to remember is that your docs wouldn't be offering you a choice of "this or that" if there were a truly "wrong" decision between the ones they have described to you. Each choice has different ramifications. And it's up to you to sort out what you will be able to best live with. We'll be glad to help you, but the decision really has to be yours.

    I had DCIS, rather than IDC, but still faced the same decision they're asking you to make. I can tell you what I decided (lumpectomy and mammosite radiation), but there are just as many women who have made other decisions. You need to decide which decision is right for you...Hang in there!

    HTH (and please come back and talk with us),

    LisaAlissa

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  • iluvgsd5
    iluvgsd5 Member Posts: 20
    edited December 2015

    Thank you for the information, it is all so overwhelming...The surgeon told me that the cure rate is the same for me whether I have lumpectomy or mastectomy. I feel that if the cure rate is the same it makes sense for me to do the lumpectomy. I get confused because some of the information "out there" states that there is a higher reoccurrence with lumpectomy versus mastectomy. I am sure it all depends on the stage of the cancer???

    I think before I do anything speaking with a medical oncologist may not be a bad idea.

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