Recently Diagnosed with IDC

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Msrobinberry
Msrobinberry Member Posts: 2

as Diagnosed with IDC to left breast 3 weeks ago. Had Breast Lumpectomy done 5/23/16. Never felt so alone til now. Go back to surgeon 6/2/16 for follow up after surgery. So scared of the unknown. Will be planning treatment at that appointment. I cry a lot lately. Trying to find my inner strength.

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited May 2016

    Hi there. Sorry you have to be here but welcome. I know you will find this forum both comforting and informative. Please take the time to fill out your stats so that we have your information and can then help you better. Im sorry you feel so alone. We all know how you feel. The beginning of this process is the worst. Good luck to you. Please feel free to private message me if you want to talk more details.....

  • CJSharma
    CJSharma Member Posts: 464
    edited May 2016

    Oh, I'm so sorry you are so alone. We're here for you, but I get that virtual friends are not the same as real ones. IDC is the most common form of breast cancer and is highly treatable. I was a wreck until I had a plan, and once I did, I felt better. Please join some of the conversations here. The women and men on this board are amazing and give a lot of support. Hugs to you.

  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited May 2016

    Truly, once you have had a little education and a better understanding, the big huge fear hanging over your head changes to a much smaller doable fear. Tha plan really does help. We will be here to support you

  • Llroseworld
    Llroseworld Member Posts: 23
    edited June 2016

    I was diagnosed in early March and had partial mycetomy two days later. After healing from infection after surgery I begin chemo June 16th. It is scary and feeling alone is normal. I encourage you to reach out to a local church, these boards, and find others like us to share your journey with. We will get through this...

  • jenn32214
    jenn32214 Member Posts: 89
    edited June 2016

    Feeling pretty lonely and scared myself. Just had my lumpectomy on June 2. Doing my best to rest and recover. They keep telling me its early, but all the tests and biopsies I've already had just to get to this point have been an emotional and physical roller coaster ride.And as far as I am concerned I still won't really know the fuller picture until my all important pathology report comes back from surgery, I have my followup appointment with my BS scheduled for 6/10/2016

    I'd be crying more too, if I weren't still so much in the shock, numb, and fear stage.


  • Jbakerwebb
    Jbakerwebb Member Posts: 34
    edited June 2016

    I was diagnosed in April. Two surgeries later (because cancer was in margins and lymph) am scheduled to start chemo June 15. Up until now I haven't had time to think about anything let alone process it. I know I'm going to be ok stage II A. Now that I'm recovered from surgery and feeling physically better I'm thinking about chemo. I've had faith that God will be glorified as I go through this process however I am human and haven't allowed myself to feel until now......and I am blue. I've said for years that if we didn't have bad days the good days would be taken for granted and life would be dull so I'm applying that to my life right now. Fortunate I have a tremendous support system which I believe is crucial. Lean in them. If you don't have that find a support group. If you don't let it out it will come out somehow. It will get out! You may as wel escort it out faced head on! I'm a cancer baby so I'm not experienced with it but I'm big on keeping healthy mentally. Bless you and look up!!

  • DaraB
    DaraB Member Posts: 945
    edited June 2016

    I was diagnosed with 2 cm IDC about 3 weeks ago. I'm getting so antsy because while I'm going through additional tests, I feel like I'm just wasting valuable time. I had a breast MRI last week, extensive genetic testing, and this week will have another ultrasound, possibly more biopsies, and meet again with the surgeon. The original biopsy was not tested according to protocols, so I still don't know if it's receptor + or HER2 +. I keep imagining that I'm feeling pain under my arm, in the breast, and just all over. Not sleeping very well, but do have an incredible support system. I just lost my older sister to breast cancer in October, so when I got this diagnosis, it sent the whole family reeling! I've tried to take control with changing diet, looking at cancer fighting foods etc., just so I feel like I'm actively doing something. Everyone says the waiting is the hardest thing. These blogs really help. I constantly think of a question Id like to ask my sister, but can't. Thanks for all the sharing and support!


  • Hopefloatsinyyc
    Hopefloatsinyyc Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2016

    Im awaiting surgery as well... Diagnosed at start of May. I think no matter how many people we have supporting us in the real world, bcis a scary and lonely place. Thank God for these boards- the support is amazing and the amount of information is so reassuring in preparing and going through this journey.

  • DaraB
    DaraB Member Posts: 945
    edited June 2016

    I definitely agree. I think I have an idea which direction I'll opt for, and then I read some of the entries here and think maybe there are other options. It sounds like you are having the mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time. Good luck, and keep us posted with how it all goes. Dara

  • Blinkie
    Blinkie Member Posts: 169
    edited June 2016

    I just joined the Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Club, having been a member of the Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Club since 2007. The new diagnosis came only after the recent surgery; before the pathology studies they thought it was just another instance of DCIS.

    Like others who have posted, I am being tossed about by emotions of all kinds. Every thought and feeling seems to be chopped up; I think this, then I think that, then I feel this, then I feel that. Shambolic. It helps to read about what others are thinking and feeling so thank you all.

  • Hopefloatsinyyc
    Hopefloatsinyyc Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2016

    welcome essieart.


    None of us want to be here, but it's nice that we have one another!!!


    Not sure if you have filled out your profile (DX, SX, chemo plan etc) but if you do, and click to make it public- others can see your journey and find common ground in similar diagnosis or treatment.

  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited June 2016

    I just want to welcome you ladies to the BCO. You're in the right place. If you haven't looked at the Lumpectomy Lounge, I'd encourage you to do so. We have a marvelous group of women over there, most of whom have had lumpectomies, but some have also had mastectomies with or without reconstruction. Some have had chemo, some have not. All are on some type of hormone suppression. Some of us have gene mutations which have driven our treatment, too. Please join us. We are a warm, welcoming bunch.

    Cathy

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topics/800729?page=566#idx_16976

  • tsoebbin
    tsoebbin Member Posts: 474
    edited June 2016

    I'm scheduled for dmx June 29... I'm ready to move forward and I think that's partially due to the information on these boards. It's priceless.

  • KareninFlorida
    KareninFlorida Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2016

    I was diagnosed with IDC in late May. I have had a biopsy and an MRI and will have a lumpectomy this week. Very scared about the results of the sentinel lymph node biopsy as that seems to be important to determining the rest of my treatment. Most days I seem ok but very alone in dealing with this. My daughter and my best friend are wonderful but my husband is somewhat unresponsive to what I am going through. This is a big disappointment as i have always been there for him when he went through various medical treatments. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this. All docs and other medical folks have assured me i will be fine, but at this stage its hard for me to be so positive. Anyway this is how I am feeling.

  • labscientistmom
    labscientistmom Member Posts: 287
    edited June 2016

    Hi Msrobinberry: I was diagnosed the day after my birthday at the end of March. I waited 2 weeks to have my surgery. I remember waking up the next day with this profoundly creepy feeling of there is something malevolent and evil eating me and we HAVE TO GET IT OUT NOW!!!! it was the worst, like I had a spider on me or a leech or bugs in my clothes. The waiting is the worst part i think, once the surgery gets done, you get a plan in place, see the oncologist, and get your path report, you should feel more in control of this whole insane, crazy jacked-up thing that is cancer and sort of takes over your life a bit.

    DaraB: I see you are here in SoCal, I am in San Fernando Valley. I lost my sister to breast cancer about 2 years ago now, and my heart spasmed a bit to hear you say, I wish I could ask my sister stuff, and I can't. She didn't share a lot of it with me, in fact didn't tell me that she had bad mets in her liver and not much time left until she crashed and was on hospice. I respect that as her choice, but it still breaks my heart. Getting through this with a good outcome is important to me, and folks in my church have been praying for restoration of the brokenness from cancer that is in my family. My God specializes in making beautiful things out of shattered pieces of stuff in this crazy broken world, so I am looking forward to seeing what He does.

    Everyone here: I will be praying for ya'll as you prepare for surgeries and chemo. Tomorrow is my round 4 of 12 weekly taxol. Booyah, 1/3 done with the first part!!! (A/C and rads to follow) I am adding this to my favorites so I can keep up with you.

  • DaraB
    DaraB Member Posts: 945
    edited June 2016

    Thanks labsciencemom. I had my surgery last Thursday, lumpectomy and sentinel nodes removed. I really feel goo and have to remind myself not to over do yet. It seems like each stage is hurry up and then wait some more! If your'e int he SF Valley, you've got to be cooking just like we are. I'm just lucky that I'm in an area where ac is a must. My daughter is in Carlsbad, normally very pleasant, but no ac and they're hot there as well.

    I see your case is very similar to mine, although I don't have a stage determined yet. They only took 3 nodes on Thursday. I'm confused seeing some of the treatment plans. I'm reading that chemo is usually recommended if nodes are involved or the tumor is larger, but then I see some who have opted for chemo and radiation even without those elements. I know everyone is different and each plan can be different, but it's hard to know which way to go. This site has really been a Godsend with information, and I so appreciate the conversations based on experience. I'm sorry to hear about your sister also. Did you go through genetic testing? I'm using City of Hope there in Duarte and they've done extensive genetic testing but I haven't gotten results yet. I'm the 8th person of direct relationship in 2 generations to have cancer, 6th breast related cancer on my mom's side. I love your description of this crazy jacked-up cancer! I used a few other choice descriptors at the beginning! Hang in there. I know you will be a beautiful recreation when you're through this. Dara

  • DaraB
    DaraB Member Posts: 945
    edited June 2016

    Sorry KareninFlorida for what you're going through also. I just had my lumpectomy last Thursday and have been surprised at how I feel after it. I met with OC therapy before surgery to get all my exercises and have been doing them 3 times a day. I'm surprised at my range of motion. The underarm incision is the only painful part, and that's more discomfort than pain. I've seen on other discussion boards that it isn't uncommon for husbands to be more unresponsive in these situations. I think sometimes, they just don't know how or what to say. I was "fortunate" that my whole family watched as my sister went through this 4 years ago, but with a very different diagnosis. She had stage IV when she found the lump. My brother-in-law set a very high bar with his care, sensitivity, and involvement with her treatment. My husband has been awesome, but I worry that he thinks he must live up to the expectations established by my brother-in-law. Lean on your daughter and best friend; I'm sure your husband wants to be supportive but just isn't sure how. It will be OK. I know mental outlook is so important, and terrifying as it is, know that there are so many of us right there along with you. I'm so encouraged by all the people on this site who were diagnosed and treated years ago, and are still actively supporting these discussion boards. Let us know what date your surgery is.

  • labscientistmom
    labscientistmom Member Posts: 287
    edited June 2016

    Kareninflorida: how did the surgery go? praying for you, waiting to hear. don't sweat the pain meds, they get better and help you heal. Drink lots of water/iced tea/ fluids for a couple days after to flush out the anesthesia. blessings, A

    DaraB: yes, 113 today on the way back from the movies. Feeling more drained cause of the heat, but drinking a lot as usual. Tomorrow is chemo round 5 for me, whoot, whoot. getting it done, slow and steady wins the race. I think you will do different chemo regimens and hormone targeted therapy, while I am triple negative and not eligible for that. Triple negative BC is sensative to taxol, so that's what i am doing weekly first. Waiting for insurance authorization for genetic testing, for the benefit of my son and nieces, MO said it wouldn't effect my treatment plan. Glad to hear your being cared for @city of Hope too! blessings, sister!

  • LM525
    LM525 Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2016

    I feel you - I was diagnosed 5/25/2016 with IDC multi focal areas in my left breast I've not been given the option for a lumpectomy only mastectomy I'm scared but haven't had a meltdown yet and don't know if you just go into denial-1 day you're ok the next your life will never be the same -I'm not even sure of my support system (I live with my brothers family) I'm scheduled for surgery 7/12/16 I'm sorry for what you're going through I'll pray you find that inner strength ( LM525

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