Diagnosed Today With IDC

Hi everyone...

I posted a couple weeks ago on the "Concerned" board and man, I was really hoping not to graduate to this one. But here I am.

I went for a consultation with a breast surgeon on Monday after a diagnostic mammo and u/s 10 days before. The radiologist had told me it looked like it could be a complex cyst, which I've had before in the same breast, and I was referred to the surgeon. The surgeon (who is warm, wonderful, and the best in the area) told us he was concerned and that it was definitely not a cyst and he did a core biopsy on the spot.

Went back today for the results and as soon as he walked in with a big chart under his arm, I knew. It's Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma. He spent a lot of time with my boyfriend and me explaining everything and going over all the next steps. He was actually very reassuring. My tumor is small (1 cm) and there is every reason to believe that we caught it fairly early. The only other info I have from the pathology report is the following:

Glandular/Tubule differentiation: 3 of 3

Nuclear grade: 2 of 3

Mitotic index: 2 of 3

Overall Tumor grade: 2 of 3

All the other stuff says "not noted" or "not applicable." I don't know yet about positive/negative. He said that info, plus an MRI and the extent of lymph node involvement, will help determine what the treatment will be. At the very least, lumpectomy and radiation. He believes in saving the breast whenever possible, and honestly I couldn't care less about that. We'll see. I have a lot of reading and research to do, and I'm so grateful to have found you all!

Next step is the MRI on Tues, an appt with the oncology radiologist on Wed, and back to my breast surgeon on Thurs. I guess we'll go from there.

I feel weirdly calmer today now that I know, as compared to the hellish anxiety and waiting of the last few weeks. The hardest part of today was telling my kids. I have a 15-year-old at home, and then 3 grown kids in 3 different states. Three boys and a girl, and my daughter took it the hardest. I hate that I had to lay this on them...they've had enough loss. My husband died of a heart attack 7 years ago, and my beloved brother-in-law died just this past February in a horrific accident at work. Seriously, enough already!

Queenofwands:

Sorry you are here, but you've found a great place for advice/support/understanding. Ask questions! This place is a lifesaver.

Agree on The Breast Book. My mom sent it to me -- because I sent to her 10 years ago when she was diagnosed! (No genetic links we can find, but we both have BC.)

Take a breath. You'll learn so much so quickly now. And it looks like you caught it early -- so that is EXCELLENT news.

Warm thoughts headed your way...

Sorry you've made it to this category! If you put the pathology info that you have in your profile and chose "public" then it will show up in your signature for everyone to know.

I'm glad you're doctor was so positive. You have an excellent chance of kicking cancer's butt. It is weird how different most of us feel after the diagnosis. After all of the anxiety leading up to it - it does feel like a calm of sorts.

There will be lots of new info and decisions to make. Many appts and some more tests. But you'll have a plan and that makes a huge difference!