Daughter, 55, biopsy results were Invasive Mammary Carcinoma

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Teacher18
Teacher18 Member Posts: 11
edited August 2017 in Just Diagnosed

To everyone,

This is my second posting. This is what I know so far, and Today we went pick up the CD to bring to the MRI place tomorrow, and asked for a copy of the biopsy report. From what I've read about, I don't think it is great news. I will copy it here:

Invasive mammary carcinoma with mixed ductal and lobular features. Longest tumor fragment: 0.8 cm (Remember, she does not have a mass. This is architectural distortion, a disruption in the pattern of the threads (?) in the breast.) Nottingham Score: 3+2+2=7(Grade II). Focal adjacent ductal carcinoma in situ. Comment: Breast cancer profile studies have been ordered, and results will follow in an addendum report when available. Gross Description: Received are multiple irregularly-shaped fragments of tissue measuring up to 2.5 cm in maximum dimension. The larger portions are transversely sectioned and the entire specimen; is submitted in five blocks.

So, I've been told that some members are extremely knowledgeable. If anyone can give me a little more info, it would be really appreciated. I realize that we should get a lot of info from the breast surgeon on Friday, but that is still two days off, and right now, it seems so very far away. I also believe that until she has any surgery, they still won't have complete information. But I read enough to get petrified at the first word of the report -- Invasive. That's it for now. Having really bad trouble trying to eat. My daughter and I are both can use it, but what a hell of a way to lose weight. Please everyone, say a prayer for her. I believe so much in the power of the mind when praying. Her name is Randi. I just can't believe this is really happening.

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  • Icietla
    Icietla Member Posts: 1,265
    edited August 2017

    What you will not know *with certainty* until after her surgery is the size of the tumor and the extent of lymph node involvement, if any.

    You will learn the IHC characteristics tomorrow or when those Pathology Lab results are available. Those would be Estrogen Receptor (ER) status, Progesterone Receptor (PR) status, and whether there is Her2neu overexpression. These factors -- besides others -- will have much bearing on the treatment/s to be recommended for her case. Indications, if any, of diseased lymph nodes nearby can make a difference in the treatment plan. The tumor size and its location (or positioning) can make a difference in the treatment plan.

    If Stage, the tumor's IHC characteristics, and the nodal status are determined (from the Lab Report on tissues to be removed at her next surgery) to be within certain diagnostic criteria, there may be genomic tumor testing for likely guidance as to whether Chemotherapy should be recommended. With certain IHC characteristics (or combinations thereof), though, Chemotherapy would most likely be recommended. With certain IHC characteristics (or combinations thereof) or tumor location (or positioning), Chemotherapy would be recommended before Surgery. Nodal status will also weigh in what all will be considered. Grade can matter. Size can matter too. Even age and life stage (pre- or post-menopausal status) can figure into what treatment/s would be recommended in a given case.

    Radiation treatment may be recommended after Surgery, depending on nodal status, tumor characteristics, tumor location, and which type of Surgery is done.

    Because your daughter's cancer is invasive, her nearest sentinel node/s will be identified and removed for dissection at the time of her next surgery.

    So see, just now there is not enough information for us to tell you what she might expect as a treatment plan. Whatever her tumor characteristics, the cancer is treatable. What her Doctors recommend will take into account many factors relating to her health and her disease, and their recommendations will be aimed at giving her her best survival prospects.

    Prayers for you all.


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  • Icietla
    Icietla Member Posts: 1,265
    edited August 2017

    I know you are in shock and extremely stressed. A breast cancer diagnosis is always stunning -- devastating -- to those diagnosed and those who love them.

    Your not eating is adding to your stress. You and Randi must eat! And you and Randi must stay well hydrated! You two want to be at your best (under the circumstances) tomorrow, yes? You two may have questions you will not be able to ask if you are faint or fainting, yes? And how are you two and the Health Care Personnel to properly focus on the purposes of her appointment if you are faint or fainting?

    How about a nice grilled cheese sandwich? French fries and ketchup? Pizza? Ice cream? Fritos?

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  • Icietla
    Icietla Member Posts: 1,265
    edited August 2017

    If Randi's chemistry test results are messed up by her not eating, there might have to be more studies done before planning her treatment. You do not want any needless delays about that, do you? Eat!

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  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited August 2017

    Hi,

    It is a shock to everyone from the patient to the extended family and friends with a dx. Im 51 and was just dx in July. I'm still in shock and I did surgery and am still waiting for further tests to see what's next. You do need stay strong and eat and so does your daughter. Im guilty of not for about two weeks from right when I found out until I had surgery. I lost 10lbs, not a good way to do it not healthy. She needs her strength. Once you have exactly everything you need to know, a plan can start to be made and you feel like you have some control again. I know it does not like it, but when everyone, including my sis who had/has bc told me that, I could believe that I would, how will I every feel in control again, but you do. You then have a direction to move towards.

    It still is a waiting game at this point but know Bc is treatable and she and you should plan for her to do very well and to live a long life. Feel comfortable with her Dr's and the treatment plan they will outline, if not find someone else.

    Hugs to you and your daughter.

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  • Teacher18
    Teacher18 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    You are all so kind. I think I just reached a point from my husband, whose death I still haven't accepted, still never cried, to my dog, who remind me so much of the situation with my husband, not being able to leave the house, and seeing him slowly deteriorate (2 months now), to this news about my daughter.I can't stop crying now. I want to believe she will be all right, but I am terrified It is the worse thing that has every happened to me. Why couldn't it have been me???????

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  • Teacher18
    Teacher18 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    Better now. Things are better. She will need a lumpectomy and radiation, tests so far okay. Still needs scans. I'm in control of myself now. Not totally crazy like I was.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited August 2017

    It's okay Teacher18, strong emotions can come in waves. When you're in the midst of one, it feels completely overwhelming, but usually they pass. I think letting it out can be what's needed, sometimes, to be able to move forward.

    Winston Churchill has one of my favorite quotes, "When you're going though hell, keep going" I like that because it reminds me to keep moving forward and not get stuck in the awful places I have found myself.

    How is your daughter doing?

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