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FlorenceB
FlorenceB Member Posts: 14
edited September 2021 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I’m so happy to have found this forum. I was diagnosed with IDC a few weeks ago after a biopsy. My tumor is only 8 mm. I just had my team consult Thursday when I saw a breast surgeon and plastic surgeon in person, and then went home and talked to a social worker, oncologist, and radiologist on the phone. I go to Kaiser, and with MyChart I can see all my test results and after visit notes right away. The team and I agreed that since my tumor is so small, and estrogen positive, that I can go with a lumpectomy and endocrine therapy. I’m so happy no radiation or chemo. I’m not sure if I should have a sentinel node biopsy. The surgeon didn’t think it was necessary, but is okay if i want it. Any advice?

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  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited September 2021

    Hi Quince, glad you found this forum. If it were me, I would have the sentinel node biopsy even if it were a small tumor. Sometimes you don't know and on the positive side it can confirm that all is well. Just from my perspective.

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  • FlorenceB
    FlorenceB Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2021

    I think I agree. I always wear my seatbelt even if there’s a very small chance I’ll be in a car crash. I’m going to talk to the surgeon..he’s fine either way.

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited September 2021

    Hello,

    I am interested that the surgeon didn't recommend radiation - I think that's unusual. Unless you are over 70?

    FWIW, I found the SNB by far a much harder and more annoying recovery than the lumpectomy. But as far as I know it is also part of standard of care for breast cancer.

    If you have a doctor that is blessing you skipping both SNB and radiation, I would both be pretty happy about doing that but also skeptical enough to want a second opinion to confirm. But that is just me.

    The other thing to be aware of is that there are some women who intend to take hormonal therapy but end up have side effects that make it impossible/impractical, with a very a big impact on quality of life. The side effects are very idiosyncratic to the individual and it's not really possible to predict beforehand. (The majority of women can tolerate them, sometimes with some trial and error for the specific drug). That is one of the situations where radiation can at least be somewhat helpful as a hedge.


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  • FlorenceB
    FlorenceB Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2021

    thank you for your input. I am 74, and the doctor said that my age was one reason they don’t recommend radiation. I did just talk to him, and he will do the sentinel node biopsy even though he doesn’t think it is necessary. He is a wonderful doctor..explains the pros and cons and statistics, and is perfectly happy with what I decide. I am worried about the hormone therapy. Lots of scary side effects and I am prone to depression, which could be a big one. I just started taking fosomax fo osteopenia.

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  • Beaverntx
    Beaverntx Member Posts: 3,183
    edited September 2021

    Quince, I was 77 at diagnosis and pretty much have had the standard protocol: lumpectomy with SNB, radiation and currently on anti hormonal. My osteopenia has been stabilized with taking additional calcium and vitamin D. A history of longevity in my family may have contributed to the radiation decision. As Salamandra said, you cannot know about your reaction to anti hormonals until you try as reactions vary among individuals. Remember that many folks who are doing well post treatment often do not post here so you won't see their success stories.

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