If you have just been diagnosed....

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited March 2008
    One quick figure that may help you is that seventy-five percent of new breast cancers are found stage 0 to stage 1, i.e. without nodes being involved.

    Regrettably, as this forum reveals, spread to other organs can occur in the absence of pathology in the nodes. Why don't you inquire into Oncotype DX testing, a genetic profile of your cancer which may help your doctors and you gauge the risk of your newly diagnosed cancer for aggressiveness and or spread? You say your pathology is "low", which suggests lower grade or less aggressive. This knowledge may help relax you some. Visualization helps.

    Many of us are petrified when diagnosed and even beyond. I fell into the category of "knowledge is power", as it took my fear, and, with my doctors, helped move my thoughts into an action plan and hope. There is hope with breast cancer, as so much progress has been made in it's treatment. This is not to negate our dear sisters and brothers for whom the disease is a greater beast. Yet hope must remain in we patients equation. As Elizabeth Edward's says, and I'm paraphrasing, "my job is to take your medicine, your job (doctors) is to find a cure".

    And as you already know, family and forum support go miles, doesn't it?

    Good therapy and fortune to you,

    Tender
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  • VickiTN
    VickiTN Member Posts: 361
    edited June 2007
    Marcelas,
    From what you've posted, a low grade, small tumor, it would seem that the chances are really good that it has not spread into your lymph nodes. However, unfortunately, there is simply no way to no with certainty without having the lymph nodes checked - and, typically, that's done by a sentinel node biopsy.

    Sending prayers up for you that you'll get good reports on your lymph nodes.
    hugs,
    vicki
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  • Lynz1
    Lynz1 Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2007
    My sweet daughter 39 yr. has just been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. 1st mass is 8x6x7 mil.
    2nd mass in same breast is 9x9x8 mil. She has had the biopsy, seen the surgeons & is now terrified. They said something I do not understand, maybe someone can help me here. "Focal Macrolobulations flow is not evident on Doppler. Breast cancer has not been diagnosed in the women in our family prior to this although I did have 2 cysts removed in 1985 from my right breast. Nothing has shown up on my mammograms since then. Please advise me what to say & or do. Surgeon says Mastectomy is advised but she can also have a lumpectomy with radiation. Sounds like a coin toss to me but maybe I am being a hysterical Mother. She is my only daughter & I am losing it. I don't know if this matters but she has Never smoked or been into Drugs, lives a healthy life & is a school teacher. As we are all aware cancer does not discriminate. Thanks so much for any help. I pray daily for all you ladies as well as my daughter. My best friend passed in 2004 from cancer. Lynz1
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  • ijl
    ijl Member Posts: 897
    edited June 2007
    Hi Lyn,

    My heart goes out to you. One of the hardest things I had to do after my diagnosis was to tell my Mom about it. I am also the only daugther with no history in the family.
    I know it's hard but you need to be brave for her. I worry about my Mom a lot and always try to make light of it. And when I talked to her and she sounds good , I feel better myself. I know my kids and husband worry, but no one would worry like my Mom.
    I would encourage your daugther to get a few opinions on whether to do lumpectomy or mastectomy. Her lumps are very small but it looks that she has 2 of them. Are they located close to each other ? If not the lumpectomy could be harder to perform.
    Has she had MRI ? If not , she should get one ASAP as it gives more complete picture.
    But the main thing is for you to put a brave face on while you are with her. Keep reminding her that a vast majority of women get through this, that her lumps are very small and probably were caught early.
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  • eschan
    eschan Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2007

    I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and had core biopsies and a clip placed in my left breast for IDC and a 3x4 cm DCIS on the right breast. I will have bilateral mastectomy with sking saving surgery. I have seen the result and I don't want to live with that. Can someone tell me the difference between free TRAMS and DEIP? What can I expect in term of pain and recovery?

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  • ijl
    ijl Member Posts: 897
    edited June 2007

    You should visit breast reconstruction forum, They have a lot of information there.

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  • LynnH62
    LynnH62 Member Posts: 5
    edited June 2007
    I was just diagnosed last week....and I'm still somewhat in shock. I had a biopsy and the pathology came back showing I had infiltrating carcinoma that had gone into the milk ducts. (forgive me for not knowing all the correct terminology just yet) We have no health insurance, and so they are trying to get me signed up with Medicaid. I should hear tomorrow about that. Then, they will schedule me for a Bilateral MRI, then the lumpectomy. I was reading on the Internet, trying to familiarize myself with terminology, when I found your site. I know many of you have been, where I am now. I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Most times I can go about my business and feel like I'm ok, and then it will hit me. I have cancer! It almost feels surreal. The waiting is really getting to me. I want to begin fighting this alien inside me. Any encouragement or words of advice would be appreciated.

    Lynn
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  • hollandstat
    hollandstat Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2007

    I,too, was diagnosed this week. I am a nurse and I am still in shock; at this point, its Greek to me. I am researching, also, to find out the lastest treatment options for infiltrating ductal ca. The choices given to me were a lumpectomy followed by posssible radiation or a mastectomy. I have cried the past 2 days, and this site has helped me as well. I am not getting much support from my spouse at the moment.

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited June 2007
    Hi, from one nurse to another. Hang in there, it gets easier once you get a plan. Husbands arn't a lot of help at first, too much shock, I guess. Give yourself time to decide if you want immediate reconstruction if you decide on mast. vs. lump/rads.
    One suggestion: don't let docs assume anything! Just cause you're a nurse, you don't know it all, don't be ashamed to say you don't understand. and be really sure to stand up and advocate for yourself. I had to learn the hard way.
    Tell your husband what you need, he hasn't a clue and there is a good book for him, the breast cancer husband, i think. Look under the resource section on the boards.
    Hugs
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  • LynnH62
    LynnH62 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2007
    Quote:

    I,too, was diagnosed this week. I am a nurse and I am still in shock; at this point, its Greek to me. I am researching, also, to find out the lastest treatment options for infiltrating ductal ca. The choices given to me were a lumpectomy followed by posssible radiation or a mastectomy. I have cried the past 2 days, and this site has helped me as well. I am not getting much support from my spouse at the moment.



    I'm sorry you aren't getting much support from your spouse. Maybe it is just that he's still shocked too. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. I am having a lumpectomy on July 13th. That is unless the surgeon finds more on the Bilateral MRI on the 5th....and talks mastectomy. The shock is wearing off just a bit, and I am beginning to feel the FIGHTER come out in me. PM me anytime.....if you want to talk. HUGS

    Edited to say: I was accepted on Medicaid, and the MRI is July 5th, surgeon consultation July 11th and surgery probably on July 13th.
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  • ddssmd
    ddssmd Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2007

    i just got diagnosed with the exact same thing yesterday, infiltrating ductal ca, grade III, poorly differentiated.

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  • LynnH62
    LynnH62 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2007
    Quote:

    i just got diagnosed with the exact same thing yesterday, infiltrating ductal ca, grade III, poorly differentiated.



    Seems we three are together in this. HUGS and prayers to you, also.
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  • nycmom
    nycmom Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2007

    Kayree, where are you? I don't come on very often. But 7 years ago had the same thing as you. Doing well since.

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  • Honee
    Honee Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2007

    I have just been diagnosed on July 3rd with Infiltrating Lobular, two masses. 0.6 cm and 4.5 cm. Have lots of questions.

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  • LynnH62
    LynnH62 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2007

    I too am full of questions......I don't think many are posting on here, are they? I am sending you a private message......

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited July 2007
    You all will be doing better to go to the top of the page and use the "post" to start your own thread so the other gals will know you are here.
    This thread was started by the monitors just to give a little info. to help you get started.
    come on down to the "meat" and you'll get lots of responses!
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  • LynnH62
    LynnH62 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2007

    TY ....I didn't know how it worked. I appreciate it.

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  • debbiepy
    debbiepy Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2007

    I found a BB size lump in my left breast and they did a needle aspiration and a core biopsy. 2 days later I call and they tell me test is negative. the next day I get a call from imaging center telling me that was only the aspiration. My core biopsy was atypical. They will send to my doc to set up surgery appt. 3 days later I call my dr. office since they have not contacted me and the dr. on call tells me "it's cancer" probably ductal. THIS IS ALL I KNOW! I have to wait till monday to find out what this means. I also have implants and am wondering if anyone has had this surgery with implants. Also, does "surgery" mean "lumpectomy" in my case?

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  • Irish_Blue
    Irish_Blue Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2007

    I had my second mammogram on Fri and they did an ultra sound. I haven't had my consult yet with my healthcare provider but I have some sort of cancer. Scared to death. I came here to find people in my same boat. Thanks for all of you being here, I'm sure I will need you as I go.

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  • Irish_Blue
    Irish_Blue Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2007

    Right now, I'm doing alot of reading, this all is happening so fast and I'm not sure who to tell and who will give me support. I am just rambling, but you know how that is.

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  • Irish_Blue
    Irish_Blue Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2007

    oops, I forgot to add my icon.

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  • sln1967
    sln1967 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2007
    come here any time for questions. the chat room is great
    stay positive and you can get thru it (((((((((((HUUGS)))))))))))) sln1967
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  • brblv
    brblv Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2007

    I am a nurse who works in a family practice clinic. I had ultrasound biopsy done on 7/18/07. The physician I work for is also my primary care doctor. Today at work my pathology report came across the printer with a diagnosis of Infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma. Surgeon called me late this afternoon. will be set up for mri in the next couple of weeks. I guess I am just stunned. This site has been very helpful today..Thank You...

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  • Megan0164
    Megan0164 Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2007
    Hi everyone,
    I have recently been diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, High grade with extensive ductal carcinoma stage 3. I am so scared. My family and friends have been extremely supportive but I thought I would join here for more support. I am 27 years old and single trying to deal with this. Today I went and bought books about breast cancer and spiritual prayer books. I really can't believe this is happening to me. I am sure you are all aware how shocking it is and that we share the same feelings and fears. I had recently moved to missouri to be closer to my sister and her family. She has five kids and her husband is in the national guards and has to go to Iraq. So I moved here to help her out. I got a job at a cancer center before I ever had any idea I had breast cancer so I believe God has put me in the right spot. The only bad thing is I don't have insurance because I am working through a temporary job service. I am trying not to worry about the financial aspects, the social worker is doing everything she can to help me get Medicaid and other assistance.
    I had my tumor removed and it was 1.3 cm so the breast specialist that I seen said I will have to have chemo. That is what really scares me. He said I can have a mastectomy or lumpectomy and I have decided to go with the mastectomy since I wouldn't have to have radiation as well as chemo.
    Any support is greatly appreciated.
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  • LisaAlissa
    LisaAlissa Member Posts: 1,092
    edited July 2007
    Oh Megan, I am so sorry to hear your news, but glad you found this board.

    You might want to repost as a separate thread. From the index page, you'll find a "post" button at the very top of the page. That will allow you to start a thread and repost your info so that more people will see it.

    Separately, there is a "chemo" board below that will give you lots of good info about that...

    Best wishes!

    LisaAlissa
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  • MinAZ
    MinAZ Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2007
    The Mayo Clinic has a wonderful online article entitled "Cancer diagnosis? Advice for dealing with what comes next - A Mayo Clinic cancer specialist explains what to expect after your cancer diagnosis." by Dr. Edward T. Creagan. I wish I'd seen it when I found out about my BC last year. I encourage new members in particular to read it at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-diagnosis/HQ00379
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  • sha52
    sha52 Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2007

    I had knots on the back of my neck, last week one appeared under my breast. Pathology report came back last Friday as ILC. Today I went to the Dr., he told me I have stage lV. Tomorrow I go to an Oncologist and have been told by the end of the week I will have a line set for chemo. I have had no blood work done yet. Has anyone had this type that is spread through milk glands? It's all happening so fast I'm in a fog. I'd like to hear what I need to ask and what I'll have to look for.

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  • gizmodog
    gizmodog Member Posts: 51
    edited August 2007
    I was told 2 days ago that I have breast cancer. I am beside myself. I am scheduled for an MRI next week and then we go from there. I have read so much on the internet so now I am more confused than ever. There were no lumps but they saw a shadow and did a biopsy. I am already scheduled for surgery, but what type is dependent on the MRI. I am now wondering what was in the biopsy report. Will it tell me more than they found cancer cells ?
    Thanks for any answers.
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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited August 2007
    sha52 and marie0224 I am sorry that you had to join this "club". I have been a member since April. You will find a lot of help and support on these boards.
    I have a few suggestions, get copies of all pathology reports as well as any lab work. The pathology report will show exactly what they found in the biopsy. Keep a folder to put all paperwork in regarding this journey. Take someone with you to all appointments, write down any questions that you have in a notebook and ask away.

    Sheila
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  • gizmodog
    gizmodog Member Posts: 51
    edited August 2007
    Sheila,

    Thanks I appreciate you taking the time to answer. I will do what you suggested.
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