Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Anyone else?

Posted by 6750 @6750, Mar 2, 2019

I have rec’d 4 chemo + 16 radiation treatments for invasive. Has lumpectomie 1st....then one week later...
Dissection 17 lymph nodes & 3 tumors removed tumors
Got clean margin.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 3, 2019

In reply to @6750 "Facing my 1st f/u is messing with my positive thoughts. One tiny step @ a time..." + (show)

Hi @6750, I want to add my welcome. I think you might be interested in this discussion:
– Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-completed-all-treatments-for-breast-cancer-but-now-i-am-supposed/
In particular this part of the discussion where women are talking about frequent bowel movements starting here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/arimidex/?pg=2#comment-271152

Staying positive can be a challenge sometimes, especially when going to follow-up appointments. And sometimes it's important to not force yourself to be positive all the time. It's okay to feel what you feel. You may wish to also take part in this discussion:
Help finding a positive attitude https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/help-finding-a-positive-attitude/

I agree one step at a time is an accomplishment, not matter how tiny the step. What questions do you have for your doctor at your follow-up appointment? How can we help you prepare?

terryflys4 | @terryflys4 | Aug 7, 2020

invasive ductal carcinoma left breast stage 2, grade 1. Surgeon concerned about right breast and thought there might be more growth in left. I have 90 minute one way drive to best area to get help-so decided against getting MRI, went ahead with double mastectomy. Post op yesterday she said my instincts were right and that I’m a conundrum. Instead of another lump in left breast I have many tumors so small they would not show on MRI, also in right breast. I could not take anastrazole due to debilitating side affects (I’m 77 with spine degeneration but otherwise good health). My tumor is not following normal staging and they are doing more advanced tests. She recommends radiation on both breasts, then tamoxifen that apparently strengthens bones as well. I live alone and quality and independence are everything to me at this point. I’m concerned about heart and lung damage from 4 weeks of radiation, have same driving distance issues and would have to spend nights in hotel. Im concerned about destroying my white blood cells in the middle of a pandemic. Am just starting researching and will be interviewing 3 radiation oncologists. At the moment, considering the challenges I’m thinking of taking a chance on just the tamoxifen.

mugs24cancer | @mugs24cancer | Aug 7, 2020

I did 5 weeks of proton beam therapy radiation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. That type of radiation greatly minimizes any risk to the heart and lungs. You would qualify for housing at the Hope House. Had no side effects from the radiation except some blistering of the skin (like a bad sunburn) and some fatigue towards the end. I have taken tamoxifen for 1 1/2 years and am trying to forge ahead even though I have experienced many of the side effects...hot flashes, anxiety, nausea, constipation and fatigue.

terryflys4 | @terryflys4 | Aug 8, 2020

In reply to @conniep79 "Have a good relaxing Sunday. Rest is important too. Just to let you know, I just..." + (show)

Check the website Forks Over Knives for some wonderful, whole food, plant based recipes. I don't even fancy meat or dairy any more

sandyjr | @sandyjr | Aug 11, 2020

In reply to @terryflys4 "invasive ductal carcinoma left breast stage 2, grade 1. Surgeon concerned about right breast and thought..." + (show)

my case...DCIS in right breast in 2007 and idc in left breast in 2018.... lumpectomies with radiation both times...tamoxifen the first time...anastrozole the second time. I think I am wondering if you have had bilateral mastectomy, then why do you need radiation at all? In my cases, I was told that the radiation should take care of any cancer cells left in the breast. If you have had both breasts removed, then there should not be a need for radiation. The chances of stray cancer cells is minimal. After genetic testing following the second cancer, I found that I have the CHEK2 genetic mutation. I just had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I was told that this should prevent me getting BC again. There was damage to both breasts caused by the radiation. Who knows what else has been damaged? I think if I had your history, was 77 and was taking tamoxifen, I would pass on the radiation. My cousin has had bilateral breast cancer with mastectomy both times and has passed on having radiation and is not taking aramatose inhibitors and she has not had a problem. Who knows what is the right thing to do. Everyone is different and every case is different.

terryflys4 | @terryflys4 | Aug 13, 2020

In reply to @sandyjr "my case...DCIS in right breast in 2007 and idc in left breast in 2018.... lumpectomies with..." + (show)

sandyjr, may I ask your cousin’s age and how long since her surgery?

sandyjr | @sandyjr | Aug 13, 2020

I am not 100% sure of this information… My cousin first had cancer in 2013 and I think the second occurrence was 2016 in the other breast. She had mastectomies both times. She is in her 70s now… I believe 75.