Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Anyone else?

I have invasive ductile carcinoma in left breast - very small, slow growing and Stage 1. Trying to decide between lumpectomy and mastectomy- thoughts?

Was diagnosed on April 14. Stage 1a, IDC, HR+PR+HERs2-
The surgeon in Duluth told me that lumpectomy w/radiation ahas nearly the same outcome as mastectomy so I chose lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy. Not for vanity (I am 73) but for the healing. Had surgery on May 14 in Duluth. I am in the process of 2nd opinion for radiation/hormone therapy at Mayo.

Thank you for your reply!

Encouraging to see the development of breast cancer treatments. I had IDC in right breast 1992. Mastectomy and chemo. No positive lymph nodes.
I have had no recurrence, but illnesses caused by chemo- autoimmune GI illness. It is good to see there are more options now.

Have any of your doctors explained the difference in outcomes?

Yes

As best I can recall, if I chose mastectomy, I would not need radiation. I chose lumpectomy and was a candidate for the 3 session radiation at Mayo. As I understood it, long term outcomes were the same.

Hello! I was recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma through my biopsy. I am shocked and scared since its just been a few days. My tumor is 1.4x0.7x1.1 cm. My OB-GYN specialist doctor said I will need surgery and maybe chemo. What kind of surgery though? I am currently waiting to see an oncologist. I have been crying everyday and it's very stressful because I am only 34. Based on this type of cancer, does anyone know what my treatment plan likely will be ? Is it possible to avoid chemotherapy and go with other treatment plan? Please help !!!!

Welcome, @jussnunu. Deep breath. I know this is a shock and a lot to take in. You're asking all the right questions. But is sounds like there is still more investigation necessary to know more about your tumor.

Let's get you connect with other members who have IDC. To do this I moved your message to this existing discussion:

- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Anyone else? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/invasive-duct-ca/

I did this so you can read past posts and connect easily with @sandyrob @flowers7777 @mugs24cancer @anjalima @sequoia @cadunkin @aej1954 @hkc9890. They know what this is like.

As you prepare for your appointment with the oncologist, I suggest writing down your questions. Maybe you'd like to share your question list with the group and we can make suggestions. What do you think?

@colleenyoung Thank you so much ! I do have a few questions can you see if its possible to ask the oncologist for my appointment?

Based on the size of the tumor and my age, can I go with lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy?
Can I avoid chemotherapy? Because I'm only 34, I really don't want to deal with hair loss. I know the fact that I will be depressed. What treatment plan would I need ?

Going through cancer and will have treatment, can I still be able to have kids since I just got married.