Invasive ductile breast cancer: What should I expect?

Yes, and I finally was able to connect with someone yesterday at Mayo in Phoenix to set up an appt for June 15th(4 weeks after diagnosis). I'm good with that and it is a relief to finally get something set up. This being in "appointment limbo" was killing me. What type of surgery did you have? What was your diagnosis?

I have Stage 1a ICD, pr+hr+ Her2-. Grade 1; Ki67 1%. I had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. 7 nodes removed, no cancer in the nodes and tumor margins are clear. They refer to it as "favorable breast cancer". Go figure...LOL. Anyway, expect things to go fast now that you are in their system. I had surgery locally but will do radiation and follow-up at Mayo. With this early stage cancer and my age (74) i have the option of 3 day partial breast radiation so am doing that.

Update: lumpectomy done, clear margins, lymph nodes clear. So far, so good. Treatment options to be discussed and decided this coming week. Annoying fluid accumulation with leakage (still) after 9 days in area of removed lymph nodes under arm. Had it drained yesterday, hope that’s the end of that.

I guess after talking to a medical oncologist next week, I’ll also have all the asterisks that go with stage 1 breast cancer. Just noticed that you mentioned that at age 73 - I’ll be 72 in a week - there is a partial breast radiation. Will keep this in mind. No mention if you were put on hormone medication? Radiation, to me, seems once and done, hormone medication with all its potential side effects goes on for maybe 5 years.

Hormone blocker Anastrozole has been recommended.

Good luck, Sandy. This Mayo Connect group has confirmed to me that the AI's react differently in each of us! Just be sure your estrogen is tested after 8-10 weeks to be sure your estrogen is reduced low enough!!

This seems to be almost ridiculous to mention while waiting for my breast cancer to be typed, but what does one do when your left breast is a B-, so is your bra, and your right lobe is close to a D? Does not fit anywhere............. can’t compress. Wearing loose stuff, but sideways mirror view is hilarious. Well, not for me - I could be an ad in “before and after” for breast enhancement. Going on 2 1/2 weeks past lumpectomy. Lymph node area still super tender. How does one avoid moving one’s arm? Each time I do, the area gets disturbed. Easing up, but still, summer time with perspiration under arms with fresh incisions is not the best combination. Just frustration talking.

Is there a specialized medical shop in your area? They might be able to help with a bra?

Ellerbracke, this is an excellent question. Would you mind starting a new discussion about clothing, bra fitting and what to do when your breasts aren't the same size? I know everyone has faced this issue and I'd like to dedicate a topic to it.

Well, I was hoping that the swelling would go down sooner rather than later. No luck so far. Perhaps a very small change, but still way too much boob on the lumpectomy side. Will see radiologist on Tuesday to discuss radiation. From what I read, there’s another set of issues awaiting me with skin irritation, and perhaps more swelling. Yuck! And the area under the arm where the lymph nodes were removed is of course still tender and somewhat painful. Dusting with cornstarch helps some, but in 85 degree weather with 80% humidity nothing really stops the irritation. I will ask around regarding specialized bra shops...... and I just had a really fancy dress custom made that has a very close fit at the bustline. Bummer!