Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Anyone else?

I was diagnosed with IDC in September 2022 at age 70. Biopsy removed entire tumor, 3 mm. Had lumpectomy, clean margins, sentinel nodes negative. Because tumor so small oncologist didn’t recommend Oncotype test as used for 5 mm and up. No chemo recommended, chose not to have radiation. Will be followed with annual mammograms which actually saved my life. On Arimidex for at least 5 years plus Fosamax for 2 as bones show osteopenia in femurs and AI weakens bones. Arthritis feels a bit worse but not terrible. Started 1000 mg turmeric daily and green tea extract last month. Greater problem every day is total knee replacement from 2021 that hasn’t healed well. Facing another surgery but will be arthroscopic which I hope recovery will be less. Always something!

Hi @mslennette66 and welcome. What a beautiful smile you have. I hope you'll upload your picture to your profile too. A hello to your helpful daughter too.

How did your meeting with the surgeon go? Have you decided on the best course of treatment for you?

Hi everyone -
I'm confused as I (57 yrs) recently finished radiation (invasive Lobular -2cm , grade 2 ILC, strongly ER+, PR+, HER2 neg, 0/1 SN) after lumpectomy . My onco was 14 so skipped chemo, and started Letrozole. I saw NP at Dana Farber yesterday for 6 month follow up and she scheduled a diagnostic mammo for Oct (year after initial diagnosis). I never received any info on tumor markers, this Ki-67 you're all referring to. Is this something that should have been reviewed? Also I mentioned that with my dense breasts, why am I waiting an entire year before another scan/mammo and the NP said the oncologist feels "prior studies showed that a 3D mammogram 1 year after the last study was the best approach – mammograms done 6 months after surgery did not add anything."

I realize that MRI seems to be best for dense breasts but onco said not necessary unless mammo finds something. Any thoughts/comments much appreciated!

Just to reassure you, ki67% is included in the Oncotype test and your results were low at 14.

I was just diagnosed this week with invasive lobular carcinoma. Strongly ER+, PR+ HER2neg. Nothing showed on 2 mammograms or with 2 ultrasounds. I was told to wait 6 months and repeat mammogram. I had a distinct lump and insisted on a referral for biopsy and so here we are. Based on my experience, I would do the MRI (I am having one next week to, I think, determine how far the ILC has spread to help formulate a treatment plan). May I ask how long your radiation was? And again, I would not rely on a mammogram. Take care.

3D Mammo and ultrasound did NOT find two large tumors in one breast. I was symptomatic and strongly requested an MRI.. and three biopsies later =IDC

Now, post unilateral mastectomy I am monitored annually with MAMMO and MRI alternating every 6 mos.

Certainly in my case, with dense breasts, MRI is the detection of choice. IMO it should be standard as it finds tumors hiding in dense breasts.
Your health care professionals will make choices based on your profile but self advocacy for MRI is an option too. Best to you and to all of us negotiating this journey. 🌸

Thanks for all your feedback! I will reach out again to my oncologist regarding an MRI - waiting an entire year for any scan after ILC seems to be contrary to everything I've read. The NP said MRI would only be ordered if I had the BRAC gene which I didn't.

To @baylaurel, I was able to skip chemo after lumpectomy (2cm , stage 1) given Oncotype score of 14. One month post surgery I had 19 radiation treatments and now on Letrozole (been 3 months). Best of luck and keep us posted.

Dear onlines friends,
I am from Papua New Guinea and I was digonose with Ductual Carcinoma today and was really scared.

I am still thing on how I will go through as cure that illness. Is someone out there being digonose with same issue?

Many of us on the breast cancer threads have had ductal carcinoma: it is the most common form of breast cancer. After your surgery there will be tests on the tissue that guide treatment. This is the hardest time, when you are waiting for a plan. Many of us also are doing well years after diagnosis.

Welcome @roncii, I moved your question about ductal carcinoma to this existing discussion:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Anyone else? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/invasive-duct-ca

Click the link to read previous posts and to connect easily with other members like you. What treatment options are you considering? What questions do you have?