Invasive ductal carcinoma, what should I expect?

Hi sassy redhead,

Welcome to this group, but sorry you had to join. I was recently diagnosed with this, very fortunate they found early on my routine mmgr, was stage 1 ER+, & was told this is one of the most common types of breast cancer. I asked for first available on my appointments when possible. After my diagnosis, I was set up with a wonderful surgeon, then had a tracker implanted due to mine was small, then received an appointment for surgery. After surgery & post op visit, I received appts for oncology & radiology. I just started radiation today after my surgery date of 10/10/23. It’s a journey & lots of info/questions.

My prayers for you & your family. ❤️ please let us know how you’re doing.

sassyredhead,
We are in this together. I just found out a few days ago that I also have invasive ductal carcinoma. I have an appointment with my oncologist on Friday and I should find out more regarding the treatment. Not sure what they will want me to do since I had a different breast cancer in my other breast almost 4 years ago. I know that they will look at how large the tumor is and how fast it is growing and whether it is estrogen and progesterone positive. Also, they will see if the cancer has moved to the lymph nodes. After they look at everything then they decide the right steps to take.
I am sorry that you received this diagnosis. Let's keep each other posted.
Katrina

It totally depends on what stage you are. I had a biopsy long back to me and radiation this summer. I was lucky in that I was less than stage one. They got it all with the lump, ectomy and removal of lymph nodes under my arm all clean margins. I tolerated the five radiation treatments very well. The two and a little nausea or my two issues. Now I have to decide if I’m going to take the anastrozole pill for five years. Sending hugs and wishing you all the best.

My story is a lot like bjohnson511. It was found on my routine mammogram. I was originally told surgery and 16-20 radiation treatments. The lump actually turned out smaller than first thought and lymph nodes were clear. I only had to do five radiation treatments as well. I tolerated them well. Luckily it was detected very early. In hindsight, I feel like this was the easy part for me (and I can't believe I'm saying that as it was very traumatic). The estrogen blocker for 5 years is turning out to be even more traumatic for me anyway. The list of possible side effects of these drugs are scary. The first one brought terrible jaw pain which started gradually after about 10 days and built up and became intolerable at almost 30 days. I just started a second one. Only a few days in at this point.

Thank you dp! I already see an oncologist, due to me having Amyloidosis, I had an upper left lobe of my lung taken out in February. My husband who is healthy as can be at 84 has lymphoma, 2 type. So he goes every 3 weeks for treatment. When I say he is healthy, I mean he take not one perceptio. Until now!
So we have a lot we are working with, and we are the Glass half full kinda people. My oncologist said he would have my treatment plan a week from today. So he is on top of it! He sees both my husband and I. We trust him lots, plus my amyloidosis goes through Mayo too, because is so rare.
So I just wanted to know what to expect. I believe mine is also stage 1 but I have 3 lumps, it was 1 when I made my appointment 2-1/2 weeks ago. It’s not in my lymph node’s today.

Thanks for the comment back.
Sassy

Thank you I wish you the best of luck! If you read my comment above, I have other issues too. Not to mention a blood disease. So I thank god I already have an oncologist who knows me! Oh and on top of it all I’m allergic to adhesive on my skin! That is a whole other story. This could be come very interesting!

Yes, my name is Sassy, my parents had a sense of humor. I’m the only girl.
I just happy there is a forum! It all sounds a bit the same! Life is never a dull moment. Thanks for sharing ~ Sassy

Glad yours was caught early! The oncologist may or may not recommend you take med which will depend if you are er+, or or hers2. Medication & treatment will depend on a combination of factors. Since I was er+ I could have taken a pill for 5 years but i elected not to due to I can’t take done meds due to I’m on xarelto for blood clots & others cause severe joint pain & I have severe arthritis and had to go off Celebrex due to the xarelto. I had a wonderful oncologist & due to my unique health conditions, I am just taking radiation vs the pill & radiation. My care providers also included a nurse navigator who helped prepare me for the next steps. My prayers are that you & your husband recover quickly & continue to feel good!! I am glass full kind of person & realize how blessed I am & hope the same for you guys!!

I am newly diagnosed too and it is very helpful to read everyone’s experiences. I meet with a surgeon tomorrow to decide if I want to proceed with lumpectomy or mastectomy. Surgery date is planned for December 20th.

Thank you for sharing. My oncologist told me I need surgery but that’s it so far. I will know more on Wednesday! I too am allergic to many med. the scary part is not the surgery, it what Abe they gonna put me back together with? I’m allergic to all adhesive now! It will be interesting! I guess I will find out everything Wednesday. My husband is going through Chemotherapy too! I guess I could not let him go through it alone.😂