7mm invasive ductal carcinoma

mimzy @mimzy
You're feeling the same thing most of have felt. Anxiety because of the unknown.
As hard as it is to do, you have to wait for next test result, next test, surgery,, etc..

At this point, my best suggestion is journaling to express your feelings and check out any local breast cancer support group. There are many around and are a wealth of information / support on what you're going thru.

If nothing local, check out
Sisters: Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Support Group
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/sisters-newly-diagnosed-breast-cancer-support-group-10/

Laurie

I did not like the radiation - so I did only 7 of the 35 recommended doses ... 5.5 yrs later now ... and IT is back - in the same location ... I wish now that I had completed the radiation as the doctor attributes my stopping to this re-occurrence...

I had a mastectomy to avoid radiation. Your tumor is very small so hope that is reassuring. Waiting for test results and treatment plans is hard but then you just go ahead and do it and it actually kind of gets easier, in some ways.

It will be easier to decide about radiation when you know more about the extent of radiation therapy they are recommending. I had only 5 days of radiation, although that meant a higher dose each day, 600 gy per session, total 3000 gy. I did not have any skin damage. I do believe I have developed some fat necrosis, not a lot, will know more next visit. My decision was based on the lowering of risk of recurrence vs lifetime radiation exposure complications. Recurrence scared me more.

It’s good that you’re asking questions here. There is so much to consider, it helps to hear what others have chosen, and why,

I know exactly how you are feeling. Mine was 1 mm IDC stage one, grade 3. My lymph node was negative. The waiting was so hard but once you get all the information you will be able to make an informed decision. I was so freaked out by radiation I ended up doing a mastectomy. Hang in there and I’m sending you positive thoughts your way. We are always here if you need support.

@mimzy do you have results for ER and PR? Grade? Her2 will also be important. If you are ER+ they will do an Onctotype test which will guide your treatment.

Even with a mastectomy, one out of 5 radiologists would have recommended radiation for me, but I declined. An aromatase inhibitor to block estrogen was a strong treatment for me because my ER (estrogen score) was very high as was my progesteron (PR). Despite Grade 3, high ki67% and lymphovascular invasion, I had a low Oncotype score and just did surgery and an aromatase inhibitor. I am nine years out.

Oncotype is done for ER+ and HER2- cancers. If HER2 is positive, treatment is different, and includes Herceptin, maybe another drug.

I think once you have all your testing and info, you can make a decision about radiation- and about the type of surgery you want. Aromatase inhibitors can cut risk in half if you are ER+ and the Oncotype will estimate your risk.

I did 21 radiation treatments with no major adverse effects. I followed the directions and had only mild discomfort. I went to my radiation appointment and then headed right to work every day! It was the easiest part of my treatment.

While there are some side effects to radiation I think the experience is probably worth it in terms of preventing spread. Also there is a newish approach to radiation and that is a 5 day course. Research is showing that it is as effective as the 5 or 6 week standard course. This is being offered in Boston if that helps.

I had the same, no skin issues, some small amount of fatigue at the end of treatment and yes some fat necrosis but the discomfort from that was alleviated with Physical therapy and exercise.

I had oncotype and was Her2-
It is my understanding that Oncotype was to determine if chemo would be effective/needed.