Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Anyone else?

@sequoia I was seen last Wed at my OB-GYN office so now I am still waiting for an approval authorization to go see an oncologist which is stressful waiting 🙁

I don't even know what stage I'm at which is frustrating. I just don't want chemotherapy because I don't want to lose all my hair. I'm just so devastated right now.

@jussnunu take a breath. It is so difficult at this moment is stay calm and not let you mind reel. When is you oncologist appointment? Soon I pray, so you can get mind calmed with known information. The OB-gyn may or may not have the full information. The oncologist is knowledgeable in breast cancer. In the mean time write questions and concerns down, which hopefully will help alleviate them out of your thought process and on to the paper.
Please be vigilant and insist that you get an appointment quickly and soon. Do not just let them say "your appointment is such and such" You speak up an say you need it sooner. Do you know this oncologist. Ask friends or others about him/her. You are young & healthy and that is a real plus for you. Hang in there and we are here for you. As you think of questions - please do not hesitate to write the questions here in this forum. We are in this journey together and have each others backs, Someone probably will have an answer and explanation for you. Be proactive and don't stop asking questions of your doctors until you are satisfied and comfortable with the information. Your OB-GYN I think did you a dis-service by giving you partial information. IMHO Blessings

@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.

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?

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 !!!!

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.

Yes

Have any of your doctors explained the difference in outcomes?

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.

Thank you for your reply!