Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Anyone else?

Posted by 6750 @6750, Mar 2, 2019

I have rec’d 4 chemo + 16 radiation treatments for invasive. Has lumpectomie 1st....then one week later...
Dissection 17 lymph nodes & 3 tumors removed tumors
Got clean margin.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

terryflys4 | @terryflys4 | Aug 7, 2020

invasive ductal carcinoma left breast stage 2, grade 1. Surgeon concerned about right breast and thought there might be more growth in left. I have 90 minute one way drive to best area to get help-so decided against getting MRI, went ahead with double mastectomy. Post op yesterday she said my instincts were right and that I’m a conundrum. Instead of another lump in left breast I have many tumors so small they would not show on MRI, also in right breast. I could not take anastrazole due to debilitating side affects (I’m 77 with spine degeneration but otherwise good health). My tumor is not following normal staging and they are doing more advanced tests. She recommends radiation on both breasts, then tamoxifen that apparently strengthens bones as well. I live alone and quality and independence are everything to me at this point. I’m concerned about heart and lung damage from 4 weeks of radiation, have same driving distance issues and would have to spend nights in hotel. Im concerned about destroying my white blood cells in the middle of a pandemic. Am just starting researching and will be interviewing 3 radiation oncologists. At the moment, considering the challenges I’m thinking of taking a chance on just the tamoxifen.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 3, 2019

In reply to @6750 "Facing my 1st f/u is messing with my positive thoughts. One tiny step @ a time..." + (show)

Hi @6750, I want to add my welcome. I think you might be interested in this discussion:
– Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-completed-all-treatments-for-breast-cancer-but-now-i-am-supposed/
In particular this part of the discussion where women are talking about frequent bowel movements starting here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/arimidex/?pg=2#comment-271152

Staying positive can be a challenge sometimes, especially when going to follow-up appointments. And sometimes it's important to not force yourself to be positive all the time. It's okay to feel what you feel. You may wish to also take part in this discussion:
Help finding a positive attitude https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/help-finding-a-positive-attitude/

I agree one step at a time is an accomplishment, not matter how tiny the step. What questions do you have for your doctor at your follow-up appointment? How can we help you prepare?

6750 | @6750 | Mar 3, 2019

Facing my 1st f/u is messing with my positive thoughts.
One tiny step @ a time is a great accomplishment 🤗

6750 | @6750 | Mar 3, 2019

In reply to @6750 "Thank for Remington me to drink more water. As I read somewhere, REST IS THE TIDE..." + (show)

@ peggie@79
I am praying & thinking positive

6750 | @6750 | Mar 3, 2019

In reply to @6750 "@conniep79" + (show)

Thank for Remington me to drink more water. As I read somewhere,
REST IS THE TIDE O HEALING

6750 | @6750 | Mar 3, 2019

In reply to @conniep79 "Have a good relaxing Sunday. Rest is important too. Just to let you know, I just..." + (show)

@conniep79

conniep79 | @conniep79 | Mar 3, 2019

In reply to @6750 "@trixie1313 oncologist prescribed 1mg Anastrozole. One (1mg) daily Generic for: Arimidex. Leaking poop. Scared me. I..." + (show)

Have a good relaxing Sunday. Rest is important too. Just to let you know, I just started Xeloda to prevent recurrence. Well, lately I haven’t been drinking as much water as I should. I snuck in some red meat and I don’t digest it well. Felt constipated. So, I had some rectal bleeding this morning when I went. I must continue with greens and drinking fluids.

6750 | @6750 | Mar 3, 2019

In reply to @trixie1313 "Doctors will probably suggest aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen HRT for 5-10 years. You can find information..." + (show)

@trixie1313
oncologist prescribed
1mg Anastrozole. One (1mg) daily Generic for:
Arimidex.
Leaking poop. Scared me. I was going to see dr & saw here it is a side effect. 🙏🏻
1st chemo treatment,Oncologist advised to take Loratadine/antihistamine
10mg. One tab each am & @ BT
to help keep sore joints & my
mussel pain from being so bad. Not often but I do take an ibuprofen if I have been out running here ‘n there all day.
My motto is NO CA TODAY . my gratitude 🙏🏻 to God @ am pm
I do know God knows what is happening in my body and will always be by my side.
FEAR OF THE UNKOWN IS MY
BIG DEAMON. This is why I am trying to learn more about this journey. 🌹Martha

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Mar 3, 2019

In reply to @6750 "I go for 1st appt 3/15/2019 after completion of treatments in Nov 27. I am so..." + (show)

Doctors will probably suggest aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen HRT for 5-10 years. You can find information on these under those subjects here.

6750 | @6750 | Mar 3, 2019

I go for 1st appt 3/15/2019 after completion of treatments in Nov 27. I am so happy who shares their journey.
It is not a journey anyone wants to take.
Thank you. I truly did not ask ??? I just listened & have followed drs orders. I did know what to ask.Because of this place I have & learning
things I did not know.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻You .
I will be 72 in June...
twist # & I’m just “27”🤗
No family but me among all the billions of people
In this world. Best friends live ou-of-town