Level 3 Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma

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  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    Akiss4me said:

    Great advice....
    Thanks for the good advice, Corey....
    Spinnr1, I was told that if you ever go through life with 2-3 really good friends you should consider yourself blessed. Sounds like your friend is blessed to have you since you are showing the definition of a really good (stand by your side) friend!! You have come to the perfect place to get insight, wisdom, experience, and support.
    I too have infilterating Ductal Carcinoma grade 3....
    So far I am still in the testing (poking & proding) stages that require alot of waiting for results & answers (the waiting is the worst part for me!).
    Wednesday I am scheduled for surgery (I will have a lumpectomy).
    After that I will do radiation.
    After that I will do Hormone therapy for 5 years.
    Although before I came to this site I was confused, overwhelmed, and basically a nervous wreck, I soon learned that all of what I am about to go through is doable thanks to everyone here who either had been there, is there now or is just starting their journey. The best thing that has given me comfort is just knowing you are not alone out there. Perhaps you could encourage your friend to come on to the site and "browse" around a bit. I eavesdropped for days before I made myself known!! It may help her especially when you feel like your going to fall apart in the beginning.
    Hang in there...be strong for her...and come back often. She'll be just fine with her friend & family by her side. I will keep her in my prayers. :) Pammy

    Grade 3?
    I read your treatment Akiss4me and I am surprised that you didn't mention chemo. Aren't you going to have chemo? You said you were Grade 3 and that is the most aggressive type of tumor and I thought chemo was always recommended for that. Good luck with your treatment!
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    jnl said:

    Grade 3?
    I read your treatment Akiss4me and I am surprised that you didn't mention chemo. Aren't you going to have chemo? You said you were Grade 3 and that is the most aggressive type of tumor and I thought chemo was always recommended for that. Good luck with your treatment!

    Possibility....but not always
    Yes, the grade is one factor in deciding if chemo will take place. At the momment this is a tentative treatment plan. I will have the lumpectomy (This will spare my breast) and also they will check my lymph nodes at the same time. Whenever you have a lumpectomy, radiation is a must to make sure any remaining cancer cells (Even if it is just one!) is taken care of. When they check my lymph nodes during surgery (Called a sentenial node biopsy) if it shows that there is cancer in the node as well, then yes, I will go through chemo also. This however will not be determined till after surgery. Since my cancer is estrogen and progerone possitive (Sounds like your waiting on that part of her pathology report still, make sure you ask for it) then I will also go through hormone therapy for 5 years. I know it sounds really bad when you hear "grade 3" but it doesn't always mean chemo will be part of the treatment plan. They will look at the overall picture and then the oncologist and her will decide on the treatment that is best for her. Remember, she will always have a say in everthing that goes on. That is why it is so important to find a good DR that you feel comfortable with and feel you can trust. Hope this helps and feel free to ask anymore questions you may have. :) Pammy
  • Aortus
    Aortus Member Posts: 967
    Spinnr1 said:

    Thank you
    I just ordered that book , as well as another one I was recommended called Breast Cancer Husband.
    She is a trooper she's more scared of the pain of the surgery than dealing with it. I have had many long conversations about it with her about what we want to ask the dr's and what we hope to happen how we feel etc. I can't tell you all how much all of your words have helped me personally. I told her not to shoulder the worrying and just concentrate on eating healthier and taking better care of herself, but I know the worry is there as well as the fear. overall she is smiling and having a good visit with her mom while she is in town, but she's shed tears and been lethargic, but she's focused and alot of that is because of the comfort I have been able to provide because of what everyone here has told me. so thank you all I will keep you posted on her/our progress

    Hang in there, Spinner
    It's going to be tough on you too. But if I can make it, I know you can as well.

    Probably the most useful piece of advice I can pass on to you is don't be afraid to depend on others, including (and maybe especially) your GF. It was terrible when the one person in the universe I have come to depend on in my darkest moments was in such a bad way. But the neat thing was that she still needed, for her own reasons, to be there for me. And indeed, one of the main reasons I've been able to make it so far is that Moopy has been lending me her strength the entire time. How she has pulled it off, I don't know. I'm merely a guy, and all I can say is that women are truly amazing people.

    Please keep us up to date on how your GF and you are doing. I predict that before too long, you will both be offering your experiences and your support to the newly diagnosed who keep coming here. Not to mention that it gets really lonely being just about the only guy here. The way those ladies pick on me...

    Best,
    Joe
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    jnl said:

    Grade 3?
    I read your treatment Akiss4me and I am surprised that you didn't mention chemo. Aren't you going to have chemo? You said you were Grade 3 and that is the most aggressive type of tumor and I thought chemo was always recommended for that. Good luck with your treatment!

    CHEMO
    Just met with my oncologist yesterday........I have a "grade 3" ductual carcinoma......had the lumpectomy two weeks ago...lymph nodes were NEGATIVE, only took three........thought I was going to just have to follow up with radiation for 7 weeks......WRONG! Oncologist said without the chemo I had a 40 % chance of it coming back in the breast or anywhere else within 10 years....so, it was a no brainer! Have the first on June 15.....going today to start all the "scans".......sounds like a day at the beach to me! God Bless you all......
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    MAJW said:

    CHEMO
    Just met with my oncologist yesterday........I have a "grade 3" ductual carcinoma......had the lumpectomy two weeks ago...lymph nodes were NEGATIVE, only took three........thought I was going to just have to follow up with radiation for 7 weeks......WRONG! Oncologist said without the chemo I had a 40 % chance of it coming back in the breast or anywhere else within 10 years....so, it was a no brainer! Have the first on June 15.....going today to start all the "scans".......sounds like a day at the beach to me! God Bless you all......

    One more thing.....
    Since my tumor was NOT estrogen receptive, Tamoxifin is not an option for me nor is Herceptin.....so it's chemo
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    MAJW said:

    One more thing.....
    Since my tumor was NOT estrogen receptive, Tamoxifin is not an option for me nor is Herceptin.....so it's chemo

    Gulp!!........
    Thanks for the heads up...I wonder if he is sparing me for the moment, if er/pr + makes a difference, or oncologists will advise including chemo will be the best thing? Well, I guess I will just have to wait and see....woe is me....add to wait list one more thing....sigh :) Pammy
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    Aortus said:

    Hang in there, Spinner
    It's going to be tough on you too. But if I can make it, I know you can as well.

    Probably the most useful piece of advice I can pass on to you is don't be afraid to depend on others, including (and maybe especially) your GF. It was terrible when the one person in the universe I have come to depend on in my darkest moments was in such a bad way. But the neat thing was that she still needed, for her own reasons, to be there for me. And indeed, one of the main reasons I've been able to make it so far is that Moopy has been lending me her strength the entire time. How she has pulled it off, I don't know. I'm merely a guy, and all I can say is that women are truly amazing people.

    Please keep us up to date on how your GF and you are doing. I predict that before too long, you will both be offering your experiences and your support to the newly diagnosed who keep coming here. Not to mention that it gets really lonely being just about the only guy here. The way those ladies pick on me...

    Best,
    Joe

    awwwww......poor Joe!
    And Spinner, we only pick on him because we love him and he is such a good sport (sometimes) haha. Hat's off to you for being there for you gal. She will need you. I can't say much more than all the excellent advice you have received already. Just want you to know I am praying for you both and welcome to our board.
    God Bless, Jackie
  • Spinnr1
    Spinnr1 Member Posts: 57
    Akiss4me said:

    Great advice....
    Thanks for the good advice, Corey....
    Spinnr1, I was told that if you ever go through life with 2-3 really good friends you should consider yourself blessed. Sounds like your friend is blessed to have you since you are showing the definition of a really good (stand by your side) friend!! You have come to the perfect place to get insight, wisdom, experience, and support.
    I too have infilterating Ductal Carcinoma grade 3....
    So far I am still in the testing (poking & proding) stages that require alot of waiting for results & answers (the waiting is the worst part for me!).
    Wednesday I am scheduled for surgery (I will have a lumpectomy).
    After that I will do radiation.
    After that I will do Hormone therapy for 5 years.
    Although before I came to this site I was confused, overwhelmed, and basically a nervous wreck, I soon learned that all of what I am about to go through is doable thanks to everyone here who either had been there, is there now or is just starting their journey. The best thing that has given me comfort is just knowing you are not alone out there. Perhaps you could encourage your friend to come on to the site and "browse" around a bit. I eavesdropped for days before I made myself known!! It may help her especially when you feel like your going to fall apart in the beginning.
    Hang in there...be strong for her...and come back often. She'll be just fine with her friend & family by her side. I will keep her in my prayers. :) Pammy

    Prayers
    Sending out some prayers for you as well. it's scary, but I know people have done it and the world of surgery and medicine has improved alot over the years.
    as for your advice for recommending she visit. I think I will wait til after her surgery because there's alot of stuff out there that might freak her out. I am filtering some information that I give her so she can stay focused on being healthy.

    by the way did I mention she was a liver transplant patient? does anyone know if that will affect her post surgery treatment?
  • Yihong
    Yihong Member Posts: 6
    MAJW said:

    One more thing.....
    Since my tumor was NOT estrogen receptive, Tamoxifin is not an option for me nor is Herceptin.....so it's chemo

    Do you have Triple Negative?
    MAJW,

    Is you breast cancer is Triple Negative?
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    Yihong said:

    Do you have Triple Negative?
    MAJW,

    Is you breast cancer is Triple Negative?

    No on the triple negative....
    I am estrogen and progesterone possitive and her2neu negative. :)
  • Spinnr1
    Spinnr1 Member Posts: 57
    Spinnr1 said:

    Prayers
    Sending out some prayers for you as well. it's scary, but I know people have done it and the world of surgery and medicine has improved alot over the years.
    as for your advice for recommending she visit. I think I will wait til after her surgery because there's alot of stuff out there that might freak her out. I am filtering some information that I give her so she can stay focused on being healthy.

    by the way did I mention she was a liver transplant patient? does anyone know if that will affect her post surgery treatment?

    Book
    I got one of the 2 books I ordered this morning.
    I am about 50 pages into Breast Cancer Husband. I would be much further into it if I didn't have to reread due to not being able to concentrate and having a foggy mind. so far it has eased a little of my worries, but I'm still up there. as soon as I feel good about it it gives me a statistic or bit of information that hits home.

    I would like to take this time to thank you all for any information or advice. this place has helped alot, and as much as I would rather have not ever had to look any of this up. it is comforting knowing there are caring, scared, worried people out there who still can offer a helping hand. gives me alot of hope. thank you all so much.
    again I am saying prayers for all of you. keep yours coming for my girlfriend.
    God Bless you all
  • tatooedinpink
    tatooedinpink Member Posts: 95
    Spinnr1 said:

    Book
    I got one of the 2 books I ordered this morning.
    I am about 50 pages into Breast Cancer Husband. I would be much further into it if I didn't have to reread due to not being able to concentrate and having a foggy mind. so far it has eased a little of my worries, but I'm still up there. as soon as I feel good about it it gives me a statistic or bit of information that hits home.

    I would like to take this time to thank you all for any information or advice. this place has helped alot, and as much as I would rather have not ever had to look any of this up. it is comforting knowing there are caring, scared, worried people out there who still can offer a helping hand. gives me alot of hope. thank you all so much.
    again I am saying prayers for all of you. keep yours coming for my girlfriend.
    God Bless you all

    good thoughts and prayers
    Spinnr1,

    Will keep you and your girlfriend in my prayers. You are great support for her. Take care of yourself too. All that research and support is exhausting.

    I don't know if this was mentioned in the previous postings, but sometimes treatment involves a different order of events. For instance, I went thru 4 1/2 months of chemo, then mastectomy, then radiation, in that order. Every case is unique, so don't get freaked out if the path is different. You just want to make sure that you trust your doctors, research, ask questions, and stay positive. She can beat this!

    Hugs to you both,

    Debbie
  • Spinnr1
    Spinnr1 Member Posts: 57

    good thoughts and prayers
    Spinnr1,

    Will keep you and your girlfriend in my prayers. You are great support for her. Take care of yourself too. All that research and support is exhausting.

    I don't know if this was mentioned in the previous postings, but sometimes treatment involves a different order of events. For instance, I went thru 4 1/2 months of chemo, then mastectomy, then radiation, in that order. Every case is unique, so don't get freaked out if the path is different. You just want to make sure that you trust your doctors, research, ask questions, and stay positive. She can beat this!

    Hugs to you both,

    Debbie

    Help me
    Having trouble making it through the day. I need some encouraging words. Thursday seems so far away. any last minute things I should know or be aware of?
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    Spinnr1 said:

    Help me
    Having trouble making it through the day. I need some encouraging words. Thursday seems so far away. any last minute things I should know or be aware of?

    You going to be the best
    You going to be the best friend ever. You know what you need to do. You have done all the homework. Just ask all the questions and write down the answers. Just keep in mind that this is the first appointment and you may not get all the answers your looking for. I just had my surgery last Wednesday. You would think that this was the end of the line, NOT. Waiting for answers still. You will do fine. Hang in there, your a very good friend.
    Kathy
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    Kat11 said:

    You going to be the best
    You going to be the best friend ever. You know what you need to do. You have done all the homework. Just ask all the questions and write down the answers. Just keep in mind that this is the first appointment and you may not get all the answers your looking for. I just had my surgery last Wednesday. You would think that this was the end of the line, NOT. Waiting for answers still. You will do fine. Hang in there, your a very good friend.
    Kathy

    What Kat said was perfect!
    What Kat said was perfect! You just have to be patient and be sure and

    be prepared to ask a lot of questions and to write them down, if needed. My husband even

    took a tape recorder with us when we went for my appointments to help us to remember! Good

    luck! Hugs, Jeanne
  • corey50
    corey50 Member Posts: 111
    HERE TO HELP
    hi spinnr1,
    the only practical thing i can think of is to make sure that the dr. has all the pathology reports and if you are bringing the films yourself make sure they're the correct ones. check the name and date. if these things were sent to the dr. office call tomorrow and make sure they have them. don't worry about bothering the receptionist, because i've had that happen to me where the reports or films never got there. ask the dr's office if there is anything else you should do for the appt.
    now put the cancer books down. if you're prepared with your questions take a break for a few days. nothing is going to change between now and thurs.
    try to relax and take your's and especially your girls minds off this. this is hard to do, i know. but you're going to feel completely wiped out after this appt.and you'll have more to do, so rest now.
    sending you good thoughts
  • Spinnr1
    Spinnr1 Member Posts: 57
    corey50 said:

    HERE TO HELP
    hi spinnr1,
    the only practical thing i can think of is to make sure that the dr. has all the pathology reports and if you are bringing the films yourself make sure they're the correct ones. check the name and date. if these things were sent to the dr. office call tomorrow and make sure they have them. don't worry about bothering the receptionist, because i've had that happen to me where the reports or films never got there. ask the dr's office if there is anything else you should do for the appt.
    now put the cancer books down. if you're prepared with your questions take a break for a few days. nothing is going to change between now and thurs.
    try to relax and take your's and especially your girls minds off this. this is hard to do, i know. but you're going to feel completely wiped out after this appt.and you'll have more to do, so rest now.
    sending you good thoughts

    Thank you all
    Thank you all so much. I wouldn't know half of what I know if I didn't have your advice.
    *Update* I am past what I need to know for what we know so far in breast cancer husband, so I am going to take a few deep breaths pray alot and spend time with her.

    Also I am taking a notebook to write down answers as well as a tape recorder to catch anything I miss.
    I will be sure to update you all when I get more info
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    Spinnr1 said:

    Thank you all
    Thank you all so much. I wouldn't know half of what I know if I didn't have your advice.
    *Update* I am past what I need to know for what we know so far in breast cancer husband, so I am going to take a few deep breaths pray alot and spend time with her.

    Also I am taking a notebook to write down answers as well as a tape recorder to catch anything I miss.
    I will be sure to update you all when I get more info

    Spinnr1
    I think you are doing AWESOME and any girl/women would love to have you by their side. Your girlfriend is so blessed to have you. Stay strong and remember we are here for you whenever you need us!! :) Pammy
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    Spinnr1 said:

    Thank you all
    Thank you all so much. I wouldn't know half of what I know if I didn't have your advice.
    *Update* I am past what I need to know for what we know so far in breast cancer husband, so I am going to take a few deep breaths pray alot and spend time with her.

    Also I am taking a notebook to write down answers as well as a tape recorder to catch anything I miss.
    I will be sure to update you all when I get more info

    Just want to wish you good
    Just want to wish you good luck spinnr1! And, update us when you can! Best of luck!
  • Spinnr1
    Spinnr1 Member Posts: 57
    Sorry for not replying sooner
    She's had several visits with dr's and numerous scans: an mri, a pet scan and some others and she has an appointment with a dr in Dallas in the morning. actually 2 dr's, an Oncologist and a surgeon.
    We have learned... well not enough, but they did say stage 1 grade 3 and that it has spread to at least one lymph node and has some "satellite nodules" I think they called them.
    they recommended chemo first then surgery, but we are seeing the dr's in dallas to see if they agree, and then we are making a gameplan from there. all I know is I am terrified, and a little hurt / angry that it happened to her so young, but like with her liver transplant and everything else, she has to do everything backwards so we are going to stick together and hope / pray for the best.
    also I finished reading one book and started another when I realized I was overwhelming myself with information and I sat the book down and we have just been spending as much time as possible together doing anything and everything at all possible to get out minds off of it. she has been so tired lately that all she feels like doing is laying around watching movies in bed or whatever, so we have done that. anyways. I hope you are all doing ok, and I continue to pray for all of your well beings etc.
    God Bless you all

    oh yeah, is it normal for her to have redness / swelling?
    and what does the HER2/Neu thing mean? They said it looked like both were positive