My mom just got diagnosed with Breast cancer

LailaTX
LailaTX Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1
Hi the diagnose of my mom is:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with Medullary features
Can someone kind of explain it to me...I do know it is the most aggresive one... but what will happen... what do they mean by "with medullary features"? Is that really bad etc.. Please help!

Comments

  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    #2
    Hi Laila, First of all I'm
    Hi Laila, First of all I'm so sorry that you and your Mom have to go through this but we are all here for you. I also had IDC which I believe is the most common form of BC. Ductal meaning the cancer is in the milk ducts and invasive meaning it has most likely invaded another part like the lymph nodes. I had 8 noes infected so they were removed.
    I'm sorry, I don't know what medullary means, maybe someone else can help you with that.
    I had chemo and radiation, finished in December of 09 and so far so good!
    I will say some prayers and like I said, don't hesitate to ask for help.
    Hugs to you both,
    Wanda
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #3
    Hope this helps
    Not sure why you believe this is the most aggressive breast cancer?

    Most of us have IDC, but certain types are more aggressive than others. Inflammatory and triple negative are considered 2 of the more aggressive. Do you know if your mom's tumor is estrogen or progesterone positive? An tumor positive for estrogen receptors is, generally speaking, easier to treat (more options). Her2 + also has unique treatments.

    Medullary cancer is considered a less aggressive type.
    "Medullary carcinoma of the breast is a variant of breast cancer. These tumors have a similar presentation to other breast cancers but are distinguished by a characteristic histologic appearance. In addition, pure medullary carcinomas have a better prognosis than usual cases of infiltrating ductal carcinoma."
    See:
    Medullary Breast Cancer

    And just to give your mom hope, I was diagnosed with IDC, Stage 3A, back in 1987--yes 24 years ago!


    Also, see the link below for understanding more about your mom's cancer and pathology report:

    Contents of a Pathology Report
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #4
    Talk to the Dr!
    I haven't done a lot of reading on IDC as I'm IBC so basically spend my time researching it.

    I haven't seen anything that says that IDC (most usual form) is the most aggressive form - IBC (rare) is and has lowest chance of making it to 5 years (25% - 45% depending on the study). Triple negative (ER-/PR- and HER2-) adds to the aggressiveness of any type but that is added to the type.

    I don't know anything about "medullary features".

    Her Dr is the one that can best explain to you the prognosis and TX plan.
  • Texasgirl10
    Texasgirl10 Member Posts: 668
    #5
    Rague said:

    Talk to the Dr!
    I haven't done a lot of reading on IDC as I'm IBC so basically spend my time researching it.

    I haven't seen anything that says that IDC (most usual form) is the most aggressive form - IBC (rare) is and has lowest chance of making it to 5 years (25% - 45% depending on the study). Triple negative (ER-/PR- and HER2-) adds to the aggressiveness of any type but that is added to the type.

    I don't know anything about "medullary features".

    Her Dr is the one that can best explain to you the prognosis and TX plan.

    Hi
    I'm so sorry about your Mom. I don't really know much about IDC. I have inflammatory breast cancer and that is considered to be the most aggressive. Please know that you have found a wonderful site with wonderful people here who honestly care. There is so much knowledge, wisdom, and people with the strongest courage and the utmost hope here. I will be praying not only for your Mom, but for you too because you will be fighting right beside her. Please keep us updated on your Mom's journey and let us know how you are doing because I promise you that we do care.

    Hugs and God Bless,

    Dawne
  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #6
    Breast Cancer Information Link
    Hi Laila, the american cancer society has some very wonderful brochures for you to download from the website. i didnt find out about it until after my treatment but i still found it extremely helpful.it is well written, user friendly,and detailed enough to answer your questions. here is the link http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/index. i hope you read that because it really helped me out. perhaps your mother would like to read it too. it will explain types of breast cancer, stages, grades,treaments, side effects, everything you could imagine,etc. if you have any other questions, the american cancer society has their 1-800-227-2345 with someone to assist you 24 hours a day, i have used that number too and found a wealth of information. good luck to you and your mother.
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #7
    CypressCynthia said:

    Hope this helps
    Not sure why you believe this is the most aggressive breast cancer?

    Most of us have IDC, but certain types are more aggressive than others. Inflammatory and triple negative are considered 2 of the more aggressive. Do you know if your mom's tumor is estrogen or progesterone positive? An tumor positive for estrogen receptors is, generally speaking, easier to treat (more options). Her2 + also has unique treatments.

    Medullary cancer is considered a less aggressive type.
    "Medullary carcinoma of the breast is a variant of breast cancer. These tumors have a similar presentation to other breast cancers but are distinguished by a characteristic histologic appearance. In addition, pure medullary carcinomas have a better prognosis than usual cases of infiltrating ductal carcinoma."
    See:
    Medullary Breast Cancer

    And just to give your mom hope, I was diagnosed with IDC, Stage 3A, back in 1987--yes 24 years ago!


    Also, see the link below for understanding more about your mom's cancer and pathology report:

    Contents of a Pathology Report

    Sending prayers and good
    Sending prayers and good wishes for you Mother.
  • yv1214
    yv1214 Member Posts: 72
    #8
    cinnamonsmile said:

    Breast Cancer Information Link
    Hi Laila, the american cancer society has some very wonderful brochures for you to download from the website. i didnt find out about it until after my treatment but i still found it extremely helpful.it is well written, user friendly,and detailed enough to answer your questions. here is the link http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/index. i hope you read that because it really helped me out. perhaps your mother would like to read it too. it will explain types of breast cancer, stages, grades,treaments, side effects, everything you could imagine,etc. if you have any other questions, the american cancer society has their 1-800-227-2345 with someone to assist you 24 hours a day, i have used that number too and found a wealth of information. good luck to you and your mother.

    good luck....
    I wish you and your mother all the best during this hard time. I have been with my mom the last two year while she has been diagnosed and going through treatments. If you need to talk please feel free to reach out I am here to help in any way I can.

    All the best,
    Yessy
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #9
    yv1214 said:

    good luck....
    I wish you and your mother all the best during this hard time. I have been with my mom the last two year while she has been diagnosed and going through treatments. If you need to talk please feel free to reach out I am here to help in any way I can.

    All the best,
    Yessy

    Yessy .. you are so sweet and kind! Reaching out
    to another daughter .. distraught by her Mom's breast cancer diagnosis. I adore this site, it offers 'support' to whomever.

    Cheers to you!


    Vicki Sam
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #10
    Hi Laila,
    Just wanted to
    Hi Laila,
    Just wanted to offer my support to you. My mom's also in treatment for IDC, she had a lumpectomy, 6 rounds of chemo, and is in the middle of her radiation treatments. I don't know anything about the "medullary features" but just wanted to send my support, please feel free to message me if you'd like :)
    *hugs*
    Heather
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #11
    Rague said:

    Talk to the Dr!
    I haven't done a lot of reading on IDC as I'm IBC so basically spend my time researching it.

    I haven't seen anything that says that IDC (most usual form) is the most aggressive form - IBC (rare) is and has lowest chance of making it to 5 years (25% - 45% depending on the study). Triple negative (ER-/PR- and HER2-) adds to the aggressiveness of any type but that is added to the type.

    I don't know anything about "medullary features".

    Her Dr is the one that can best explain to you the prognosis and TX plan.

    Very sorry to read your Mom
    Very sorry to read your Mom has bc. Her oncologist will explain her path report to her. Wishing her good luck!


    Jan
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #12
    yv1214 said:

    good luck....
    I wish you and your mother all the best during this hard time. I have been with my mom the last two year while she has been diagnosed and going through treatments. If you need to talk please feel free to reach out I am here to help in any way I can.

    All the best,
    Yessy

    I am sending prayers and
    I am sending prayers and good luck to both of you. I am glad you found this site and hope that in some way, we can help you thru this.


    Lex
  • katcrum
    katcrum Member Posts: 1
    #13
    mom just diagnosed
    We have a lot in common. My mom was just diagnosed on March 3, 2011 as having breast cancer as well. The surgeon we consulted with said she had invasive and fast spreading type of cancer and was present in her lymph nodes (two) done by biopsy. They are sending here for some more biopsies on Thursday so I'm not sure yet as to the stage or receptor status just yet. We also meet with an oncologist on Thursday as well. As her daughter, I am full of emotions and worry, scared for her and what she will be going through as well but I see all these amazing stories and support which gives me some comfort. She still hasn't spoken about it yet and I don't push her to because I want her to come to me when she is mentally ready. She knows I am here for her in whatever way she needs and to keep busy right now I am getting all her insurance paperwork in order, banking matters set up to be done online, and just researching all I can so I can care for her during this battle. I will pray for you and your mom daily as I do mine and we can go through this battle together.

Discussion Boards