Confirmed diagnosis - Hi all

mystic_marzipan
mystic_marzipan Member Posts: 5 ✭
in Newly diagnosed
Hi, I’ve just been diagnosed with an invasive ductal carcinoma 19mm plus multiple smaller sites that may/may not be malignant. It’s Her2 IHC negative and er/pr positive. It has focal lobular growth pattern (no idea what that means). I’m told this is a good outcome. 

I have very busy breast so they also discussed bilateral mastectomies as an option. Lots to think about now.

It would be great to hear from others who have had a similar diagnosis. How are you managing? any advice/knowledge/things you think I should ask when I get to see the surgeon? 

I feel like I’ve been picked up and placed on another planet with a language I barely understand. 

Thanks all 

Comments

  • May2024
    May2024 Member Posts: 24 ✭
    @mystic_marzipan I'm so sorry you are going through this. I didn't have IDC so I can't offer advice on that  but I did have a bilateral mastectomy  with immediate implant recon a few months ago so am happy to answer any questions  you may have regarding that.   You'll be feeling all over the place at the moment; it's a lot to take in. Write down any questions that pop into your mind so you can then have a list for your next appointment.  Thinking of you and wishing you all the best with your decisions.

  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,286 ✭
    @mystic_marzipan ...  So sorry the biopsy came back positive ...but it is good that you've now got a basic game plan xx. Your team will be doing their best for the best outcome for YOU ....

     In having one (maybe 2) mastectomies - has reconstruction (or not) been mentioned?    We have 2 private groups that you might like to join - one for those who choose recon & those who choose to remain flat.  It may be a good idea to join both & ask questions xx. Obviously reconstruction requires further surgery (which can be done at the same time tho it does require longer recovery time)  or later (also with recovery time.) 
    Both groups will have before and after photos, to give you an idea of outcomes and you'll be able to ask ANY questions there in total privacy.

    No recon:
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/29-flat-chat-no-breast-reconstruction

    With recon:
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

    Take lots of deep breaths, slow your brain down ... as this disease mucks with your brain even more than your body :(    Ring our helpline if you want to chat with someone - and if you feel really sad or troubled, ask your Team/GP to refer you to a Counsellor.  Better still - listen to the Charlotte Tottman Podcasts on her own Breast Cancer story - as she had a double mastectomy and remained flat.  Listen 'in order' - she is very easy to listen to & relate to.  Her own reaction (after years of counseling other BC clients) was actually quite different from what she 'thought' it would be - And had been advising clients before her own diagnosis.  xx

    Her story is in the document below, and the podcast link is below:
    http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

    take care, keep busy between appointments, maybe even cooking up some meals & freezing them, for 'post op' ease.


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