Confused
Hi I was diagnosed onFriday after mammogram, ultrasound and core biopsy. I have been told I have an invasive ductal carcinoma grade 1. It is about 2cms at its largest and is located at 3 o’clock, th...
Forum Discussion
@Tamlyn @suburbangirl
Hi Jodie,
To give you a rough idea, what will happen next it'll be something like the following.
Your GP will refer you to a breast surgeon (BS). You'll need to decide if you want to go public or private. You will meet your surgeon and discuss having a lumpectomy. You probably won't have a mastectomy unless there are extenuating circumstances. You'll have some pre-op checks and have the surgery sometime in the next few weeks. It's usually a one night stay in hospital or day surgery. If the surgeon doesn't get clear margins, you'll have to have a second operation. This happens in about 20% of cases.
Once the tumour has been analysed, you'll go to see an oncologist. Your BS will refer you. The tumour size currently is an estimation. It is only truly known after it's been removed, and this may change your course of treatment. With no spread to nodes, you may proceed straight to radiation therapy. There may be a question of chemotherapy. If your tumour is 2cm or less, your option could be a type called TC, which is usually four infusions over three months. Another influencing factor is the Grade (1 to 3) of your cancer cells. Grade 3 (aggressive) can tip you towards chemo. You could also be offered a genomic test to see if chemo would be beneficial. These aren't covered by Medicare, and cost $3000 - $5000.
If your cancer is estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positive (ER+ PR+), you will be prescribed Tamoxifen, or if you are post-menopausal, one of three drugs that are called aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Hormone receptor positive cancers use estrogen to grow. Tamoxifen stops the interaction, and AIs stop the production of estrogen. You wouldn't start taking them until your active treatment finishes.
I hope this helps. You're going through the absolute worst bit now. Once your treatment plan is known and underway, the panic subsides and you won't feel so dreadful. It is a really steep learning curve, it's no wonder you're confused! However I promise it gets not easier, but more bearable somehow.
This forum is a great place for info and advice, company, understanding and a laugh (truly!). No one wants to join this club, but there's some bloody good company here. Big hug, K xox
Hi Jodie,
To give you a rough idea, what will happen next it'll be something like the following.
Your GP will refer you to a breast surgeon (BS). You'll need to decide if you want to go public or private. You will meet your surgeon and discuss having a lumpectomy. You probably won't have a mastectomy unless there are extenuating circumstances. You'll have some pre-op checks and have the surgery sometime in the next few weeks. It's usually a one night stay in hospital or day surgery. If the surgeon doesn't get clear margins, you'll have to have a second operation. This happens in about 20% of cases.
Once the tumour has been analysed, you'll go to see an oncologist. Your BS will refer you. The tumour size currently is an estimation. It is only truly known after it's been removed, and this may change your course of treatment. With no spread to nodes, you may proceed straight to radiation therapy. There may be a question of chemotherapy. If your tumour is 2cm or less, your option could be a type called TC, which is usually four infusions over three months. Another influencing factor is the Grade (1 to 3) of your cancer cells. Grade 3 (aggressive) can tip you towards chemo. You could also be offered a genomic test to see if chemo would be beneficial. These aren't covered by Medicare, and cost $3000 - $5000.
If your cancer is estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positive (ER+ PR+), you will be prescribed Tamoxifen, or if you are post-menopausal, one of three drugs that are called aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Hormone receptor positive cancers use estrogen to grow. Tamoxifen stops the interaction, and AIs stop the production of estrogen. You wouldn't start taking them until your active treatment finishes.
I hope this helps. You're going through the absolute worst bit now. Once your treatment plan is known and underway, the panic subsides and you won't feel so dreadful. It is a really steep learning curve, it's no wonder you're confused! However I promise it gets not easier, but more bearable somehow.
This forum is a great place for info and advice, company, understanding and a laugh (truly!). No one wants to join this club, but there's some bloody good company here. Big hug, K xox