Invasive ductal carcinoma

Can't recommend an alternative but having been on an 18month roller coaster trying to get the right balance of hrt and then having to go cold turkey, I was bricking it! 

4 months on and I've been pleasantly surprised that the symptoms that made me go for hrt (sore joints, sore muscles, crawling skin, phantom smelling smoke) have not returned

I've been allowed to continue taking magnesium, glucosamine/chondroitin & omega 3 to help with joint stiffness but expected things to be much worse. 

Best of luck!

Thank you!

I was diagnosed start of May, as soon as I found out it was hormone fed I just stopped taking my hrt. Had my surgery start of June and have been absolutely fine with none of the symptoms I went onto hrt for. Am now about to start hormone therapy for next 5 years and am so scared about the listed possible side effects, but hey, it’s gotta be done if it means it’s helping to keep any more squatters away x

Thank you! scary times! Xx

Hi there, Just read your profile and it's a bit similar to my pathology results in many respects.

I only received my results 2 days ago and it was previously expected that I had Lobular cancer...instead it was invasive ductal cancer.

I knew I would need radiotherapy, and an aromatase inhibitor, but the Oncotype test was suggested along with possible biphosphonates. I was told the test results for the Oncotype will be back in 2 weeks. How long did it take for your results?

I've got meeting in just under 3 weeks with an oncologist to see if I'm a candidate for chemo.

Other than this test though, my results were better than I had prepared myself for. I'm having a bit of a hard time getting my head around the fact that I may need chemo as well!

Sorry to offload, but the anxiety is starting to set in all over again.

Katy

Hi Katy, no need to apologise! I had biopsy on 10th July and was told then, and went back 1 week later to see consultant, as long as it is healthy tissue around cancer then just radio as far as I'm aware, but still a bit hard to get head around it! Have pre-op on Monday and surgery on 13th xx

Hi NannyEm. Thanks for the reply. 

I totally understand...it's a hell of a lot to get your head around, isn't it?

I hope your surgery goes well. For me the incision in the armpit was probably the most painful thing, but that said, I managed with just paracetamol and an orthopaedic pillow from Argos!

Yes, I had good clear margins and no evidence of spread to the sentinel node or blood vessels.

I think the Oncotype test is purely to discount any unnecessary chemo treatment being used from what I've read. If my scores indicate that it will be of benefit then I'll seriously consider it. It's just another thing that has muddied the waters for me, and I think that's my main issue for me.

I've got my oncology appointment on 19th, a few days after your operation, so i'll know more then.

I'll keep you in my thoughts, and hope it all goes well for you.

Warmest wishes,

Katy

I jump over one hurdle and get you head round it and then something else crops up! It's all very confusing isn't it! Best wishes to you as well Katy, sending love xx

Hi Katy

i had the oncotype test. I got the results in 2 weeks. My score was 13 so low enough for me not to need chemo thankfully. Got to have 9 rt, 5 to the whole boob then 4 to targeted area as when I had initial biopsy grade was 3, but after op when tested it was grade 2, which is good news, but as consultant said, belts and braces, so they doing the 4 targeted rt to where tumor was.

Had appointment with oncologist last week and had planning scan yesterday and going on much need holiday Saturday for 2 weeks. The day after we get home my treatment starts. Will also be starting Anastrozole once home too. Still none of the symptoms I started hrt for thankfully but bracing myself for anastrozole side affects!
It’s all waiting for results initially, but once they know what they dealing with it’s full steam ahead.

Hi Elizabeth71

I'd never heard of the Oncotype test prior to getting my results!

My IDC was grade 3 according to pathology, but it was still stage 1. (They thought I had invasive lobular cancer prior to this and graded it at 2, and stage 1).

I had clear margins and it had not spread to the sentinel node or any blood vessels thankfully. If my oncotype score does indicate that i'd benefit from chemo I'd really need to consider it, although the thought of it scares me a lot. The radiotherapy doesn't phase me, but like you, I'm in trepidation about the aromatase inhibitor situation having heard that they can have a few negative side effects.

I'm back to my job as a prison officer next week, light duties though, and not working shifts as I my consultant said that a consistent work pattern would be better for my mental health right now. I'm happy to go back to some semblance of normality really, as I'm watching far too much rubbishy daytime TV than is good for me !!!

I really hope you enjoy your holiday...It's very well deserved and needed.

Stay in touch with any updates and I'll do likewise. I really appreciate you reaching out.

Katy