Saw breast surgeon today...

The cancer (precancer) is DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) meaning it formed in the ducts and it is still in the ducts as in hasn't "invaded" other breast tissue so it isn't called invasive cancer. Since it is "in situ" (in place), it is marked *Stage 0* which is a good thing. Both biopsies they did showed DCIS. The locations where the biopsies were taken are near each other and the other spot they couldn't get to via stereotactic biopsy is in the same region just behind it. The *grade* is medium (cribriform) to high (comedonecrosis). There are 3 grades... 1, 2 and 3. I'm 2-3. The grade equates to cell growth. Well organized growth but slow is 1. Disorganized and irregular is 3. The "necrosis" part of 3 above does mean dead but that in reality means excessive growth. Some cells die because others are forming so fast and cutting off the blood supply. Anyway, I was wrong the other day saying that this won't spread. Guess I misunderstood. When you have "in situ", you are more likely to get other cancer. Right now, step one is a breast MRI scheduled for next Thursday. That'll show whether there is more cancer then they know about in the right breast or not and if there is anything of interest in the left breast. The step after that is surgery. If the MRI shows nothing new... I'm slated for lumpectomy (actually wide excision since there isn't a lump but more of a region deemed to be 6-7 o'clock position in the breast). The lumpectomy versus mastectomy is due to the fact the cancer is not invasive (hasn't spread outside the duct). Based on the pathology of what they took during the biopsies, they will test the sentinel lymph node while I'm under since it was the higher grade (3 - comedonecrosis) cells. If ithe lymph nodes tests positive during the surgery itself, they will probablyconvert to mastectomy and also take out more lymph nodes in addition to breast tissue. Assuming lymph node is clear and surgical margins look good (aka they appear to have it all removed with a good amount of clean tissue around it)... then it is off to 6 weeks of radiation. No chemo. And since it is ER+/PR+ (estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor)... I'll be on tamoxifen or raloxifene (which are Selective Estrogen Receptor Modifiers) for several years. This means the cancer feeds off hormones so you suppress the stuff they feed off of. Talk about a whirlwind of information and activity. Getting phone calls from my sister, my husband, trying to arrange the MRI, the surgeon's office. I did blow a small gasket and pitched a well-deserved fit. LOL! Right now I do not have any idea when the surgery will be performed. Hope to be at Fair Oaks. I assume that if it is indeed lumpectomy, it'll be outpatient. Not sure if it will be before or after the holidays. More to follow. Thanks for all the support, folks! Kathy

I know you are relieved to have the details and an organized plan of attack. I take comfort in knowledge, too. I am praying for your peace. Do keep informed. It may very well be one of us tomorrow. Lois

Hello Kathy - I hope you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, yep, lots and lots of prayers being sent your way. I just can't believe everything you've had to endure over the last year, with your sisters health (cancer) and your husbands recent diagnosis, now THIS??? You're a rock, an absolute pillar of strength and I can only hope to be as strong and KNOWLEDGEABLE with all things in life. I'm always so amazed at just how much you RESEARCH and LEARN about your challenges/obstacles. You are so right, knowledge is indeed power and you prove that over and over again. Nothing but positive thoughts coming your way - please let Rich know that the same goes for him. I know that man of yours loves you VERY VERY MUCH, Ive seen it in his eyes when he looks at you, full of love and PRIDE for his woman. This last few weeks has to be equally as difficult and scary for HIM to wrap his brain around. Hugs to you both - Lei

Kathy glad that you have gotten the details or at least some of them that you needed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Courtney

My prayers are with you Kathy. Thanks for sharing, as Lois said, it might be one of us tomorrow. Take care, stay strong, and keep us updated. ~Ellen

I never ceased to be amazed at your capacity to understand everything about your illnesses. That truly is exceptional and it is way better to be armed that to go in ignorant. I am sorry this cancer is turning out to be not as straight forward as it first appeared but you are fully prepared and can go in fighting. Probably your pressure valve went off and you relieved all this stress by having a meltdown - quite understandable and much better than holding it in!! We are all thinking about you and sending our prayers and best wishes. Thanks for keeping us updated - you are very loved on this board! Jackie

Good Morning Kathy, I just wanted to add my support and let you know that prayers and positve energy are being sent your way... daily. Please let me know if there's anything I can do! Even if it's to *!?$# to someone... Hugs, Tammy

Thanks for keeping us updated Kathy. You are a strong couragous woman and you will get through this. Lots of love and prayers coming your way. Anna

More prayers going up for ya Kathy! You are such a strong and incredible woman...Good luck and let us know if you need anything... Christine

My word Kathy, you've sure had your plate full. I'm absolutely amazed at your ability to put emotions aside and focus on educating yourself on what you are facing.. Kudo's multifold woman!! I hope that the course of action your doctors plan, are in-sync with your wishes.. and I know that you will go into your next course of action with as much positive force as you can muster. I pray that the strength of those of us that surround you with love and well-wishes will help you! My love to you and Rich! Wendy