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Invasive ductal carcinoma

Kerryann
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Hi, my mum was yesterday diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma and we are absolutely devestaed! My mum isn't a strong person and has taken the news really bad and broke down when she heard the news. We are waiting for her app with the doctor to discuss a plan of treatment. Does anyone have any knowledge of this and can give me any advice? I'm trying so hard to be strong but I'm broken inside. I know there's so much that can be done now but she says she's not strong enough to go through anything. 

  • Welcome to the forum Kerryann although I'm sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis yesterday.

    We have some information about this cancer on our website here but do give our cancer nurses a call if you would like to chat to them about this as well. Their freephone number is 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. 

    Many of our members have been through this process and hopefully they'll be along soon but I have also some information we have about coping with cancer which I hope will be of some help to you and your mum at this time.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator 

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    Hi, sorry to hear your bad news, I myself at 25 have got stage 3 cancer same as your mum, i have had my first round of chemo today, I have that for 5 months then surgery if you need any questions answered il do my best, just try as hard as it is to stay positive, i only found out 1 week ago of my diagnosis and started treatment today so they are pretty quick with it. Xx
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    Hi Kerryann. Sorry to hear of your mom's diagnosis. I was diagnosed with a stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma last dec. I am here if youd like to ask anything It does depend on whether your mom's cancer is estrogen negative/positive, Her2 positive negative and any other information the doctors will let you know. It is devastating when you hear the "C" word. It took me 2 months to totally come to terms with the fact that I have cancer. The words cancer and stage 2 kept going round in my head. Wait until you have all the information and write some questions down that you'd like to ask the dr. It makes it easier as being at the hospital makes you forget. I have finished my treatment about 6 months ago. Life throws many curveballs but we have to face what's thrown at us. Family is important to have around and whatever you aren't able to talk to them about this forum is amazing. It has been my saviour. It is a journey but concentrate on one day at a time and one thing at a time. When is the appt with the dr for plan of treatment? Please let us know how it all goes. She's in the system now so that is the most important thing. Stay strong and keep yourself busy as the waiting is a bit difficult in between each step. Take care.
  • Offline in reply to Jbains

    Hi there Kerryann. 

    I also had invasive ductal carcinoma but very early stage. As Jbains said, there are lots of of different approaches to cancer and it can also depend on the opinion of the consultant as to the treatment plan. 

    Take a deep breath at the start of each day and deal with this and only this as far as dealing with the current situation goes. You are likely to find that once you start with treatment plans, hospital appointments and diagnostic tests you feel quite overwhelmed. If possible, take some one with you to appointments, between you, you’ll take in more of the information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, this is your body and your future that is being discussed, write down any questions that you have and take them along with you to appointments. 

    Happy to chat, I’m back at work now so treatment does work, I’ve actually got my signing off letter from oncology today so I’m back with the breast care unit now and annual monitoring. 

    Take care  

     

  • Offline in reply to rileyroo

    Hi. I also have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Diagnosed back in 2011 straight away as stage 4. It had already spread through both my lungs and liver. The first year or so was horrendous- I think I was in shock after the diagnosis. But now, 6 1/2 years later, I stay as positive as I can and keep as healthy as I can. And I'm determined to carry on living with it. Even at stage 4 I have kept this disease stable for some time (with the help of my fabulous medical team). So please don't give up as there are new and better treatments becoming available all the time. My hope is to be joining a growing band of people who are living WITH it rather than dying OF it. I am always happy to talk, but don't always check my computer as I'm busy. xxx

  • Offline in reply to mare
    Mare - very inspiring reading your post. All I can say is you rock! Positivity is the hardest part at times but God bless you. To make it through treatment and be talking positively is a big achievement. You've done so incredibly well. I will remember you when I am struggling. Thank you.

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