Not Sure

mdgauthier19
mdgauthier19 Member Posts: 5

I am recently diagnosed with IDC still waiting on what stage. I know it is about 2cm with only one lymph node possibly affected. It is 90% hormone responsive. HER2 negative. Not sure what all that means. I am scared. My doctor is trying to get as much information before we discuss a plan of action.

Comments

  • kaynotrealname
    kaynotrealname Member Posts: 439

    Hi MD! Welcome to the club none of us wanted to be in. I can tell you a little from what you wrote if it helps. Sounds like you have a hormone positive tumor, which means you have estrogen AND progesterone, just estrogen or just progesterone. Those are the most common type of breast cancers. Having a lymph node come out as positive is also common. Breast cancer treatment itself has come a long way in the last 20 years and is one of the most common cancers to get which means it also has great treatment and prognoses. No it's not any fun, no one gets guarantees, but most of us tend to do quite well. Just hang in there as more information becomes available. This part is the scariest time but goes quickly and once it's done and you can start treatment a lot of the anxiety starts to subside. Let us know if you have any questions but many hugs sent your way….

  • salamandra
    salamandra Member Posts: 751
    edited May 2023

    mdgauthier,

    Sorry to hear that. The beginning is terrifying. As more info comes in, it does get easier - even if the info isn't good.

    In your case, it sounds like you have an excellent chance of the info being good. That could potentially mean a pretty annoying 3-4 months with surgery and radiation, and back to mostly normal life again as soon as you find a hormone treatment that doesn't disagree with you. For me, breast cancer changed a lot of things and also in some ways didn't change much at all.

    Take good care of yourself (sleep, exercise, friends, fun), find doctors you trust, and keep showing up for tests, treatments, whatever they are throwing at you. These boards are a great place for camaraderie and support as well.

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,614

    Hi @mdgauthier19,

    Welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're so sorry for the reasons that bring you here, but we're really glad you've found us. As you can already see, our community is full of members always willing to offer advice, information, encouragement, and support while you navigate your care — we're all here for you!

    In addition to the great posts above, you may find it helpful to read our Breastcancer.org section on Understanding Your Pathology Report, which explains what each piece of the pathology report (including hormone status and HER2 status) means for treatment. The more information you find out about the cancer, the clearer your treatment plan will be come.

    We are sending big hugs to you while you wait for answers. Please keep coming back and letting us know how we can support you.

    —The Mods

  • clars
    clars Member Posts: 46

    Hi @mdgauthier19 this is the worst, most scary bit, waiting for more information. Once you get your treatment plan you will feel a bit more in control (kinda). Any questions yell x