Newly diagnosed stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Hi @planbattheedge, Unfortunately you are in the stage where you and the doctors know something about your tumor but not everything. While the biopsy pathology gives an indication of the tumor characteristics the surgical pathology is required to get all the information. The doctors are using their experience to guess what the treatment will probably be but they don’t know for sure either. If the tumor is greater than 5 mm it will likely be sent for genomic testing (oncotypeDX or Mammaprint) to see if chemo would be beneficial. Tumor characteristics help determine the radiation protocol and since your tumor is ER+ you will be prescribed an estrogen blocker.

Sometimes there are surprises. My tumor was larger than they thought it was and I had a positive lymph node. I didn’t need chemo but I had a more aggressive radiation treatment than was originally planned. Bone and PET scans are reserved for stage III patients and early stage patients who develop symptoms or have suspicious lesions on other scans.

I sympathize with you because I too am a planner. Reading relevant threads and summaries in the “About breast cancer” section will help you learn more. I had no idea there were so many different types of breast cancer and such a variety of treatments. I hope your surgery and the rest of your treatment goes well.

Hang in there @planbattheedge

Wishing you health and best possible outcomes following your upcoming surgery. As difficult as this is, try not to worry excessively.

I was recently diagnosed following my mid-April 2026 lumpectomy with IDC and DCIS as a result of the surgical pathology.

My original biopsy in November 2025 did not capture the full sampling of tissue as the pathology at that time showed ADH (atypical ductal hyperplasia) which is benign.

I just had my SLNB this week and am waiting on those results so that the medical oncologist can get my oncotype completed so that we can determine a treatment plan.

Continuing to send you good vibes and positivity on this journey

Thanks @planbattheedge

Sending you hugs of encouragement and support as you continue on your journey … as you said "hugs make everything better".

It took two days for my lumpectomy pathology to come back and my surgeon called to give me the results / upgrade to malignant IDC & DCIS.

Since the initial core needle biopsy (prior to the excisional lumpectomy surgery) identified the tissue samples as a benign tumor (ADH) , no lymph node check was performed since the original diagnosis was benign.

I am thrilled to share that my My SLNB pathology came back… all three "hot" nodes were negative for carcinoma.

With that news, I am feeling relieved, optimistic, and encouraged. As I continue to heal and prepare my mind, body, & spirit for the next steps in the journey.

Sending Good Vibes, Strength, and Peace to you.