Sure, Jackie, we can help. First, if you haven't read our Guide to Understanding your Pathology Report, I think you'll find it quite useful in translating all that confusing medicalese! In the meantime, let me try to explain-

You have infiltrating (invasive; same thing) ductal carcinoma (IDC), the most common type of invasive breast cancer. Please read our IDC FAQS for helpful information about this. You also have high-grade DCIS (again, check out our DCIS FAQS); comedonecrosis refers to some cell death in the area, which is part of it being high grade. Yes, it's possible to have two types of breast cancer at once; in fact, most women do have some DCIS (a pre-cancer), along with whatever other diagnosis they get.

Prognostic profile pending means the pathologist will take the information in your report, do some more testing, and be able to provide your oncologist with the information s/he needs to develop a treatment plan. Your biopsy samples will be tested for hormone receptivity; and for HER-2 neu, which shows the presence or absence of a certain protein. Both of these tests will let your oncologist know which long-term drugs, if any, you'd take after completion of your regular treatment.

When you meet with your surgeon, you'll want to ask about having a sentinel node biopsy, to determine if the cancer has spread outside your breast. This is usually done as a matter of course, but just check, to make sure. You'll also want to discuss having a lumpectomy vs. a mastectomy, and the pluses and minuses of each. If your surgeon says you'll be having a mastectomy, since a lumpectomy wouldn't be appropriate, then be prepared to ask about reconstruction options.

I hope you find this information helpful. Finding out you have cancer is a real kick in the gut; but gradually, you internalize the information, pick yourself up off the floor, and move on. And - we're here for you, OK? Please come back anytime, to vent, ask questions, or for a shoulder to lean on. Best of luck to you - PJH