Time as a factor in treatment of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
My daughter has been told she has IDC, but the doctor can't see her to discuss options and details of her diagnosis for 13 days. Isn't metastesis a danger--and shouldn't they be moving as quickly as they can to advise and treat her? She had no lump in January, and now it's 2".
Barbara, 13 days is fine - breast cancer is very slow growing. It's not that she didn't have any tumor in January - it's that they didn't see it then, for whatever reason. On average, it takes about 8 years for a breast cancer tumor to grow to the size you mention. The doctors know what they're doing - they're not going to put your daughter in danger. So, hard as it is, take a deep breath, and take this time to help your daughter come to terms with her diagnosis. IDC is the most common type of breast cancer; millions of women have been treated for it. And cancer simply isn't the killer it used to be; the great majrorty of us are diagnosed, treated, and continue on with our lives. Best of luck to you both - and stay connected here. I think you'll find a lot of good informaiton and support. - PJH
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Hi Barbara Lee, I am so sorry that this is happening. I can remember when I was first diagnosed, every day that I waited for treatment felt like a life-time. But PJ is right. Even in the case of a very aggressive breast cancer, 13 days are not going to make a difference.
My advice to both of you is to be good to yourselves during this difficult time. Do things that relax and rejuvenate you. Perhaps you could look on this waiting period as a chance to rest and get ready for challenge ahead (maybe I'm shallow but a trip to the spa really helped me a lot).
I wish you and your daughter all the best - and another, celebratory, trip to the spa when all this is over.
Laurie
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Understand Your Pathology Report
Get past the jargon and know the facts about your diagnosis.
