Hi Lauren. Ductal carcinoma is cancer that occurs in the milk ducts of the breast. It is described as invasive when it has infiltrated surrounding breast tissue. Grade 3 means that it is aggressive, which is why it has reached the lymph nodes in the armpit and is consistent with how breast cancer behaves in younger women. I would imagine her doctors will order scans of her brain, liver and bones to discover if there are any distant metastases - i.e cancer cells in other parts of her body. If they haven't done so, make sure she asks why. There will be lots of tests and they should be done without delay.

I would also expect that they will prescribe some aggressive treatment involving chemo, surgery and radiation. She has a tough few months ahead of her, but she will have your support and there are many other sources of support around from other women who have been through it. This website is excellent for that. You might like to suggest to her that she become involved here and help her find the time to do so by keeping an eye on her kids. Your help will be invaluable to her, but I know from experience that you really need to speak to other women who have been through breast cancer themselves.

My very best wishes and positive thoughts to you both.

Sue

CJ

7/14/10 10:14pm

I'm not sure how to use this site - first time.  I was just diagnosed and it sounds similar to your sister.  I hope she is okay.  I am looking for a more detailed description of my path report because I think I was only half awake when they were talking to me.  I have IDC with micropapillary lymphovascular features.  The grade is a III and venous/lymphatic says present.  My node is only 1.4.  I thought that since IDC was the most common type that this would be pretty easy but now that I am interpreting the rest of this report and I concerned even more.

PJ Hamel

7/15/10 5:25am

Hi CJ - Welcome! Glad you found us. (Though not glad you had to...) Please read our Guide to Understanding your Pathology Report for lots of help interpreting all of the confusing information you've received. Yes, IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, so luckily, doctors have lots of experience treating it, including the data to show what treatments work best. It sounds to me like you have a "medium" serious case; not the mildest, and certainly not the worst. Millions of us have received similar diagnoses, have gone through treatment, and are living healthy lives; so hopefully you'll walk this same path. It's understandable that you're feeling pretty shocked about all of this right now; but as you get into treatment, you'll start to "normalize" and emotionally, things should settle down.

 

Please stay in touch here, OK? We can help you through this. Good luck - PJH

CJ

7/15/10 8:02am

Thank you