Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

This afternoon Mum and Dad and I met with Dr Greatorex to discuss Mom's cancer. I will do my best to relay to you what we learned and where we go from here. Mom has IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma). In the words of our pathology report this is: "a cancer that begins in the milk duct but grows into the surrounding normal tissue inside the breast. This is the most common kind of breast cancer."

Her cancer is Grade 2 which means the cancer cells are growing faster than normal cells. This is the middle grade between Grade 1 (slow growing) and Grade 3 (fast growing). The tumor is 3 cm.

In the breast there is a network of blood vessels which bring nourishment and remove waste etc. Often a concern with breast cancer is whether or not these vessels have been invaded by the cancer. This would increase the risk of the cancer returning. In Mom's case these vessels are cancer free. This is very good.

In all of this there is one big X-factor. Mom has a lump in her armpit on the same side. The big question is whether or not this lump (which is cancerous) is in the lymphnodes or if it is in the breast tissue.

IF it is in the lymphnodes (the most likely situation) then the "plan" would be surgery then chemo then radiation therapy.

IF it is in the breast tissue then it would be necessary for a mastectomy since that would be two "cancer centers". So, chemo would come first, then surgery.

We don't really know anything until we know which situation applies to mom. She has an MRI tomorrow afternoon to try to determine which shoe fits. Lord willing there will be a clear answer so that we can move forward into battle.


That's really all we have to share right now. We are so thankful for the support of so many friends and loved ones. Please keep in touch and feel free to send along any questions to my email : epherlan.1988@gmail.com
Pass on this blog to anyone who might want to be kept "in the loop". Good night!

God is good all the time. All the time God is good.