Just diagnosed today left breast with -on the path report - microscopic foci of infiltrating ductal carcinoma, nuclear grade 3 associated with ductal carcinoma in-situ, solid type - whatever all that is. I go Fri. for an MRI & will set up a time with cancer surgeon tomorrow. I'm assuming they're schedule a meeting for next week. I know this is probably not something to think about now - but my family 25+ have a trip planned to Cancun on June 12 for a week (this was planned 9 mos. ago). I'm wondering if everything could be done before that timeframe, which is only 2 months away. Of course we did not take insurance & this is a $4000 trip -

Sorry you are dealing with this. Your breast surgeon should be able to go over the path report with you. Bring a pad of paper and pen for any questions you have or to write down what he/she says. Also it is good, if possible, to bring a family member or friend for another set of "listening ears."

From what I know re path reports, you have some in situ cancer which has not broken through the ductal walls, which is good. You also have some invasive (infiltrating) ductal, which is the most common. If you are a grade 3, on the Nottingham scale, it may be more agressive, which just means they will treat more aggressively.

Re timing of treatment, if you have surgery first, they will want you to heal well, before they would start any chemo. The initial dx is the hardest part because you don't have a treatment plan in place. You will know more when you see the surgeon and even more after surgery and the lymph nodes are checked. It is very sureal and scary at first, but you will get through it. - Take it one day at a time.

I was dxed in May of 06 at age 48. I am almost 2yrs out and doing well.
Good luck to you and keep us posted.
Leea