what is survival rate of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Figuredancer,
My prayers are with you and your family.
I am 49 years young mother of five young men, and will have the second round of chemo in 2 days.
I received the exact same diagnosis as you three days before by 49th birthday!
After the first round of chemo two weeks ago, I was okay the very next day into the early evening. The second day after was a bit hard, I was tired, extremely nauseous, could not eat and became dehydrated. Also, several joints became painful (joints that already give me issues sometimes).
My husband is a trooper. He made sure that I took the meds prescribed for my tummy and joints (make sure you get them before you need them), I waited two days to get mine and most likely would have felt better if I had them beforehand.
I scheduled the treatments on Thursdays and take off on Fridays so that I have the long weekend to bounce back. It has been trying and my issue right now is my stomach. Finding things that won't upset it. Chocolate milk and iced coffee is my best friend. Smoothies help too but I have to ensure that the fruits have low acid levels.
I have had to take off a day here or there or telework when possible. My husband has been driving me because I find myself getting light headed, sometimes dizzy and shaky and my vision gets blurry. I do tire easily and sleep a lot more. I KNOW THIS IS SO MUCH TO TAKE IN BUT I WANT TO GIVE YOU MY HONEST ASSESSMENT!
I can't tell you whether or not to refuse chemo if your lymph nodes are clear, my right one is not...but I would heed the advice of the professionals and do some research of your own. A second and third opinion, if that would ease your mind, may help as well.
My plan is to have the chemo, 8 rounds for 4 months, then surgery with a breast reduction and then radiation therapy. During the past few days I've thought about having a mastectomy with reconstruction and plan to talk to my oncologist and surgeon about it.
I am optimistic that after this long, arduous process, I will be able to stand and support my sisters who are going through the process but also advocate the need to "CHECK YOUR GIRLS" and get screened regularly. I discovered the lump by accident on Christmas Eve and had missed my mammo the year before because I was "busy" being mom, daughter, wife, administrator, etc...
We must, as women and caregivers must realize that if we don't take care of ourselves we will not be able to care for the ones we love.
Right now, you should focus on the HEALING process. Keep a positive outlook, even in spite of. You will be around for the long haul and this is only a season that will surely pass.
God bless you!

Hi,I had treatment in Sloan,still do.I had my bilateral masectomy done in NY and then moved my chemo treatments to Basking Ridge NJ (also MSK)cause it was alot easier for me since i live in NJ.You asking if you will be able to go to work after treatment, im not working ,but i have 3 year old and 1 year old, and i couldnt care for them..i need it all help i could get.I was lucky i didn't throw up,but my body was completely down and i got depressed with AC treatment. With Taxol got better,easier. That's when i was able to start back again to care for my babies.Now im doing HP treatment and hormonal pills.If you ever want to talk please feel free.After im done with rads,i want to do some alternative treatments to detox the body and strengthen my immune system.I wish you all the best.God bless!Ewa

Hi Sister! I am 39 years old and mother of 2 kids. I was diagnosed with breast cancer ( triple negative duct invasive stage 2 b) February 2015.It was devastating ! But later we need to accept the really and fight ! God is in control! You have your whole life in front of you ! Just few months chemo and taking care of yourself is the most important critia now! Chemo is draining but doable ! I am at my 2nd one. I am taking homeopathy medication to reduce side affects like naseu . Don't think Cancer as a big rock just treat it as a feather! I am fighting through it and will overcome in few months so do you! Believe and have FAITH IN CHRIST! Rest is history! After 20 years from now you will look back and see how blessed you ARE! All The Best!

In December 2009 I received the same diagnosis as you now have. Firstly, I'd like to say 'Wow! What a positive and proactive woman you sound like, and very intelligent asking others for their feedback!" And secondly, yep, very good reason you should sound positive- you have an excellent chance of surviving this!

I had a lot of family and friends recommend all sorts of radical treatments etc.. But then I did my research (I'm an Educational Researcher, and all of the programs I utilize at work are based firmly on 'data and research'- not on comments from randoms like, 'a friend of mine drinks green coffee every morning and didn't need any treatment', up to the more ridiculous, 'I know this spiritual advisor who can lay his hands on your breasts (yep, I bet he bloody does!), and his positive thoughts eradicate the cancer!' Obviously you're an intelligent woman, and listening to the Professionals is the best way to go. They told me I needed surgery, chemo, radiotherapy followed my hormone treatment. I researched and as expected- all of the data/research said this was PROVEN to be the most effective treatment.

Please, feel free to seek a 2nd or even a 3rd opinion (from SPECIALISTS- I did), but they all came back with the same advice. Here I am nearly 6 yrs later flying high and cancer free! I've also met women who declined the treatments (or some of treatments- no one wants Chemo or Radio- but PLEASE trust me- do it!!! These treatments are nothing like they were in the past! They have amazing meds that mitigate a hell of a lot of the previously negative side-effects!
And geez- take EVERY treatment they recommend!!! I met a number of women who hadn't taken the chemo option- only to have it return! Kick the cancer's arse STRAIGHT AWAY!!! Think long-term.

I was lucky I had Income Protection Insurance so didn't have to work. Being honest, I bet your surgeon has never had breast cancer treatment- she's/he's an idiot thinking you can work 'normally'. It IS exhausting. IF you HAVE to work (I met a number of women in this situation), ensure your work-place is aware you may need to 'lay down' at times to 're-envigorate' yourself, etc.. My hubby had to drive me to most of my Chemo and Radio appt's- as I was not quite 'switched on' enough to drive.

I had very bad, 'chemo brain'- (strange that they've only just recently recognized this DOES exist!) Get your priorities right- you ARE #1 right now. I am an avid reader, but during my 9 mths treatment, I couldn't read more then a few words before I 'lost track'. Hopefully you won't have it at the same degree I did. I'm sure you will find a work colleague or two who will help you through this if you have a similar problem.

Most importantly, be easy on yourself, and don't beat yourself up over not doing things as 'well' as you did pre-dx (you DO improve quickly after treatment!).

You mention wanting quality of life with your family- remember, quality won't be A1 for a short period of your life, but it will still be AMAZING! Quantity is what you should now be focusing on- PLEASE do ALL of the treatments- yep, not fun, but geez, you have obviously caught it early, even if in your lymph nodes (like me), it can be stamped out.

From your writing, you seem like such a caring individual who is worried about your family. It will be hard, but do put yourself first for the first time ever. Forgive my waffle, but my heart goes out to you, as do my prayers. And I've never been wrong with this one- I KNOW you will come through strongly! x