Invasive Mammary Carcinoma and Metastatic Carcinoma

I recently received my pathology reports and I hope you can explain to me what I have.  

Core Needle Biopsy - Invasive Mammary Carcinoma, not otherwise specified, nuclear grade 3.  The carcinoma is poorly differentiated with small foci of squamous differentiation.  Immunohistochemical stains reveal the tumor cells to be diffusely and strongly positive for cytokeratin marker AE1/AE3 and to have patchy strong nuclear positivity for p63.  The p63 positivity is suggestive of metaplastic carcinoma.

Also:  FNA-Axilla, left - metastatic carcinoma, not otherwise specified.  Poorly differentiated.  Concurrent biopsy pending.

I am 46 years old and have always been healthy.  It is being recommended that I have 8 courses of chemo, a lumpectomy and then radiation.  Anything you can tell me to help me through this would be appreciated.  I have such a mix of doctors I am thoroughly confused.  Thank you.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear rbaker:  In short, this report is saying that you have breast cancer with spread to the lymph nodes in your underarm.  Many of these big words and fancy markers are further descriptors of the cancer cells.  Metaplastic carcinoma is one of many subtypes of breast cancer.  Poorly differentiated means that the cells do not resemble normal breast cells.  In all, these terms suggest that this cancer may be more aggressive.  There is data that suggests that chemotherapy prior to surgery has equal survival outcomes and may offer the advantage of addressing microscopic metastasis early in the course of the treatment, rather than waiting until a person is healed from surgery.  Preoperative chemotherapy may also allow for a smaller surgical procedure.

[boninclyde]

Go to breastcancer.org and join the discussion board there. There are many ladies there going through what you are and they are very supportive and can help guide your way through this frightning journey. I wish you well.

[6susie0]

i just received a phone call from the nurse telling me that i have invasive mammary carcinoma.....the doctor is on vacation for two weeks....what have i got....from on-line searching i don't think i have long to live....any answers

[boninclyde]

Ok calm down. I don't think your dying just yet. Breast cancer is very survivable. Demand detailed answers from someone in the office. How did they determine that is what you have? What kind of test?

[wendyj58]

A related discussion, invasive mammory carcinoma was started.

[eunice1]

A related discussion, invasive mammory carcinoma was started.

[dede937]

A related discussion, invasive mammary cacinoma was started.