Pathology Diagnosis --Please explain to me

My Mother had lumpectomy & lymph nodes removed, chemo & radiation in 1999- 2002cancer found again same breast with needle biopsy did not show on 2 mammograms. Taxotere chemo then  masectomy-  Pathology diagnosis is 1st) infiltrating ductal carcinoma grade 3of3 in nipple & 1cm from deep specimen & 2nd)Extensive High grade ductal carcinoma in lower inner quadrant & 3) Multiple foci of sclerosing adenosis with calcinosis. Can you explain these 3 & their severity to me please? Ive searched the net for this broke down to my terms & havent found the ansewer of how bad this is. the surgeon said chemo might work if not she has about 2 years left. We want to know the facts. thanks Vwoman_1970

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Vwoman_1970:  #1 and #2 indicate two areas of invasive cancer.  It is a fast growing type, although this is a relative term.  #3 is not cancer. It is describing tissue with calcium deposits.  The appropriate treatment would be mastectomy and chemotherapy.  Women can live for a long time, even with advanced disease.  This may be a locally advanced cancer that has a high probability of returning.  But, from what you write, I do not hear you describe any other disease.  I would not venture to guess her prognosis based on this information.  No one knows how long a person will live.

[woman66]

A related discussion, brestcancer was started.