Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 32

2

Comments

  • nkosi1127
    nkosi1127 Member Posts: 7
    Also diagnosed at 32
    Hi,
    You will be ok - God is with you - I was diagnosed at 32 - and treated very aggressively - surgery was ok - chemo was the worse - 90% mental - you give up and start having a pity party you get worse - stay focused - plenty of vitamin C and rest. No stress and love yourself - look at yourself and see the beauty in yourself. If you ever need to talk in more detail - my number is 630-371-7144 - my name is Cynthia Harris - 5/15/2010 I am in remission - I made it and so will you -
  • tjohnson2310
    tjohnson2310 Member Posts: 168 Member
    nkosi1127 said:

    Also diagnosed at 32
    Hi,
    You will be ok - God is with you - I was diagnosed at 32 - and treated very aggressively - surgery was ok - chemo was the worse - 90% mental - you give up and start having a pity party you get worse - stay focused - plenty of vitamin C and rest. No stress and love yourself - look at yourself and see the beauty in yourself. If you ever need to talk in more detail - my number is 630-371-7144 - my name is Cynthia Harris - 5/15/2010 I am in remission - I made it and so will you -

    Cynthia...
    Thank you for your encouraging words.They are what I need right now.
  • JUDYLOOS
    JUDYLOOS Member Posts: 2

    Cynthia...
    Thank you for your encouraging words.They are what I need right now.

    I am being treated at MDACC,
    I am being treated at MDACC, and I think it is the most wonderful place to be for cancer. I have all the confidence in the world that they will cure me. I have invasive ductal carcinoma, stage II, grade 1-2. After 11 weekly Taxols, the tumors are shrinking, and I feel really well. I still have most of my hair (Surprise), and I just get a little tired. Having 3 young children at home doesn't leave me much time to rest, but that is what I need. They keep my mind off things, too. I only remember that I have cancer when I am getting the chemo or pulling all the hair out of my brush every morning.

    This is not what we choose to go through in life, but we can do it. It could be a lot worse, and you will get through it. It brings your friends and family closer to you, and you become very close to God. From the day you are diagnosed, you are a survivor. Every emotion you are feeling is normal. It's a process to get where you are comfortable about these things. I remember trying to think how my husband would be able to care for our kids without me. That will never happen! I am not going anywhere. Medical research has come too far in breast cancer research. They will make me all better, and I'll have cute, perky, symmetrical new boobs when this is all over. Gotta think positive!
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393
    JUDYLOOS said:

    I am being treated at MDACC,
    I am being treated at MDACC, and I think it is the most wonderful place to be for cancer. I have all the confidence in the world that they will cure me. I have invasive ductal carcinoma, stage II, grade 1-2. After 11 weekly Taxols, the tumors are shrinking, and I feel really well. I still have most of my hair (Surprise), and I just get a little tired. Having 3 young children at home doesn't leave me much time to rest, but that is what I need. They keep my mind off things, too. I only remember that I have cancer when I am getting the chemo or pulling all the hair out of my brush every morning.

    This is not what we choose to go through in life, but we can do it. It could be a lot worse, and you will get through it. It brings your friends and family closer to you, and you become very close to God. From the day you are diagnosed, you are a survivor. Every emotion you are feeling is normal. It's a process to get where you are comfortable about these things. I remember trying to think how my husband would be able to care for our kids without me. That will never happen! I am not going anywhere. Medical research has come too far in breast cancer research. They will make me all better, and I'll have cute, perky, symmetrical new boobs when this is all over. Gotta think positive!

    What strength you have my sister
    Hurray for you! You will get through all of this just fine. Mentally you are exactly where you need to be and that is the bigges part. I am so thankful that you are hitting this head on with a good attitude. How old are you? Anyway God bless you and keep you!
    Lorrie
  • Katz77
    Katz77 Member Posts: 598

    LOL cut back on caffeine (Katz77)
    I read your about me page LOL.In 2008 I noticed a bloody discharge, so immediately went to my PCP. I was nervous because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 41. My PCP then sent me to a surgeon specializing in breast care. I had ultrasounds, mammograms and galactagrams(ouch) all showing benign cyst. I was told fibrocystic breast and to avoid caffeine. But still I visited with the surgeon every 3 months then every 6 months for clinical breast exams. In the most recent visit he said he felt something different. Now its cancer. I think back now and say I should have known better than just "avoiding caffeine". Maybe it was there all along..But no use in crying over spilled caffeine.I really missed Dr.Pepper.LOL

    Caffeine
    Sorry taking long to reply back. I still drink Dr.Pepper. They have the caffeine free. It's not bad, but goes flat quickly. lol Still drink the "real thing" once a day. Avoid headaches. If you think about it, caffiene wasn't the issue. Dumb Tx Dr.! After he told me, "just a fibroid", I went on my merry way. My dx was almost a yr later when I noticed it was growing. In 2 months went from a 1.5cm to a 5.3 cm. 18/20 nodes positive and HER2,ER and PR positive. Dumb Tx Dr. lol. I'm now in remission and living large. You,to will be living large bf you know it. Keep it real and positive. Let me know how it's going sista in pink. ( not my fav color) Sad uh? Gayla
  • Sam726
    Sam726 Member Posts: 233
    Balentine said:

    What strength you have my sister
    Hurray for you! You will get through all of this just fine. Mentally you are exactly where you need to be and that is the bigges part. I am so thankful that you are hitting this head on with a good attitude. How old are you? Anyway God bless you and keep you!
    Lorrie

    Hello
    Hey girl...Im 33 and was diagnosed last year with BC in my left breast. Stage 2b, HER2 positive. I had a lumpectomy, 6 rounds of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation and Im cancer free now for 5 months! I know its hard but stay positive and you will be able to do this! The women on here are so great and helpful. I couldnt have done it without them.
    Good luck to you girl.
    Sam
  • tjohnson2310
    tjohnson2310 Member Posts: 168 Member
    Sam726 said:

    Hello
    Hey girl...Im 33 and was diagnosed last year with BC in my left breast. Stage 2b, HER2 positive. I had a lumpectomy, 6 rounds of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation and Im cancer free now for 5 months! I know its hard but stay positive and you will be able to do this! The women on here are so great and helpful. I couldnt have done it without them.
    Good luck to you girl.
    Sam

    Hello
    Wow, that's great thanks for giving me encouragement.
  • tjohnson2310
    tjohnson2310 Member Posts: 168 Member
    MRI of breast...........
    Today I go for my breasts MRI and Friday full body PET scan.
  • Bella Luna
    Bella Luna Member Posts: 1,578 Member
    I am 45 and was diagnosed
    I am 45 and was diagnosed last June 2009 with invasive ductal carcinoma, Stage 1, Grade 3. I had a lumpectomy, chemo( 6 rounds), and radiation. I tested positive for HER2 and am on Herceptin. I am over the major hurdles and have been working on my Temple!

    Best of luck to you on your Journey! You came to the right place for tons of good advice from the "Sisters in Pink"!
    BL
  • kiki3
    kiki3 Member Posts: 15
    a couple resources
    Hey, you should check out the Young Survivors Network. It is for 40 and under. They are on facebook too. Also check out the RapunzelFoundation.org. I don't know where you are, or if you have to do chemo or not, but I am kicking myself that I did not do the cold caps to save my hair. I was too cheap. Now I realize that this chemo thing has been a piece of cake so far, and had I not lost my hair, no one would ever realize I had it. I am done with 2 rounds of TCH, and have 4 left. I only have one tired day, and a taste in my mouth for about a week. That is it. I am 40, and had a lumpectomy, am HER2 positive, and was node negative. You can do this thing- You are young, probably have a good attitude, and that is 95% of the battle. I should add that I am a Diet Coke addict, and no, I have not given it up. That would make me VERY crabby. We all have to have our vices :-)
  • tabfreckles
    tabfreckles Member Posts: 2
    Hello,
    I am sorry you were

    Hello,
    I am sorry you were diagnosed at such a young age. I was diagnosed with left breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma) at the age of 35. Due to the large size of the area my only option was a complete left mastectomy. I ended up having both breasts removed at the same time with sentinal lymph node dissection. I am blessed, there was NO lymph node involvement. I am taking tamoxifen and I have a few side effects but I guess that is part of the deal. It was my faith in God and my family and friends that helped me through this. Keep believing and take one day at a time. Good Luck!
  • MichPro
    MichPro Member Posts: 19
    Balentine said:

    Welcome to your support system/please give us more information
    Hello T Johnson and welcome to your new support system! Please post back with details....which type of breast cancer and stage do you have? What are the doctors saying as far as their treatment plan and options? I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in December. They said it was stage 1/2. Lump was 2.2cm. Had a mastectomy in January. They removed 3 lymph nodes and found no cancer in the lymph nodes. I just finished 4 rounds of chemo on 5/17. Had to have cytoxan and taxotere once every 3 weeks. I did not get sick, just very fatigued and lost my hair. I am just now recovering from the last chemo and glad it is behind me. You can get through this and you will...and we all will be here rooting you on. Remember that God is a strength to you and to lean on and trust Him above all else. I will check back tomorrow to hear from you again. Be blessed and hang in there.
    Lorrie Balentine

    I am new to this discussion and new to BC
    I had a lumpectomy 4/5/10, IDC, Stage 2 Grade 3, Triple negative. Lymph node negative. Am receiving a port tomorrow and then chemo and radiation. My question is - could the cancer somehow morph into a higher stage? They got clean margins. The triple negative part scares me.
  • Jennifer1961
    Jennifer1961 Member Posts: 137
    HI
    I'm new also, diagnosed 5/4. I'm stage 2a, no lymph nodes, grade 3, estrogen +, progesterone +. All I can tell you is that when I first got the news I thought that this is the beginning of the end. I'm 48 and have three kids, 5, 9 and 11 and all I could think of was how they would grow up without a mother. Anyhow, I've been assured by both my surgeon and oncologist that things look very good for me and they both expect me to do well in treatment. Hang in there!
  • weazer
    weazer Member Posts: 440
    MichPro said:

    I am new to this discussion and new to BC
    I had a lumpectomy 4/5/10, IDC, Stage 2 Grade 3, Triple negative. Lymph node negative. Am receiving a port tomorrow and then chemo and radiation. My question is - could the cancer somehow morph into a higher stage? They got clean margins. The triple negative part scares me.

    Triple negative is scarey but the more
    Triple negative is scarey, but the more you find out about it the more you will understand what your up against.
    I to am triple negative, and I'm just looking forward too getting past 5 years.
    As far as it morphing into a higher stage, the only thing I can say is that your odds look good with clean margins and with doing Chemo and rads takes your chances to a better level that you might not get a reacurance.
    God Bless You and take it easy I will keep you in my prayers.
    Your Friend Weazer in Colo
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    23 years and going strong
    Welcome and know that you can survive this! I was 33 when I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, large tumor, 4 nodes. Been through chem, radiation twice, bilateral mastectomies, tamoxifen, zometa and arimidex. I am now 57 and have bone metastasis (disgnosed 2009), but am still doing very well. I figure I have at least another 23 years to go! If you have specific concerns, you have come to the right place. Hang tough and know we are rooting for you!
  • e_hope
    e_hope Member Posts: 370
    so sorry
    tjohnson.. so sorry you had to find us, but you will find comfort here.

    I was 36 when diagnosed a little over a year ago. BC is a wicked ride on rollercoaster! You will find your emotions all over the place. and hit every spectrum of those emotions.
    I started with fear and anger... and now linger in a little place of sadness as I try to wrap my head around what just happened.

    I had a double mastectomy with expander reconstruction. Surgery it self was a little tough, followed by weeks of seeing doctors for fills ( which are uncomfortable)

    Since your only 32 you are most likely like myself and don't have much experience with seeing doctors... Hell other than my once a year gyn exam I didn't see my family doctor except if I was having a issue.. Now, I see more doctors than I have in my entire life. Which takes some getting use to.

    I than had chemo, which sucks but is doable... and radiation...

    Self-Worth... what a interesting question to ask!! It (in my experience) takes time. Getting use to your new body filled with numerous scars.. Dealing with the chemo induced menopause.. And if you significant other isn't supportive this battle takes a little longer to heal from long after treatment is complete.

    This ride takes a hell of a toll on every relationship and can consume you. My advice, try to keep the lines of communication open and allow yourself to express you fears, concerns, and needs.
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member

    Hello,
    I am sorry you were

    Hello,
    I am sorry you were diagnosed at such a young age. I was diagnosed with left breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma) at the age of 35. Due to the large size of the area my only option was a complete left mastectomy. I ended up having both breasts removed at the same time with sentinal lymph node dissection. I am blessed, there was NO lymph node involvement. I am taking tamoxifen and I have a few side effects but I guess that is part of the deal. It was my faith in God and my family and friends that helped me through this. Keep believing and take one day at a time. Good Luck!

    Sending you a warm welcome
    Sending you a warm welcome and gentle hugs!
  • tjohnson2310
    tjohnson2310 Member Posts: 168 Member

    23 years and going strong
    Welcome and know that you can survive this! I was 33 when I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, large tumor, 4 nodes. Been through chem, radiation twice, bilateral mastectomies, tamoxifen, zometa and arimidex. I am now 57 and have bone metastasis (disgnosed 2009), but am still doing very well. I figure I have at least another 23 years to go! If you have specific concerns, you have come to the right place. Hang tough and know we are rooting for you!

    Thanks Cypress....
    I am so glad I found CSN.
  • tjohnson2310
    tjohnson2310 Member Posts: 168 Member
    e_hope said:

    so sorry
    tjohnson.. so sorry you had to find us, but you will find comfort here.

    I was 36 when diagnosed a little over a year ago. BC is a wicked ride on rollercoaster! You will find your emotions all over the place. and hit every spectrum of those emotions.
    I started with fear and anger... and now linger in a little place of sadness as I try to wrap my head around what just happened.

    I had a double mastectomy with expander reconstruction. Surgery it self was a little tough, followed by weeks of seeing doctors for fills ( which are uncomfortable)

    Since your only 32 you are most likely like myself and don't have much experience with seeing doctors... Hell other than my once a year gyn exam I didn't see my family doctor except if I was having a issue.. Now, I see more doctors than I have in my entire life. Which takes some getting use to.

    I than had chemo, which sucks but is doable... and radiation...

    Self-Worth... what a interesting question to ask!! It (in my experience) takes time. Getting use to your new body filled with numerous scars.. Dealing with the chemo induced menopause.. And if you significant other isn't supportive this battle takes a little longer to heal from long after treatment is complete.

    This ride takes a hell of a toll on every relationship and can consume you. My advice, try to keep the lines of communication open and allow yourself to express you fears, concerns, and needs.

    Emotions
    I was diagnosed on 5/17/10. I have asked my self why me? How will this impact my job and my financial situation.etc. Next month I will travel to Houston,Tx to the MD Anderson Cancer Center to meet with an oncologist. I am sure this will be another wave of emotions.
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393

    Emotions
    I was diagnosed on 5/17/10. I have asked my self why me? How will this impact my job and my financial situation.etc. Next month I will travel to Houston,Tx to the MD Anderson Cancer Center to meet with an oncologist. I am sure this will be another wave of emotions.

    PET scan and MRI
    Hey what did you find out from your PET scan and MRI? I am surprised they did a PET scan on you. They don't usually do that for the breast cancer they say you have. I am curious to know what they tell you about the scans. Let me know and God bless. Hang in there.
    Lorrie