19 years old and I have Breast Cancer

Summer1984
Summer1984 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello my name is Summer I have breast cancer. Is there anyone out there my age? If not thats ok any advice from every age is ok. I was wondering what can I do to prepare myself for my Mastecomy?

Comments

  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #2
    Hi Summer, my name is Sara and I was 28 the first time I got cancer. I have a couple questions for you. Is your cancer tumor large enough that you have to have a mastectomy, or could you get a lumpectomy???? Is the cancer in just one breast or both???? I had a lumpectomy since my cancer was only in one breast at that time. This made it easier to either wear a prosthetic piece or actually not wear one at all. You really couldnt tell unless you were really staring at the girls. Preparing yourself is not as difficult as you might think. Realize that this is something you need to do to survive. With all of the reconstruction and prosthetics that are available they can make it seem and look natural. Take a deep breath, cry, scream and most of all laugh as often as you can. Attitude is 98 percent of the deal. Will you have to do chemo or radiation??? they may not have decided that yet, and are waiting for test results. Ask all of the questions you can. Let me know if you have other questions, as I was blessed to get breast cancer two more times..... Hang tough. by the way, I am now 42yrs old...... hugs.

    sara
  • krisrey
    krisrey Member Posts: 194
    #3
    HI Summer,
    I just wanted to say that I enjoyed meeting you in the chatroom today.
    As you remember I also have breast cancer. Although I am older than you, I have 9 year old twins that I plan on being around a long time to raise. It must be very scary for you to be so young, (although scary for any age)..If I can be of any help please feel free to email me anytime.
    Take care,
    Kris
  • tulip66
    tulip66 Member Posts: 32
    #4
    Hi Summer - your message made me think of a wonderful younger friend I have that was diagnosed her last year in college. She is 24 now. She had bilateral mas. with implants and is doing great. With her treatment she had 8 doses dose-dense(every two weeks) - first 4 Adriamycin & Cytoxin; then 4 taxol. She is now working close by and has moved on with her life. She drank lots of smoothies (as I did) and tried to stay active with her friends. I am 37 and was diagnosed last year. We met through a local support group. It helped both of us since we were diagnosed around the same time. We participated in a Look good, Feel better clinic and got loads of free expensive make-up & helpful hints to look better. We went out to lunch and talked for hours. It was a good thing for both of us to do. It they offer a younger woman's support group in your town consider joining. Take it easy after your surgery and remember to let your family and friends take care of you after it. It's important that you heal well and gain your strength if you need to have chemotherapy. Please email me anytime at Rschrie126@aol.com if you'd like to talk.
    Take care - Ruth
  • bunnie
    bunnie Member Posts: 233
    #5
    Hi summer iam so sorry to hear that your going through this at such a young age.I had breast cancer last year and at 35 i was totaly devasted so i know what you must be going thorugh.Unfortuatly they didnt get all my cancer so it came back in the lungs this is all been in the last year.I have one more chemo left and hoping for the best.If you ever need to talk just email me you can look me up in the direictory on this site.I hope the best for you and hope you dont have too go through chemo.Bunnie
  • tulip66
    tulip66 Member Posts: 32
    #6
    bunnie said:

    Hi summer iam so sorry to hear that your going through this at such a young age.I had breast cancer last year and at 35 i was totaly devasted so i know what you must be going thorugh.Unfortuatly they didnt get all my cancer so it came back in the lungs this is all been in the last year.I have one more chemo left and hoping for the best.If you ever need to talk just email me you can look me up in the direictory on this site.I hope the best for you and hope you dont have too go through chemo.Bunnie

    Bunnie - I had no idea that you were so close to my age (I was diagnosed at 36 last summer). I have been reading many many posts but rarely have responded to them. You mentioned that you only have one more chemo left? Does that mean that the tumor in your lung is gone? What chemo drugs were you taking? I hope that you do well. It was so hard to adjust to even the idea of cancer at such a point in my life. I thought I had years before I had that worry - you know? I don't think you can ever adjust to it - you just have to accept it that this was the hand that you were dealt. I go in for treatment today but I sure would love to talk to you sometime.
    Take care - Ruth
  • liezlchan
    liezlchan Member Posts: 1
    #7
    krisrey said:

    HI Summer,
    I just wanted to say that I enjoyed meeting you in the chatroom today.
    As you remember I also have breast cancer. Although I am older than you, I have 9 year old twins that I plan on being around a long time to raise. It must be very scary for you to be so young, (although scary for any age)..If I can be of any help please feel free to email me anytime.
    Take care,
    Kris

    I poured my heart out to you because it stricken u at a very young age wellin fact you should be enjoying ur teen life.I myself was diagnosed of breast cancer a week ago and just imagine how difficult it was to me but wen i read ur letter it made me realized that it can striken anybody like as young as you are.maybe we could be friends.iam 33.
  • Vanetia
    Vanetia Member Posts: 19
    #8
    Hey Summer, I am also sorry to hear this, I am not your age I am 38 now and 37 when diagnosed. In fact I have daughter that is 15. There isn't much you can do too prepare for a mastecomy, except to realize this is your life you are fighting for. Just hang in there, there will be bumps, but nothing that you can't get over. This is a great site to come and get advice on anything. Or just to blow steam. I always say there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel.
    I also had a mastecomy, because it was in two different areas in the same breast, I had 8 treatments every 2 weeks, 4 ac and 4 taxol. Just remember to discuss any discomfort with your oc.
    And looking better feeling better program is awesome. Just check with your locale American Cancer society.
    I just finished my recon. surgery still alittle sore but doing good. And they look good. So just hang in there I will pray you do well with everything.
  • billandpatty
    billandpatty Member Posts: 86
    #9
    Hi Summer
    There's really no "good" time in life to get diagnosed with cancer. Every person on this site will tell you that it interferred with their plans and dreams ... cancer makes your life take a detour. It's a journey that you never imagined was possible for you to get through.

    I was 47 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and 50 (I just turned 52) when I was diagnosed with melanoma and I am surviving and enjoying my life each day ... you will too.

    My advice: stay informed, be good to yourself and your body, keep active with your friends and family and laugh along the way.

    Good luck to you.
    Patty

    p.s. write here anytime, there's always someone here to listen to you.
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #10
    Dear Summer, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, you are soooo young! One good thing is that you were diagnosed, so many young women are missed because "they are just too young to have breast cancer". Typically it is thought of as an "over 40" disease, but as we see from the board that's just no longer true. I was 38 when I was diagnosed. I think one reason we are seeing it so much earlier in life is because of all the steroids and hormones we are exposed to in our food. If I understand my stats correctly, most girls go through puberty around age 12.
    I had a lumpectomy, 4 cm, 6/2000 with 13 out of 27 positive lymph nodes, so no help with advice on mastectomy. One suggestion I do have is that you might visit the "young survivors board" on this site. There you might at least find someone close to your age to talk too.
    God bless you dear.
    (((HUGS))) hummingbyrd
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #11
    Hi Summer:

    I'm so sorry you're having to go through this at such a young age. No age is appropriate for this and not much in our lives can prepare us for this kind of journey.

    I don't know anyone your age with breast cancer but know many your age and younger with other cancer's. As Hummer mentioned, you'll find many other's close to your age on the young survivor's
    site here with whom you can share in general.

    Remember that we're all here to share with you as well. Some of us have had mastectomies, some bilateral, some lumpectomies, many of us had chemo and radiation, while some had one or the other. All of us had surgery of one kind or another. There's always someone here who can share their similar experiences with you.

    I don't know how one prepares for mastectomy really aside from continuing to eat well and remain physically active and try to go in with a positive attitude. As with any surgery, you want to be in the best condition possible. A bit of a paradox really, because most of us aren't exactly in any kind of good condition, emotionally, after getting our cancer dx's. Still, we try our best to be positive before surgery and it is my belief that this actually helps in our healing process afterward as well.

    You may also want to contact the ACS, as they have a program wherein a volunteer, near to your own age as possible, who's had mastectomy can contact you and visit with you, sharing experiences, info., resources, etc..

    It's also important to remain close with your friends and family. You will find that they will be an amazing support system. Continue to go out and hang out and do the things you love doing most. Cancer can only take from you what you are willing to give over to it. Remember that.

    Hoping you can tell us more about yourself, your interests, your diagnosis and whether or not your doctor is recommending chemotherapy, etc.

    So many of us have come through our cancer experiences, emerging even better and stronger than before. It's not easy and it's scary no matter how one looks at it yet it brings opportunity to learn things we may never have come close to understanding before. It can bring out the best in us and even help us to discover things we never knew about ourselves.

    I didn't really do anything to try to prepare for my surgery aside from thinking positively about it. More like, well, there it was and something I had to do. I knew it would have a beginning and an end so I focused more on after the surgery, helping my body to heal and taking good care of my diet and exercise regimen. It's a process and as much as I often wanted to jump light years into a better and emotionally healed state, which sometimes seemed far away, there was no way aside from effort and time. I dug in and next thing I knew, I was getting there. You will too. Love yourself and take good care of you, through diet, exercises, spiritual enrichment, and continuing to give to other's and you'll always be on a good path to healing and peace.

    Hope that helps in some way. I don't have a daughter (I've a 16 year old son) but if I did, that's what I would try to help her find through such a difficult experience. Her best, most loving self.

    Warm hugs your way, with best wishes for a smoothe surgery. I hope you'll visit here often and keep us posted.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • archery01
    archery01 Member Posts: 2
    #12
    Summer, keep up a positive attitude and the will power that nothing can keep you down and you will be fine... I was 30 when I was diagnosed, ratical mastecomy and 6 months of chemo. All I wanted was back to my normal life...I will be 5 years cancer free in November. It is all in attitude...you got to want it.
  • Kstuart
    Kstuart Member Posts: 2
    #13
    Hi Summer. I am 27 and was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2004. I was devastated when I got the news but I had a feeling when I found the lump. I had a modified radical mastectomy in february on the left. I have gooten through most of it with humor and great family support. When I found out I had already made up my mind to have a mastectomy. My now mother-in-law had breast cancer 2 years ago and when talking to her I said if I get it I want them to take it all on that side. Be strong and have a positive attitude. The way I looked at it was it was part of life and my breasts don't make me who I am. Some may differ and that is fine it might be al little harder to cope with. I decided on reconstruction right away using and expander (I am an athlete and didn't want part of my abdominal muscle removed). It looks great and psychologically waking up with something there was a benefit. As for the mastectomy itself mine went well. All I can say is let your friends and family help and do the exercises prescribed. I had almost full range of motion right away but it was painful. The exercises work wonders and on days when I didn't want to do them but I did they made me feel better. I had my second to last chemo treatment today (Dose dense every 2 weeks, 4 AC and 4 Taxol. Through it all I was able to continue going to nursing school. I had a couple hard days but a positive attitude got me through it. Have a positive attitude, humor, and lots of support and you will do fine. Take it one day at a time. If you have questions or need anything feel free to email anytime, Kbooter10@comcast.net. Hang in there. You'll do great. Your age is something you have going for you. Just remember listen to your body. Best wishes and take care.

    Kelly
  • hounddog
    hounddog Member Posts: 115
    #14
    Hello Summer my name is Marilyn I was 28 yrs old when I had breast cancer the first time .I never felt any thing the gynecologist found a lump and then sent me to a general surgeon . I was scared like you are. I also had a new breastcancer last year and I went through a total of four treatments.What you are going through in your life right now is a storm and it is alright to be scared but keep your trust in the Lord and take one day at a time John 6: 21 talks about the storm .You are not alone in this fight with cancer there are alot of us here for you .
    marilyn
  • mom62
    mom62 Member Posts: 604 Member
    #15
    Summer,
    Sorry cancer has struck you at such a young age. I realize how lucky I was now not to be diagnosed until I was 41. I had a modified radical masectomy and recovered quite quickly. I was back at work in 2 weeks. Just keep a positive attitude and keep a sense of humor. Rely on your family and friends for support, especially during chemo. I had a friend or family member go with me every week and it was like going out with a friend to gab, instead of seeming like a doctors visit. Good luck to you!

    Terry
  • Erykah01
    Erykah01 Member Posts: 7
    #16
    HI,SUMMER MY NAME IS ERICKA THIS MY SECOND TIME WITH BREAST CAN CANCER THE FIRST TIME WAS BACK IN MAY 2003 I WENT THROUGH THE SURGERY AND CHEMO AND NOW BACK IN MAY 2005 I FOUND OUT THAT I HAVE IT AGAIN AND IT REALLY HURT ME BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO GO BACK THROUGH THAT AGAIN BUT I FOUND HOPE IN GOD FOR SOME REASON HE PUT THIS ON ME I USE TO ASK WHY BUT KNOW I DO WHAT I HAVE TO DO I HAVE HAD TWO MASTECOMYS THE FIRST ONE WAS ON THE LEFT SIDE AND NOW I HAVE HAD IT ON THE RIGHT SIDE YES I WAS SCARED ABOUT IT BUT THEN I GOT TO JOKING ABOUT IT THE FIRST TIME I WAS ABLE TO WEAR WIGS AND GET THE TUMMY TUCK THAT I HAVE ALL WAYS WANTED SO NOW THAT I HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER MASTECOMY I JUST SAY WHILE I GET THE IMPLANTS THAT I ALL WAYS WANTED AND I LAUGH ABOUT IT IF YOU CAN LAUGH ABOUT IT THEN YOU WILL BE FINE BUT IF YOU SIT AROUND AND CRY YOU WILL NOT MAKE IT THROUGH IT THAT IS HOW I MADE IT THROUGH IT ALL AND I STIL DO THAT NOW ONE THING THAT YOU HAVE TO REMEBER IS THAT THIS IS NOT YOUR BATTLE THIS IS THE LORDS IF YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THIS THEN YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH ANY AND EVERY THING LIKE AT ME THIS IS SECOND TIME I WANT TO GET OVER WITH SO THAT I CAN GET MY LIFE BACK ON TRACK I DO NOT LIKE TO STE AROUND THE HOUSE I LIKE TO OUT AND ABOUT I LIKE GOING TO WORK AND DOING THE THINGS THAT MAKES ME HAPPY BUT I KNOW THAT ONE DAY I WILL ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS AGAIN KEEP YOU HEAD UP AND DO NOT LET THIS GET YOU DOWN I HAVE A WEBSITE ON HERE THE NAME IS ERYKAH01 IT TELLS YOU ABOUT ME SO BE STRONG AND PRAY AND I WILL PRAY FOR YOU ERICKA

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