Just Diagnosed at 29

AmandaMarie29 said:

Thanks
Thank you Steph...It's really great to be able to talk to people have have walked a path that I am getting ready to. It's very scary right now because I don't have a clue what to expect, or really what to do. I am sure I will have lots of questions for you ladies coming in the near future. So glad I have someone to talk to

Mandi

There will be many, many
There will be many, many people to talk with and to help you through this. Some will jump in to help you understand what your path report says, others will be there for surgery questions, chemo questions, rads questions, hormone therapy question etc. Almost any question can be answered by someone and if not someone will know where to go to help. And then of course they will be your team. They should be there to answer your questions and to do so thoroughly and completely. One suggestion I will make is to take someone with you to appointments. A 2nd pair of ears is good and you will be in a bit of a daze. And be your own best advocate. If it isn't clear, ask until it is. And no question, either here or to your team, is dumb. It can be scary but just know that we have some long, long term survivors and we are all warriors. And so are you. That's a very cute picture of you. My heart always goes out to you that are so young facing this. Mimi can tell you about another board that has young survivors that you might want to touch base with also. There are often unique issues faced by younger women and it helps to talk with that peer group as well.
Again, we are here and you are in my kindest thoughts.
Stef

AmandaMarie29 said:

Jeanne
Yes, I had my biopsy already, my surgeon removed 2 masses. There is still a few more spots that need to be taken care of. I meet with my surgeon tomorrow to see what he recommends to do. I don't have an onocologist yet but I am sure that will be addressed tomorrow also. I am keeping my fingers crossed! Thank you sooooo much!

Mandi

Mandi
I am sorry. You mentioned that you are a full time student. Does your University provide a health insurance?
Some Universities do. Find out if your University has a social worker who can help with insurance issues. Also when you see your oncologist ask about financial assistance.
Hugs

Dawne.Hope said:

I am so sorry!
Dear Mandi,

I didn't have insurance when I was diagnosed either. I honestly was more concerned about finances than my initial diagnosis. I found out through my ob/gyn office that there was a program in my state that pays for breast screenings and biopsies for women without insurance. Ask your doctor. The advice above about talking to your university is a good one too.

Do check out the young survivor's network on this website. I'm ten years older than you ... but I've been amazed at how many young women like you are going through this. I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with this. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow.

Much love and a big hug,
dh

Hey Mandi
So sorry that
Hey Mandi
So sorry that you're having to deal with this at such a young age. Also ask the people at the hospital about the insurance ...they will know all the available programs for non insured people.There is help out there, so focus on getting well and worry about the finances later.

ACS
At your hospital, there might be an on-site Patient Navigator from the American Cancer Society. You can ask there or call ACS at 1-800-227-2345

Support
It's scary, Mandi, no doubt. I don't think any of us are ever totally prepared to hear such scary news, especially at the young age of 29! I know I was in denial for a long time even after my biopsy. I didn't think it could be true and wanted very badly to wake up from this horrible nightmare I was having. You truly have found a wonderful support system by coming to this site. There are so many strong, beautiful, knowledgeable and helpful women here and as you go through the course of things, it's a real good feeling to know that you're becoming 'one of them'. You, too, will be a survivor and will one day have the right words to help someone feel better about what they are about to face. Every step is a scary one, but asking anything at all that you want to on these boards and getting numerous replies from women who have walked in your shoes is just phenomenal! It helps tremendously to know that beating this is very possible and probable! Things have come a very long way!

Wishing you the best of bad news, Mandi, and hope you'll post after your appointment.

A caring sister in pink Marlene

outdoorgirl said:

You go,girl!
That's the way to stand up and face "the beast"!!

Im from Georgia and I know
Im from Georgia and I know the health dept has a program that helps women with cancer and no insurance.
Deb

newbiefromcananda said:

hello mandi and welcome
I
hello mandi and welcome

I live in Canada so I can't help out with the insurance part but just know you are not alone , I found this site about 1 month ago as I am newly diagnosed at 38 , the woman on here are AMAZING and I feel sooo good when I come here so again welcome...... and best wishes Lisa

Hi Mandi
I'm more than double your age and it saddens me to hear that this beast has locked onto such a young woman. You already sound like a survivor. I don't know much about the financial solution but sounds like you might have some options, just need to check them out. You will need to explain your situation to all your drs. They may know of resources too. Wishing you the best and hoping for better days for you soon. Let us know what's going on and welcome to our young sister. You have a huge family here already in place, just waiting to help and comfort you. Let us help!

Eil4186 said:

Mandi, so sorry to hear of
Mandi, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. But welcome to the site and pleasr know that we are here for you. I am not very knowledgeable about financial programs but I do know that each cancer has a social worker who can help you. He or she can provide you with information and hopefully help you to navigate any paperwork necessary to get you the assisstence you need. Good luck and please keep us posted.

Hi Mandi, Welcome to our
Hi Mandi, Welcome to our club that no one really wants to join. So very sorry you have to be here. You will find so much help here and some answers to your questions and just be able to vent when you need to with no one passing any judgement. This cancer thing is a scary thing and it helps to be a part of a group that can really understand what it is your going through. I wish you luck and again welcome.