21yr old with Metaplastic Carcinoma

jworkman
jworkman Member Posts: 10
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am a 21 year old that was diagnosed with metaplastic carcinoma. I have had 4 chemotherapy treaments and they decided the tumor wasn't shrinking fast enough. I had a full radical masectomy 3 weeks ago. I return to the oncologist in a few weeks. I will probably have more chemotherapy and possibly radiation. I also plan on having reconstructive surgery at some point in the future. I would really love to hear from anyone who is young like me or has had the same cancer. I also have no idea what to expect from reconstruction? I know that the cancer I have is really rare .. and for someone my age to have it is also pretty rare, but would really benefit from hearing from anyone who also has this type. Also any suggestions on what to expect from radiation .. then from reconstruction would be great. Thank you for your help. : )

Comments

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #2
    Warm Welcome
    I am really sorry for your situation and understand emotional and physical difficulties you are going through. I was 46 when I was diagnosed, what is considering young for breast cancer (average age is 62). I am sure younger members will get in touch with you. I had radical modified mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction. It is a major surgery and recovery time is 8 weeks. There is a "search" option on this site , so try search on previous discussions on similar topic and will find a lot of good stuff on Radiation and Reconstruction.
    Good luck with your radiation treatment,
    New Flower
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #3
    New Flower said:

    Warm Welcome
    I am really sorry for your situation and understand emotional and physical difficulties you are going through. I was 46 when I was diagnosed, what is considering young for breast cancer (average age is 62). I am sure younger members will get in touch with you. I had radical modified mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction. It is a major surgery and recovery time is 8 weeks. There is a "search" option on this site , so try search on previous discussions on similar topic and will find a lot of good stuff on Radiation and Reconstruction.
    Good luck with your radiation treatment,
    New Flower

    I am so sorry. There is a
    I am so sorry. There is a young bc survivors group, but, I can't remember it now. You might google young survivors and see what shows up. There are several of us on here that are young, but, you get great advice and support here. Good luck!
  • ms_independent
    ms_independent Member Posts: 214
    #4
    I'm not young
    I an 52 and had a different type of breast cancer (DCIS) so, I can't really help you with a similar experience. Regarding the reconstruction; there are several ways of doing the reconstruction and which type you choose determines your experience and recovery. Your treatment will make some ways a better option than others (radiation affects the skin and underlying tissue so makes some kinds of reconstruction a better option). Have you thought about meeting with a plastic surgeon to discuss your options? He/she can give you your best options. They don't expect you to make a decision immediately and they often consult with patients months before they do any surgery. I have felt like cancer has taken away so many of my choices---this is one it didn't take. And this is one I didn't have to decide quickly.

    I am sure you will hear from others who have been (or are) in a very similar situation to yours. I am also sure you will find lots of support from the rest of us.

    Wishing you the best. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

    Hugs, El

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