Who's the youngest?

lexislove

Hi mmschmus,

I was the one who went the hair extension route. I had them done in October (this year) and so glad that I did. I finished chemo back in February, rads in June. in October my hair was only about 2.5 inches, like yours now. I thought, " oh god, it will take 4 years for my hair to be back I'm not going to feel self consious for that long. Being bald for 9 months was enough. I waited for the summer to roll by to see how my moods were. I found myself getting depressed. Not because of "finishing" treatment, I was happy about that, but my appearance. I was never really "into" my hair, but......

I was very self consious, especially my hair came back thicker and curly. I did not know WHAT to do with it! lol... I had straight hair before BC. I wore a hat daily and felt like everyone was STILL looking at the girl who has / had cancer. I hated it, so I did something about it. I talked to my husband and he agreed.

My confidence has sored ! My extensions are 18 inches, just above the breast and fabulous. I go for my next tightning appt. Dec 16 and at that time I'm thinking of going longer. ( They have a 50% off Xmas promo.) I did get real virgin hair and I had the weaving technique no gluing! This is much better for your hair. If you can do it $$$, then do it! You won't regret it at all.

jas_man

Hi everyone.. I'm 28 and I was recently diagnosed with IDC. Stage to be confirmed during lumpectomy but based on the size, it's at stage 1.

For some strange reason, I'm at peace with having BC. Friends and family find it weird that I'm totally okay with it. I was diagnosed just last week and over the weekend I've had time to think things through. I actually have an action plan for things that worry me i.e. chemo hair loss, etc.

My weirdness even extends to the point that I am grateful that I'm the one who has BC, because if it were given to someone less financially stable, they would probably not work on curing the cancer. (I live in the Philippines, so not everyone is entitled to good medical care).

Now I'm wondering, is this just a phase? Will I become depressed once treatment starts? I hope not. But I'm now starting to be worried after reading everyone's post... 

SandyAust

Hi jas-man,

Don't worry you may sail through the whole experience.  However it is possible that you will have a slump when treatment is over, as many women do.  I wouldn't try to pre-empt that though.  Just take things one day or one step at a time and see how things pan out.  If you find yourself needing support at a later time you will get plenty of it here.

I was diagnosed at 36.  Around initial diagnosis there was a time when I thought my cancer was very advanced.  At the time my two children were only four years old so I was very stressed about the impact of my cancer on them. However once I found out I was early stage I too was at peace with the situation.  I thought more "why not me" than "why me".  However after treatment I became quite anxious.  This is when I sought help from my GP and support from these boards.

This may not be your experience.  Just go with the peace you have, it's a good thing.

Take care,

Sandy

jas_man

Thanks Sandy.

I've been reading the boards, trying to understand why others feel more devastated than others. I think for married women, it's the idea that they might leave their kids motherless. It is agonizing. If I had a choice not to go through chemo (lumpectomy is scheduled next wk so anything's possible at this point), I would think twice before declining to do it. I'd rather go through everything while I'm still young and single, than to constantly worry whether it will come back once I have a family of my own..

Anyway, just rambling, trying to put some sense in everything. 

.. will try to be as positive for as long as I can though.  

patty71

Just wanted to comment on the anger and attitude.  I had a lot of anger at first-but could easily route it into trying to get better and focusing on treatment.  I never felt so alive-and remember saying to people after my lumpectomy that I was so happy just to be alive!  Now after all treatment except still on tamoxiphen-I have a differet attitude.  I am down more than up.  I have seeked out support groups and therapy.  I think i just miss my old self?  Doesn't that sound crazy.  I'm scared that my husband will never look at me the same.  I tell myself that i am a stronger and better person because of what i went through.  Guess i still need some time to come to terms with this disease!  i want to be happy again but for some reason it is really really hard. This is one aspect of Cancer that i did not see before it hit!  i am sure i am not alone and maybe time will be the only thing that helps.

BethNY

I think there's a natural ebb and flow to it all. I definitely think feelings change and grow with time. I think it's natural to be angry when its all said and done. And whats worse, is that you question if you're supposed to be feeling this way...

It's over, I should be happy. The cancer is gone, I'm a survivor- I should get on with my life...

But it's not easy. I go through phases too. But With more time, I definitely think it becomes a memory. Like college.. I had lots of good times and bad times, and most of it I've long forgotten about. And when I speak of the college days with old friends, or look at old photos, I just think of it as a chapter in my life. Now, of course I'm not comparing cancer to college, but now that I am nearing the 5 year mark from my dx date, I am starting to look at it as a distant chapter. Obviously, you can never close the chapter forever, and we all know that, b/c we have to open it up again when we go for checkups etc.... But it really is starting to become stored memories, and I've forgotten about a lot of the bad parts.

I struggle with anger-- I always have.  It's no easy fix, but I can tell you two things that really help. Walking every day. I used to load up my ipod, suit up in 20 layers, and hit the pavement no matter what the weather for 5 miles a day. I gave this up a year ago when we moved, and I can honestly say it is the one absolute thing I need to be doing again. Even if 5 miles seems like a lot-- girl, I started with two blocks! I'm not kidding. But I would walk, and think, and even have conversations with myself, and I felt better.

And the other one, is that when I'm about to explode and fly off the handle, this takes practice, but you should close your eyes, and focus on relaxing your jaw. It's much harder then you think. Your teeth should not touch unless you swallow. You breathe in, and with each exhale relax your lower jaw. relax your face.  It sounds ridiculous, but even for a few minutes a day just sit by yourself and relax your jaw.

Life isn't easy. Getting cancer makes it that much harder. All anyone can really ask is that you just get up every day and try to do the best you can with what you have. 

mmarsh

I was Diagnosed in March 2008 at the age of 33.  I have a Son, that was only 7 months old at the time of my dx. 

I  had 2 Lumpectomy surgeries to my left breast, with 12 Lymphnodes removed. (Negat

Although I have no Family history, it was recommended that I go for Genetic Testing due to my age.  I tested POSTIVE for BRCA2.

Knowing of my BRCA2 results, I declined Radition and opted for a Bi-Lateral Mastectomy with Alloderm & Expanders. (Permanent Implants to follow in 6 months). 

I had my Bi-Lateral Mastecomty on Dec 5, 2008.  it has only been 6 Weeks, but am Pleasantly Surprised with how quickly my body & mind have bounced back.

Unfortunately, I recived my Pathology results back on Dec 22, and apparently had Cancer in 9 of 22 blocks removed.  My Surgeon is concerned that there may be residue left behind in the remaining chest wall, and she has recommened that I have Radiation.  I met with a Radiation Onologist last week, and he feels that the Margins might be ok, and Radition not necessary.  He is taking my case the pathology review board to get his collegues opinon, and I will have a firm answer within 2 weeks.

jac3

I was 25 when i was dx with breast cancer. I am from a very small town, and there was no one around that age going through the same thing. I found my lump myself and called my obgyn. They did an ultrasound, told me it was a adnoma and sent me to a surgeon. I was very lucky because the surgeon felt the same as my husband and i did. It did not need to be there so lets take it out. Luck thing he did because when he got in and took the lump out they found it to be cancer. I went through the chemo and radiation because i was so young. It was all worth it in the end. I am 31 and doing great. I have 3 kids. Two were born after it all. I am very active in Relay for Life and so are my kids. We do Relay every year. Last year my daughter's girl scout troop was there too. Good luck to all who are fighting bc now. And congrates to all who have won.

Anonymous

Hey everyone just wanted to say hello. and let everyone know i am having surgery tomorrow.. so please pray for me.

DiamondGurl

Hi, my name is Lizzy. I am 24 and I was diagnosed 2 days ago.  I am also new to the board!

mela4409

hi lizzy...im 24 also, how are you holding up?  ok i hope...let me know if you need anything

9999Carmen

I was 20 by my first diagnosis. Cancer was back with 27 years.

1234Manu5

I was dx at 28 years and now I´m 30 years.

BethNY

diamond gurl- welcome to the sisterhood that no one wants to join-- but we're here for u every step of the way.

here are two sites u also may like

www.youngsurvival.org

www.imtooyoungforthis.org

Mela- how is treatment going thus far?

qqClaudia123

I was DX at the age of 30 years in the dec.2008

Wally333

I was 34 1st. DX Stage I and 41 2nd. DX  ( 2007)

I´m 43 years now.

foxyroxy2983

It's good to know that I'm not the only young person that has to go through this crap. I was dx at age 25 in November 2008.

BethNY

Sara- I too thought I was alone, when I was dx at age 26 back in 2004. For me, finding the YSC (young survival coalition) was a dream come true. It was like a breast cancer sorority.

What I can tell you now that I'm almost 5 years out, and a very healthy 31 year old, is that you do get your life back....You can go on to do anything- get married, have babies, change careers, do anything....

Sometimes you can't always do it the conventional way, but cancer won't always have power over your life. Just a temporary sh*tty blip on the radar...

in your corner always....

Nisa

I was diagnosed at age 24, recurrence at age 27 and now planning to have my baby at age 29.

According to BethNY you do get your life back, I was diagnosed 2 months after my engagement to my now husband. We got married 1 1/2 yrs after my diagnosis, bought our dream house and we are now planning our family....

The two episodes of breast cancer made us stronger in every aspect of our lives...........Best of Luck to you all !!! 

foxyroxy2983

BethNY- Thanks for recommending that website, I found it helpful and very informative. Knowing that you survived this and other ladies surving this gives me hope for a "normal" life again. It's been difficult especially now that I start my chemo treatment this Thursday coming up, I just don't like it when the doctor's tell me the worst case scenario.  It really brings me down, I try to stay positive though, I need to do these treatments and it is very crucial to my survival. Other than that, I think it is cool that you've been sharing your experiences with bc.

BethNY

Sara- it won't be this hard forever. Once you start chemo, you'll get into a groove, and yeah, it sucks sometimes, but it's temporary, and I promise you, you will get through it. Even though chemo takes your hair, and makes you feel like shit-- you're still in there. You may look different in the mirror, but it's still you-- and inbetween the moments where you're scared, mad, sick, tired, and whatever else you're feeling, you'll still be you. And you'll still laugh, and you can still hang with your friends- you just need to be careful about germs, and getting rest, and drinking 60 ounces of water a day to help get that nasty chemo out of your system.

And you're right-- you're doing everything they tell you to do now, so that in a few years you'll be where I am.... cancer free, healthy- new boobs, long hair, and a normal life.

You should try to find a group of girls starting chemo the same date as you. It will make your treatment a lot better, so you guys can bitch to each other about all the fun side effects like not pooping for four days, and being bloated from the steroids.

Shave your head before your hair starts to fall out- have a party, take control- get some wigs and fun scarves, and big hoop earrings-- I rocked being bald, and I still went out when I was feeling okay.

Think of chemo as your chance to kick the shit out of cancer. A lot of people call adryimicin the red devil-- I think of it as kool aid....

time to show cancer who's boss.... you can always send me a PM if you need anything!!

Ingelein

I was DX March 2007 at 38.

doggirl25

I'm 25 and was diagnosed in Nov 2008...getting ready to start chemo next week!

foxyroxy2983

Hi doggirl25, welcome to the group, wow you've been diagnosed around the same time as me, I start chemo this week as well. I was also diagnosed at 25, I just turned 26 the other day. Hope everything goes well for you.

Hi BethNY, thanx for the advice!

mela4409

Sorry I haven't been on in a while.  BETHNY to answer your question I only have one treatment to go!  I'll be done with chemo and married before my 25th birthday.  So weird!  The taxol has been a little rough...fevers, one ER visit, but I just keep telling myself only one more left.  There is a major strep outbreak at the school that I work at...trying to decide if I should go back to work tomorrow or not.  Good luck to all you young ladies, If you need anything please ask!

chemogoddess

I just signed up for this because of your post, you sound bitter and sounds like you have the "poor me" syndrome. I was quite offended by your post. I am in my mid 30's and you came across that women 40 and older don't matter, well let me tell you something, your cancer is no worse then anyone elses whether they are in their 20's 30's 40's or 50's! We are all going through something devastating, and in my 30's I hardly feel like I've lived my life. I find you quite ignorant and full of self pity! Before my cancer I was doing some modeling and quite sexy and beautiful and well known in my community. I still feel sexy, bald and all! It's all about attitude and i have a great attitude and choose to remain positive! Maybe you should start try that. You really angered me, it's not anyones fault you got cancer, and because you are younger does not mean women older than you don't matter. It's hard for me to be compassionate to you while you bash women such as my self at the ripe old age of 35, give me a break! I recently got a modeling job to show my strength and my beauty inside and out! You need to grow up, gain some strength, and stop blaming everyone else! Believe it or not 35 is still young to get cancer, boy did your ignorant comments irritate me. I normally end my posts on an encouraging or positive note but with you all I can say is it's not all about you!

rferraris

Chemogoddess,

I think you might need to reread the orginial post again.  I do not have "poor me" syndrome.  I have spent the last two years going to communities to teach young girls that breast cancer is not just their Grandmother's disease.  I never said that my cancer was worse than hers or that hers was worse than mine.  What pissed me off about this girl is that USED her cancer as a tool to try to advance her media career, not educating others.  She never once talked about doing BSE's, getting a clinical exam once year.   

You sound so much like this girl.  My heart breaks for both of you.

Waldmeister001

I was DX with 20 ( 2003)

2.DX 2008 with 25

kim40

Well, I wouldn't say I am the youngest, but I don't consider myself old by any means!  I was d/x this past January - 12 days before my 41st birthday!!!

DV8Q

I am definately not the youngest but like most of you feel like it when I am in chemo.

Diagnosed Nov 2008 at 30yrs old 

Had felt a lump at 25yrs old, got a ultrasound that was inconclusive, docs said not to worry because of my young age and no family history of BC that no further testing was needed.