30 years old and Diagnosed..

brandyrose

Hello. 

6 Days ago I was told I have breast cancer. 

At the end of May I found a very large lump in my right breast. I didn't have a family doctor at the time, and couldn't find anyone who was taking on new patients. So finally 5 days later I went into the Walk In Clinic. The doctor there did a breast exam, and then got me in for an ultrasound and mammogram. They happened the following week and then 4 days later I had a biopsy done. 1 Week after the Biopsy he told me the news. 

There is no history of breast cancer in my family. I was absolutely in shock. I met with my surgeon the following day, and had my surgery scheduled for July 7th. He gave me the options. Lumpectomy with 3 weeks of radiation, and most likely chemo. Or Mastectomy with no radiation and definitely chemo. What a decision to have to make! I'm so glad my best friend was with me taking notes, cause my brain was way too overwhelmed. 

I decided in the end to go with the mastectomy. I don't want to screw around. I just want to get through this chapter of my life. I've spent everyday trying to stay positive, and just be strong and brave. But it's not easy. My friends/family have been fantastic helping me raise money and taking me to appointments. But none of them truly understands. And how can they? 

Everyday I wake up and remember, and it's like a punch in the mouth. I have cancer. Holy crap. 

Thanks for listening, and if you've had a similar experience I would love to hear about it. 

Brandy

Moderators

Hi brandyrose, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're so sorry you have to be here, but really glad you found us! You're sure to find great support and advice here, along with encouragement and knowledge. 

While you wait for some others to weigh in with their stories, you may be interested in also checking out the Young with Breast Cancer forum to meet others who have been diagnosed at young age!

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

TB90

Hi Brandy:  I am so very sorry that you have to be dealing with this at your age.  There is a forum for breast cancer and young women that you may find to be helpful.  I too know that feeling of waking up in the morning and the feeling of horror that hits you.  That will go away with some time.  Once you get busy with a treatment plan it does slowly get a bit easier.  You will not always feel like this.  There will be great days again.  I promise!

lintrollerderby

Hi Brandy and welcome, though I'm sorry for the circumstances that lead you to us. This time is very scary. I was diagnosed completely out of the blue at age 34 in 2011. I had no family history and it came as a complete shock. Do you yet know the type of breast cancer with which you were diagnosed? For example, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is the most common. The other part you may want to find out (perhaps you already know) and it will help you to find others here whose situation more closely mirrors yours to help understand treatment protocols, is the characteristics of your tumor. Such as whether it has Estrogen Receptors (ER), Progesterone Receptors (PR), or an abundance of HER2. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 

Best of luck.