19 years old and just diagnosed.

Anonymous

19 years old and just diagnosed.

Chloe3278

Hi everyone,

I am 19 years old and last tuesday i had a breast augmentation done. During surgery, my Plastic surgeon found lumps and decided to get tissues sent for a biopsy (This is not his job, yet he saved my life). I got the results back yesterday and got told i have noninvasive low grade DCIS. I dont know what to think, feel and i cry every time i think about it. Everytime i take a nap, i wake up and hope that it was all a dream. I have an appointment with a breast surgeon today, and am afraid of my diagnosis.

My plastic surgeon has somewhat scared me, he told me there has never been a case so young in the state and that i am the only one who's been diagnosed. I am afraid that no one will know how to help me, and am scared i might die because i feel like everyone around me is going so slow. My PS has reassured me that i will not 'die' if i wait another week, but i am so scared as i have heard cancer grows faster in those whom are young. Sorry if i am babbling, i am so afraid and need help. I want someone to talk to, similar experiences or any experiences.

Its upsetting that i have to even be on this forum, yet i am blessed that there is a community that is going through something similar.

Sjacobs146

Chloe, non-invasive and low grade are good words to hear when dealing with BC, that means that it is slow growing, and hasn't escaped the ducts yet. This was caught at a very, very early stage. BC In General is very slow growing, so waiting weeks or even months is not going to change your outcome. You don't say what state you live in, but it might be worthwhile to get a second opinion at a large hospital that does research and deals with a lot of cancer. So sorry that you're having to deal with this at such a young age.

Moderators

Chloe-

We're so sorry you're dealing with this, it can't be easy to handle at such a young age. Sjacobs has some great advice, and yes, catching it this early is a good thing! We hope you find support here, we're all here for you to help you through this.

The Mods

farmerlucy

What a terrible shock! It is just not fair. I'm so sorry. I know the anxiety is terrible. Maybe you can talk to your doctor about things that could help. I was diagnosed after a preventive mastectomy. Folk told me how lucky I was to catch it. I certainly didn't feel lucky. I was PISSED! Anything you feel right now is perfectly normal. It is going to take some time to accept what has happened. Just take it step by step. Lean on your family. You will get through this. I promise. It will take time. Gentle hug to you.

Tappermom383

I have a friend who is now 61 and was diagnosed at 19 with BC. Her husband at the time saved her life as the doctors would not believe it was possible for someone so young to have this disease. He pushed the doctors and she got the treatments she needed.

Last year to celebrate 40 years as a survivor and to celebrate her 60th birthday, she hiked the first half of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to West Virginia. Right now she's back out on the trail, hiking from West Virginia to Maine. She just crossed into New York. She hikes by herself, occasionally joined by a friend.

You are fortunate to have a PS who found this and who is guiding you through the process. I hope your appointment with the BS went well. Please let us know what s/he advised.

MJ

Chloe3278

Hey, I'm done with my appointment. The breast surgeon told me I need a mastectomy. She says that the tumour I have is spread in my right breast, and that the left wasn't even tested (so my left might also have some tumours). I don't know how to feel, I feel broken but relieved that a mastectomy will 'cure' me.

Traveltext

Chloe, you are lucky your medical team are dealing with a low grade cancer. Having it treated now is good, but you could well have survived for years if it hadn't been discovered. If every young women was examined via an augmentation op I'd be surprised if they didn't find lots of people with the disease. Keep this forum posted on your progress. You'll find lots of help and support here and all the best for the mastectomy.

Traveltext

Here's the link to the Australian group on this forum. https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/138

Chloe3278

Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement. The support has been encouraging and i feel like crying because i feel like i already love you guys

Racy

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Chloe, I am also in Queensland. Since you are so young, I'm concerned you may not have a lot of experience in navigating the medical system. I truly think it would be a good idea to get a second opinion on your situation and options, at least just to check that mastectomy is your only option. There are new ideas about how to deal with DCIS coming out all the time. As a young person with a long life ahead of you, you want to be sure you are getting the most up to date treatment.

How big is the area of DCIS?

illimae

It is very unusual for your age but recently, while awaiting an ultrasound, I spoke with the mother of a 12 year old with BC. One of only a few in the US but it has happened and there are treatments available. You'll find that you are stronger than you ever imagined

msphil

so sorry u had to join us here and so young but sweetie u can get thru this once treatment starts n plans in place I was making wedding g plans for our 2nd marriage when I found my lump at 42 which was considered young then I am now a 23yr Survivor. I thought about lumpectomy cause I was going into a new marriage But decided on mastectomy.Hope n Faith in Positive thinking got me thru..msphil idc 0\3nodes chemo 3 months before n after Lmast got married then radiation 7wks 5 days a wk. 5yr on tamoxifen. God Bless Us All.