Young survivor

TiffanyB_

I am still struggling with the fact that I had breast cancer at 27. I am not quite a year out, but cancer is on my mind all day everyday. I have a 4 yr old son and a husband who I want to be around for. I hear stage 3 grade 3 is not hopeless but I'm just worried it will come back somewhere else. Not sure how I'm going to make it through this

Moderators

TiffanyB, welcome to Breastcancer.org!

We're so sorry to hear of your diagnosis at such a young age, but we're really glad you found our amazing Community. You're sure to meet others here who are still reeling from their diagnosis and treatment, but have found a "new normal," despite fears of recurrnce. We're all here to support you and help in any way we can!

We hope to hear more from you soon! Please let us know if you have any questions or need help navigating the boards.

--The Mods

Mamabear0

Hi Tiffany! I am so sorry about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed at 32, with three young ones under 5. I know what you mean about thinking about cancer often. It ebbs and flows for me, some months I do great, then I go down a "cancer hole" and think about recurrence and metastasis a lot. If you need a friend, I would love to talk with you!! I think Ian lonely being a young survivor. I just try to always be in battle, taking care of myself. And I try to stay in the day and be grateful for each day I wake up

DodgersGirl

TiffanyB- I came here to look for a post that said what I was feeling so I could read suggestions on coping when he came across your post.

I am sorry you had to go thru this journey at such a young age and I hope you remain NED.

I am not as young as you but as I near the end of active treatment, I find myself wondering how long I have before discovering mets. I am NED after mastectomy and then having PET scan but as a stage 3 girl with node involvement, I feel I am on borrowed time.

I start rads on Monday. Doing all I can to stay cancer free. And really trying to live for today as mentally I understand no one is guaranteed tomorrow.

Wondering how others deal with this journey when they have completed active treatments and start to return to "normal" life???

Tiffany-- thanks for posting. Looking forward to reading the posts to your tooic. And, again, sending good vibes that you remain NED.

TiffanyB_

@dodersGirl I am wishing you good health!! I know active treatment is hard and it seems the battle will never end. I thought I was going to get back to normal or what they call a new normal but it hasn’t happened yet it takes time is what I have been told. Please keep in touch!!

TiffanyB_

@Mamabear0 thank you so much!! I understand feeling isolated since breast cancer in young women is not common. I am working on being positive but it isn’t easy, I might be one step away from seeing a therapist to cope. I always see pink ribbons and how women have beat the odds just praying I am one of them. No one ever talks about Mets not even doctors until it happens.

TectonicShift

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sbelizabeth

TiffanyB, I'm not as young as you are either, but probably all of us here understand "cancer radio"...that voice that plays in your head 24/7 about worries and fears. It's tormenting. Does my hair itch? It's breast cancer. Constipated, runny nose, ingrown toenail? Breast cancer. For me, anyway, the physical part of treatment wasn't nearly as tough as the scared, sad, shadowy, "what if" experience.

I promise there are better days ahead. Right now breast cancer is a huge gorilla that's stomping around your living room, tearing up the furniture and pooping on the rug. In time, it will be a mouse in the corner. Mine squeaks from time to time but for the most part I can forget it's there.

There are success stories everywhere. Today is six years from my diagnosis and I'm healthy and happy. My sister, diagnosed IIIC five years ago, is too. Many other Stage III women on these boards, and many who have moved on, are recovered and well.

Gentle hugs.

TiffanyB_

thank you

TiffanyB_

@sbelizabeth I can’t wait until I get to that point!! I really want to enjoy life but I’m afraid if I enjoy it too much that’s when the unthinkable will happen so I’m walking on pins and needles. Thank you for your story I need positive vibes

TiffanyB_

@tectonicshift thank you!! I appreciate the link will definitely look into this. I know I have to be my own advocate

SharonMH

Hi TiffanyB, It is 8 years for me. I am doing well. That mouse in the corner is a good example, the cancer radio has not been on for quite awhile, and my mouse in the corner just squeaks once in awhile also. SharonM

lkc

hi Tiffany,


All the lovely ladies before me are right on. I am out 0ver 12 years from a stage III C. BC diagnosis and living gratefully and large every day.
The irrational fear and anxiey dies eventually dissipate with time.
We've all been there, and gradually you'll be able to breathe again.
Hugs going out to you!

Nurseinboots

Hi TiffanyB.  I'm right there with you.  I'm still in treatment.  I'm 9 years older than you, but I have a 3 year old.  I sometimes feel terror and guilt at the idea of her growing up without me.  

I connected with some mental health professionals, and found that it was very helpful.  I wish I had made that phone call earlier in the process, but it took me several months of pure hell to finally get there.  I hope that you find something that works for you - sending you warm fuzzies.  

Anna-33

Hello... I was 31 when I was diagnosed.... just finishing radiation. My kids are under four. I have one question to all of you that are premenopausal: Are you going to have zometa? I was first told that I should not because it has shown negative effect in young (increased extraosseus tumors) , but now they say that I should. Confused and scared!

TiffanyB_

@Anna-in-Norway-I am only taking tamoxifen. My ovaries stopped producing estrogen last year. If they were to start working my onc would use lupron to shut them now. I’m assuming thats

Anna-33

Hm... for me they say tamoxifen and Zoladex , plus two infusions of zometa yearly..

Lexica

Hi, TiffanyB - 34 with two girls - ages 2 and 4. I feel ya - there isn't a minute that goes by in the day that I don't think about the long term and how it will affect my girls. Stay positive - we can do this! Thinking about you and hoping for NED for all of us!

DancingElizabeth

Hi There...

I am a bit older (dx at 48 and am now 50). And, my DD was 9 - when I was diagnosed. There isn't a day that goes by - when I don't go down that scary rabbit hole in my mind.

But, when I see others on here, with similar stats - going on 10 or 15 yrs - that gives me hope!

Best of luck to you...I know it sucks...but glad we have this site to share info with and bond...(((hugs)))

Stronghope

Hi TuffanyB, Im 34 and just got married 2 months ago! I was diagnosed last week and will bestarting my chemo next week. I understand its scary, but we'll get throught it! Just hang in there and be hopeful! You will see your grandchildren someday!!

TiffanyB_

@stronghope thank you!!! I am working on staying positive I know the further out I am I will stop being as negative! I will be praying for you as you start your journey may you have solace through the storm

Stronghope

thank you Tiffany! lets stay strong and positive!

BTW, I watched a wonderful documentary called “the secret" last night. If you havent watched or read the book yet,do it! It blows your mind and changes your view!

Good luck!