Diagnosed yesterday.

TayMae21

hi everyone. So let me start this by saying I’m 27 years old. Never thought I’d be in this situation or at least not so early in my life. I was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma of no special type. Grade 3 with extensive necrosis. I go to the surgeon and oncologist on Monday. I’m terrified. I have a 5 month old that I stay home with and care for and I have no idea how I’m going to do all of this. I’ve felt sick since I got the news. I can barely eat and honestly I’m just worried. In the 2 weeks between my first appointment and my biopsy my lump grew a whole cm. It’s very rapid and my doctors are expediting everything to make sure we take care of it quick. If anyone can give me some ideas on what to expect that would be great

moth

Hi TayMae21, I'm sorry you find yourself here, and esp at such a young age and with a baby. That's really awful.

Do you know anything about your hormone markers? ie did the biopsy say anything about ER PR and HER2? Those hormone markers determine a lot of the strategy. It's good that your team is acting fast. On Monday, they will probably discuss whether to do surgery first or chemo (while chemo isn't a given for eveyone, given your age and the apparent aggressiveness of it, I'd expect it). They may want to do more scans to make sure they have the full picture of what is happening. They will likely also give some recommendations regarding surgery.

This page has a lot of info about how this process will likely unfold. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment

Don't worry about taking it all in, it's a huge learning curve. But reading through some of it will prepare you for the appointment and you'll know what they're talking about as things come up.

At the appoitnment, if you can, try to arrange someone to come with you to the appointment, who will be a 2nd set of ears and you should both take notes.

Other things you might want to consider is getting a counsellor to help deal with your emotions, arranging for help with your baby during surgery and chemo. Chemo is not as awful as it's portrayed on tv but it can be exhausting and you would benefit from additional supports.

Hang in there, it all gets a bit easier once you get a treatment plan in place and you can feel like you're doing someting. Try to eat - keep your strength up, go for walks, play with your baby. One step at a time.

saltmarsh

TayMae21, like moth I am so sorry to find you here so young, and when you've just had a baby, too! That's a lot.

I'd second everything moth said, but particularly would encourage you now, at the start of all this, to think about your support network. Who do you have, who do you trust, particularly whom do you trust with your child? Some people find it helpful to think about outer-to-inner circles...that fellow churchgoer or neighbor who volunteers to make you dinner may be in your outer ring, your Aunt Lucy may be close enough to pick up groceries for you, sweep or vacuum your house, and only a sister or close friend may be trusted with your laundry and your baby, etc. I think you'll find it easier to identify your support network and test it out/shore it up now, than later.

Depending on where you're getting your care, the medical center may have tons of supports in place. (For example, genetic counseling, dietitians, social workers/counselors, fitness programs, massage or reiki, cancer-buddy programs, groups for young people with cancer, etc.). The one thing I don't think any of them have is childcare, so if you do not have people close to you whom you trust with your little one, if you are lucky enough to afford it, I'd consider interviewing for a nanny, or regular babysitter that you and your child can get comfortable with now, because the last thing you want to be worrying about (but the first thing you probably would be worried about) as you receive treatment is your child's well-being.

Lean on whomever you can for help. Literally no one will say to themselves later, "Man, I wish I hadn't helped TaeMay21!" It's not weakness, it's resilience. Please don't try to go it alone.

Bookpusher

TaeMae,

You have gotten great advice from moth and salt marsh.

It just stinks that you find yourself in this tough situation and I am so, so sorry! I hope you have a good support network you can get in place. Sending warm thoughts, hugs, and prayers your way.

TayMae21

I just want to say thank you all so much for the kind words and information. I had my mom over today so we can get a system down for my daughter. She’ll also be coming over tomorrow and watching my daughter on Monday while me and my bf go to all of my appointments. I’ll be sure to update you ladies after and let you know what we’re planning on doing next.

ElaineTherese

TayMae,

I'm glad to hear that your mom can help out. I agree with the others; you are way to young to be dealing with breast cancer! This sucks so much. My cancer was also Grade 3; chemo is very effective with Grade 3 cancer because it kills quickly-dividing cells. Take care and know that breast cancer is very treatable. ((Hugs))

msphil

So sorry you find yourself here but can be very informative. I thought 42 was young at the time I was diagnosed was also planning our 2nd marriages when I found the lump in shower.Things went pretty fast for me I worked in medical field 15yrs in the O R and retired from City clinic own office in Peds medical records. Had biopsy and 3 mo chemo before and after Lmast then we got married then 7wks on Rads and 5yrs on Tamoxifen. I am a 27yr Survivor this yr and also 27 yrs Our Wedding Anniversary Praise God. So I come back often as I can sister now going thru cancer not Breast to Inspire others like you. Hold on sweetie. msphil IDC stage2 0/3 nodes cytoxin 5 Fu adriamycin.

TayMae21

Hey everybody. So today was the day of all the appointments hahaha. The plan is to have surgery next week to have my port put in and two weeks from Wednesday I start chemo. I guess if you guys are ok to answer I would love to know what to expect. What is the surgery/recovery like with port placement? What’s chemo like? Also I’ll be having a double mastectomy but that won’t be until next year. As long as my chemo works they way they’re hoping it will anyways. I guess any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read a lot about my questions but I do prefer to hear personal experiences.

Melbo

I actually had my port put in the same day I started chemo — it was quick and easy with only mild discomfort. I did end up with blood soaking my hair though because they had to put it in my jugular instead of clavicle. I talked about it later with the surgeon when he removed my port (in his office just using lidocaine to remove it) and he said the blood was normal because of how they access things (a little unclear in that) but it only ended up in my hair because of the angle.

Chemo is going to suck, no question about that, but it probably won’t be as bad as you think. I highly recommend joining a monthly chemo “club” on this site to share experiences. I also would read through older “clubs” to see what women experienced on the same regime you will be getting.