There Are Way Too Many of Us Out There

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peasmommy
peasmommy Member Posts: 9
edited June 2014 in Young With Breast Cancer

I'm new to this board, well actually I have reading the posts for a few weeks in an effort to find answers about my recent surgery.  I was diagnosed in mid June at 31.  No family history.  Needless to say my family has gone crazy.  I'm also a single mom of a five year old girl and I'm trying to still hold down my job so I won't run out of sick leave.  When it rains it pours!  The very sad thing is that you quickly realize that although the docs tell you that you are too young to have BC, there are so many young people being diagnosed.  It really scares me to think about what my daughter will see of this disease when she is my age.  Anyway, I just read through some posts of newly diagnosed women and my heart was crushed at the thought of what they are going through.  Heck, I'm still going through it.  I'm only 2 1/2 weeks post op from a bi lateral mast.  I have been through 8 rounds of chemo and will prob have 6 weeks of radiation followed by finalization of my reconstruction (now have an expander in) and the removal of my healthy breast.  But here's the kicker....I claimed my cancer from day one, as so many others have.  And I think that's the key.  I have put my head down and chosen to push my way through this as hard as I can.  I have probably laughed more than I have cried at this stupid disease and it's treatments.  I guess I just figured that life is too short to worry about things that you cannot change.  I chose to live in the here and now and enjoy every second that I can.  So I guess in short I would like to extend the invitation to chat to others here who may need to share their story, either on the board or through a private message, or ask questions or find a friend.  I'm here.

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  • Ang7
    Ang7 Member Posts: 1,261
    edited November 2009

    Wow, you have such a good attitude. 

    When I was first diagnosed I thought about killing myself.  The one person I knew who had gone through chemo had died from an infection.  Now, I am able to put things in perspective.  Diagnosed age 43.  I had mastectomy w/DIEP.   I am going to do 4-6 rounds of chemo.  I have 4 kids and a great husband.  Taking one day at a time. 

    Ang

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  • peasmommy
    peasmommy Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2009

    I think one day at a time is the best way to take life anyway!  I am just so very thankful that since I have to go through this that I am doing it now and not 10 years ago or more.  Med advances have been beyond measure.  I went through 8 rounds of chemo and never threw up!  What great meds.  And of course I think I have the best docs on earth.  I have a great family and support system that have helped me out.  I see alot of life for me beyond my diagnosis.  That's my choice!  Take care and best wishes.  Hang in there and push through.  You're not alone! 

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  • jmar19
    jmar19 Member Posts: 55
    edited November 2009

    I loved your post.  You have a similar attitue as I do.  When I was first diagnosed, I went through a dramatic transition.  I started truely living life to the fullest and enjoying every day I had to live.  I did more in the last 4 years of my life than I did in the first 28 years.  Recently, I was diagnosed with a re-accurance with METS.  I went through another serious transition and am still enjoying all life has to offer.  I have told my family and friends many times that the last 4 years of my life have been the best time of my life and I truely believe that. 

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  • peasmommy
    peasmommy Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2009

    It certainly makes you wake up and realize what matters most.  I found out today that I do not need radiation.  I'm excited because I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.  What a journey.

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  • mommy2two
    mommy2two Member Posts: 130
    edited November 2009
    peasmommy- I love your attitude and I echo your sentiments about waking up and realizing what matters most in life.  I was diagnosed at 34 with no family history.  I've been happily married to my soul mate for four years and I have two beautiful children.  I never thought that C would happen to me...I was invincible!  Now that it has happened, I've realized how many angels walk this Earth and how blessed I've been that they've come into my life.  Sure, chemo sucks and I'm not looking forward to radiation and Tamoxifen but I honestly believe that I'm a better person since my diagnosis.  My diagnosis does not define me and I will cross the finish line with a victory!!
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  • peasmommy
    peasmommy Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2009

    That's awesome to hear you say!  Your children will grow up knowing what it's like to fight their battles head on because you will have shown them how.  BC is no longer a disease for only our grandmothers generation.  It's a disease of ours.  I only wish we could prevent it from being an issue for our children.  I often look at my daughter and hope that she never has to walk in my shoes.  I wish I could take one for the whole team, for every woman and man.  Keep up the fight and kick butt!

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  • lorieg
    lorieg Member Posts: 802
    edited November 2009

    Great post!  I was diagnosed in August at the age of 32.  I also had no family history, no risk factors.  I was nursing my 6 month old daughter at the time of my diagnosis.  I also have a husband and a four year old son.  I have my moments but am really trying to live in the moment, enjoy each day, and not look to far into the future.  You are right....there are way too may of us out here :-(

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  • peasmommy
    peasmommy Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2009

    Cancer is such an insult, similar to a bully at school.  When you take the first hit you have the option of standing your ground or running away.  In either case I think it's important that we face our opponent, not letting it define who we are.  Cancer may wash over us and surround us, it might throw us ugly reminders of itself all day long, but at the end of the day we are still who we are - mothers and wives and sisters and daughters and friends.  I myself am many, many things; daughter, sister, aunt, single mother, full-time worker, dish washer, taker out of trash, maid, homework supervisor, you get the point.  As of late I have also become a cancer survivor.  And you know what?  I'm proud of that.  Not happy, but proud of my scars.  If my journey through this can push me to be an advocate and inspiration for just one woman then the fight will have been worth it.  I can survive and so can you.  I really just wish that young women wouldn't be blindsided by this disease.  I wish every woman realized that they could be at risk, despite their age or lack of family history.  How do we get that word out?

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