To Help inform women under 40...

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amniwi
amniwi Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Young With Breast Cancer

Hi Everyone,

 I posted this in another forum, but I have been reading through and feel like it should go here as well.

Last summer, (just turned 20) I found a lump underneath my armpit when my boyfriend picked me up from under the arms. I showed my mom, and we immediately began calling doctors. I went through many doctors saying "Ah, it's no big deal. You're young." But that wasn't a good enough answer for me. Finally a doctor said, let's take this thing out and we did. It turned out being benign, but the whole situation starting a new way of thinking for me.

Not many women under 40 really know about how to be aware of what is going on with our bodies, what is normal and what isn't. I know that I didn't. It was simply because my boyfriend was adamant that I showed my mom that I took notice.

I am in college at a large university, and I decided that I want to write a story for my journalism class on staying aware of what is going on with your body. I was wondering if anyone here would feel comfortable telling their story for me, well, not for me but for the readers that may read my article once it is completed. I hope that no one finds this insensitive. I feel really strongly about women being more informed on their bodies and not being pushed to the side because we aren't 40 yet.

All advice is welcomed, but especially if you are under 40, I feel like this could generate a really good way for women my age to start learning about these things. I wish that I had known more about the signs, what others my age were feeling and being active in self-examinations, even though I'm not at the typical age.  

 If you aren't comfortable sharing your story or advice, I would also love any other resources that you go to for support. I want to ensure that my story involves as many aspects as possible so that the readers are well-informed and can find their way to forums like this. 

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  • meshell
    meshell Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2010

    Hello,

    I will share my story if youd like. I was diagnosed last April when I was 24. I also feel strongly that young women need to be more aware of their breast health.

    Send me a privte message, or whatever and I will answer whatever questions.

    Michelle

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  • melly
    melly Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2010

    I also don't mind sharing, I was 26 and pregnant when the lump showed up...suffice it to say, I thought it was just my breasts changing!  PM me if you'd like! 

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  • aimee4
    aimee4 Member Posts: 9
    edited April 2010

    I am also willing to share  - diagnosed when I was 26 and just getting ready to have my permanent implants put in1 (yay!)

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  • DancerMel28
    DancerMel28 Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2010

    Hi,

    I'm 28 and late last year felt a lump under my arm - being a busy person I ignored it and it did go away. Then in January this year I felt a lump in my breast - which thankfully I didn't ignore. I went to my doctor who luckily didn't ignore it either and referred me for an x-ray and ultrasound. When I went for the ultrasound they immediately made me have a mammogram and needle biopsy all on the same afternoon - obviously that's when I panicked as up until then my doctor really didn't have any concern but thought it best to check it out. Anyway - long story short it was cancer, i had lumpectomy to have it removed and sentinal node biopsy which showed that it hadn't spread to my lymph nodes (but one had been reacting which was removed).  Chemo and radiation are next.

    I think you are right in that not many young women are aware enough of the dangers and as many find out not enough doctors take it seriously either. It's funny that there seems to be a 'magic' age that warrants getting extra attention for these things - but what I'm finding out more and more is that BC can affect anyone, it doesn't matter about your family history (I have none) or risk factors (my only 'risk factor' is that I'm female) it could affect anyone at any time.

    Good luck with your story.

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  • daisylego
    daisylego Member Posts: 57
    edited May 2010

    I am 26 years old and as a recent college graduate I feel very strongly that the ideal time to reach out to young women about breast cancer is in college (and in High School health class). I would be happy to be interviewed.

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