Calling all ladies in their 20's

1…3637394142

Comments

  • Katnat
    Katnat Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2014

    Hi,

    Why do you regret not removing the nipples?

    What kind of a cancer you had?

    What the doctors suggested you back then?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • luckykitkat09
    luckykitkat09 Member Posts: 190
    edited February 2014

    I had phyllodes tumors (some which were turning malignant) and Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) which is a marker that basically says you have a high risk factor for developing breast cancer in the future. 

    I regret it since I noticed my nipples after the implant reconstruction my nipples would be less symmetric at times (One would poke out more than the other or etc). I just don't like how it looks at times. 

    I'm having revision done on march10th during my spring break for fat injection to my upper right implant. I have this slight hollow concavity (since I didn't have enough fat and skin to work with and I guess my breast issue there was more than my left, it left this hollow concavity above my right implant. which voters me when I wear tanks and strapless tops. 

    My doctor suggested the bmx with nipple sparring. She did warn me with nipple sparring I may or may not grow anymore tumors but haven't had issues with it since my bmx. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • littlecalico
    littlecalico Member Posts: 28
    edited February 2014

    Hello girls!

    I'm new on this post but not new to the BCForum. I hope that you can welcome me in this group :)

    I was just reading about the danger of antidepressants on this post in a previous page and was thinking about something: were many of you on the pill prior to BC diagnosis? I was diagnosed at 25 and had been taking the pill since I was 16... Doctors have be forbidding me (forbidding!!!) to EVER take the pill again, some admit that its a carcinogen, but most don't want to discuss it further because "the studies" are contradictory.

    Anyone has experienced similar interrogations? I feel there are a lot of suspicious carcinogens doctors don't like to talk about, not out of dishonesty, but because they don't really know.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited February 2014

    Calico, I was on birth control since I was 14 ( i started taking it to make my periods less painful and make them scheduled cause I was a swimmer).  Anyway I was always terrible about remembering to take it and would regularly forget 2 to 3 times a month. So in my land of crazy self diagnosis that's what caused my breast cancer, because I don't have the gene and I don't have any family history.  However, my mom blames the diet coke! ;)  My cancer was ER/PR positive, which makes me feel like the birth control would have contributed to the hormones being wonky, but alas I am not a Dr and mine won't commit to a cause.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • luckykitkat09
    luckykitkat09 Member Posts: 190
    edited February 2014

    In my case I have no family history and wasn't even on birth control before it. I still have no clue how I even had all the tumors.

    sparklekat: Your mom blames the diet coke? HAHA! Really why? xD

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited February 2014

    Haha I drank so much diet coke! Like 30 oz a day. And there's some study linking aspartame to brain cancer in rats so I think she just wants to blame diet coke to get me to stop drinking it. But now I'm down to 30 oz a week, soooo much better. Trying to drink vitamin water zero now or just water. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • littlecalico
    littlecalico Member Posts: 28
    edited February 2014

    Haha yeah I get what you mean, my land of crazy self diagnosis is full of exentric culprits too. But I'm pretty sure that all in all, most of them are reasonably to blame, in a certain proportion, for what happened. It's not one single thing, but an addition of little things, and yes, I believe this unhealthy accumulation can, if not create, encourage cancer.

    Sparklekat, I'm happy that your diet coke diet has improved! I've stopped all sodas, sugary or sugar-free, and I feel fine :-)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NeedingHelp
    NeedingHelp Member Posts: 50
    edited February 2014

    If i could please ask a favour of all of you. What were your symptoms? Did you have a lump with constant pain? Any one have pain?

    Just trying to figue out whats wrong with me. Have a large 2cm + lump, feels like i can move it, but its painful, my whole breast is painful. Ultrasound shows no lump. Many doctors felt the lump said its perfectly normal. Im worried. i cant afford to have cancer now.

    I would appreciate any feedback

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited February 2014

    NeedingHelp,  I did not have any pain associated with my lump but it was definitely viewable on an ultrasound.   Will they not do a biopsy because they can't see it on an ultrasound?  Maybe you need to go to another place to get another ultrasound done? 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • luckykitkat09
    luckykitkat09 Member Posts: 190
    edited February 2014

    You probably have a cyst. Usually cancerous tumors aren't painful at all. I had a cyst that did cause me uncomfortable pain than actual "pain". The cyst can go away on it's own but it may not. A biopsy can confirm it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NeedingHelp
    NeedingHelp Member Posts: 50
    edited March 2014

    *BUMP*

    If i could please ask a favour of all of you. What were your symptoms? Did you have a lump with constant pain? Any one have pain?

    Just trying to figue out whats wrong with me. Have a large 2cm + lump, feels like i can move it, but its painful, my whole breast is painful. Ultrasound shows no lump. Many doctors felt the lump said its perfectly normal. Im worried. i cant afford to have cancer now.

    I would appreciate any feedback

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited March 2014

    Hi NeedingHelp,

    Saw your post on another thread.  Will they not remove the lump if they can't find it on the ultrasound?  That's what I don't get about your case, clearly it's bothering you so I don't know why they don't just take it out??  Who cares what it is at this point if you're in pain.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kk11
    kk11 Member Posts: 210
    edited March 2014

    Hi everyone....it's been a few months again since I last checked in. Sorry to see some new names on here, but you've found a good forum. 

    I'm approaching my 3 year cancerversary (was diagnosed April 19, 2011). I was weakly ER +, so they had me on Tamoxifen, though I've recently taken a break to try for a baby (we were in the process of trying and had complicated miscarriage months prior to my diagnosis so it's been a long wait). We are in cycle 4 with no luck yet, but I'm hoping it happens soon as I'll need to go back on Tamoxifen afterward. 

    Interesting posts about the implants. I recently had another revision in December (just 2 years and 1 month after my swap out surgery). I was experiencing the sagging as well and it was making bras uncomfortable. I still need to wear bras since my mastectomy was unilateral. Anyways, I can say this, any surgery you have related to your breasts must be covered (they even cover breast lifts on the unaffected side) by your insurance. That doesn't mean you won't be responsible for out of pocket costs associated with your plan (i.e. deductibles, copays, coinsurance), but revisions should be covered and this is due to a law that was passed a few decades ago.

    As time goes by after you finish treatments, you find your new normal, but there are still times when it's difficult as feelings and anxiety does come up from time to time. I have a friend who was diagnosed with a recurrence in November after more than 3 years and she didn't have the classic symptoms, but it's in her bones and liver. Since then I'm more alert and nervous about aches and pains. I've had back pain more recently and though it's not strong, I was worried enough to have my oncologist order a bone scan, so that's where I'll be on Monday. I hope it's nothing and that it can give me peace of mind as we continue to try to get pregnant. I don't want to question every ache and pain during pregnancy. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited March 2014

    Aww KK, I hope you get pregnant soon!  Sending good vibes your way!  ::Hugs!::

    Yeah I am going to ask my oncologist today about a full scan because I just don't want to pay for it so I'd rather do it this year when my plans already paying 100%.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kk11
    kk11 Member Posts: 210
    edited April 2014

    I went for my scan today. Left home around 9:15 this morning and got home close to 5pm. I left a message for my onc on my way home and the nurse called me back soon after to tell me my bone scan was clear. "No sign of disease". Feeling SO much better as I was kind of freaking out over the weekend and this news couldn't come soon enough. Now back to trying to get pregnant. Whatever the back pain is, I'll just deal with it now and hope it goes away. Might just go get a massage in a few days and definitely having a glass of wine tonight! 

    Thanks Sparklekat for sending good vibes! So are you feeling pain and that's why you want the full body scan? 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2014

    No I would just think it was a standard of care?  But my Onc said no yesterday.  He said because I had a pathological complete response to four rounds of chemo that the chances anything is going on in my body are like 1% but the chance of a false positive is 5% with a scan so it just causes way more drama than it helps.  

    I'm not too worried about it, I just feel like I have to cover all my bases so I can't be in trouble if it comes back and everyone's like, "Oh well why didn't you do this, this, or that...." 

    And yes!  You deserve a massage!  Go get one! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • luckykitkat09
    luckykitkat09 Member Posts: 190
    edited April 2014

    kk11-hope you can get pregnant soon! :)

    How is everyone else? 

    I'm actually a bit bummed. I've been having "anxiety attacks" lately. Only happened when I'm able to sleep.y doc has put me on meds for anxiety and insomnia but it makes me feel more fatigued so stopped it after 2 days. I have no idea why I'm having anxiety or anything. 

    Also in the summer I am having revisions done. So byebye to my implants and back to tissue expanders. -_______- 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2014

    Awww sorry K-feirce!  I actually kind of like my tissue expanders.  I just can't ever remember my boobs staying in one place; they've been big for so long.  

    What kind of revision are you having?  Are you going bigger or you just don't like how they sit on you?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • luckykitkat09
    luckykitkat09 Member Posts: 190
    edited April 2014

    I actually do miss the TEs kinda. Well the projections at least hahah! But I hated how I couldn't sleep on my sides with them. So I needed muscle relaxants when I was on them. 

    I'm having scar revision also to fix the symmetry. When I had the TEs the first time, it didn't expands the sides of my boobs? So my nipples don't go forward but outward. Hope that made some sense. But yeah. I think I want to go bigger as well. 

    Luckily I don't need to pay anything this time around. Surgery scheduled for May29th? I have to recheck the date but it's end of May. But I hope recovery isn't so bad like when I had the bmx or I'll literally be crying. I want to take summer college classes. Organic chemistry is hard!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2014

    Yeah, I'm thinking organic chemistry would be a great class to take........... in fall.  Hahah! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • luckykitkat09
    luckykitkat09 Member Posts: 190
    edited April 2014

    haha well I need to take biochem. I'm in ochem1 so I need ochem2 before biochem. Sighs I wished I hadn't majored in chemistry hahahahah!

    But I wonder if I will have the drains again. I need to talk to my surgeon about that. How long have you had your TEs now? I had them for 3mths before my recon. But I have to go back to them again soon. Guess I won't be going to a beach this summer ha

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited April 2014

    You'll be glad you majored in chemistry when you can afford your mortgage later in life!  

    I've had them in since surgery, so almost two months, at least two and half more months to go.  I am not having trouble sleeping on my sides so they're not really inconveniencing my lifestyle at the moment.  I totally intend to wear a bikini in Vegas in two weeks and I am loving that they don't move!  I bought an Infinity dress and I am just looking for any reason to wear it!

    http://www.tartcollections.com/maxi-infinity-dress...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MereMere
    MereMere Member Posts: 158
    edited April 2014

    Hey Ladies!! Some local Memphis, TN BC warriors and myself started a support group. If you are in the area and want to join look us up on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/BealeStBreastBuddies/

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bellabellantone
    Bellabellantone Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2014

    hey lovelies  

    I was just diagnosed April 22 idc with multiple tumors only in left breast. But I will most likely be doing a double mastetomy mostly for cosmetic reason for symmetry. Just wondering what I am in for as far as surgery and reconstruction options and also how hard is it to continue working and working out during treatment. I am 29 and was in the middle of fertility treatment for the last year or so and found a lump in late jan. saw Gyno in early feb who told me it was nothing and I insisted on more testing and saw the lump in ultrasound. Then had biopsy April 18 (no available appointment so ridiculous) and got the call April 22. Then saw a breast surgeon local got some info and went for second opinion at Sloan Kettering as requested by my husband. I am very lucky I live so close to great facility. They redid all the test I had already done which I thought was annoying and crazy. But when re doing my ultrasound they looked at marker that was set by biopsy and realized they biopsies the wrong lump! It wasn't the lump that I felt at all. And the doctors at Sloan said I was very lucky that that lump also had cancer because it could have been misdiagnosed if I didn't go for second opinion. Thanks to my husband. So always get more opinions you never know!  Any help in understanding life with surgery and treatment would help so much

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited May 2014

    Bella,

    Do you know if you are having chemo first?  You say you have mets, so where else did they find the cancer besides in your breasts?

    I had chemo first, and then had surgery.  I had surgery on February 11 and was back at work on February 26 but I have a SUPER laid back desk job with an office that has a door, so if I get sick of people I can shut out the world.  I don't know what you do for a living but that's going to matter.  My Breast Surgeon wanted me off for four weeks but I am not that good about staying home.  I think I was driving again by February 23rd.   Obviously you shouldn't drive if you are still taking narcotics, so keep that in mind.

    I would say that by week six I felt pretty much back to normal.  There is still the slightest stretch I feel across my chest but it's most been worked out with my physical therapy (make sure your doctor prescribes that because not all of them do I guess?)  

    Let me know if you have anymore questions!  You can private message me too if you want. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Akchristine
    Akchristine Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2014

    Hi Bella!

    I had cancer only on one side and also decided to do a double mastectomy. I continued working straight through chemo, one of the nice things about being young I guess (I'm 26). Usually I would take a day off for chemo itself on thurs, work on Friday bc the steroids make you all amped up anyways, and then I took a half day the next week Monday/tuesday. This worked out really great for me. 

    I just finished w/ surgery and had immediate reconstruction. Including the day for surgery (which I scheduled on a thurs so I could have the weekend), I took off 9.5 days from work. Then I was back driving etc. Im not in any pain but little things like typing, driving, or even shivering feels weird and makes my chest feel fluttery like spasms. The Valium helps for this. Still need some help for day-to-day stuff like washing my (almost nonexistent) hair, pulling coats up my arms, or reaching, but I'm sure it just gets better with time.

    Exercise was harder during treatment. I had to ratchet my idea of exercise down by quite a bit during chemo because even a walk or light water aerobics would wear me out. Not to mention my resting heart rate was so high from the drugs, the docs don't want you getting too much higher. Staying active is good though and helps with side effects. Right now, just over 2 wks from surgery, still can't move my arms to do chores like laundry/raking which is frustrating, but healing is important. I can go walking though.

    Hope this helps! Good luck w/ everything!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2014

    Sorry to jump in, but we hope you don't mind us asking.....

    We want to honor you, our young BCO members in our next Newsletter and on our website (http://www.breastcancer.org/community/members)!

    If you were diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 35- which we assume you are if you are here---, and wouldn’t mind us featuring you in our community and website, please private message us a few paragraphs with your story: e.g. your diagnosis, your challenges, your strengths, inspirations and anything else you would like to share. Also, we appreciate you including a high-quality photograph of yourself, either alone or with others. Thank you! Your stories will help encourage future young women facing breast cancer! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bellabellantone
    Bellabellantone Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2014

    Hey akchristine andsparklecat 

    Sorry I haven't written back. I found out that I have to cancel my surgery for a double. They found out that it mets to my bones. So I will most likely be doing hormone therapy first tamoxifen. Hopefully that will slow the growth. Me my husband and the doctors can't believe it is in my bones. Life is crazy. Hope you all are doing well. Thank god I begged for a pet scan. I just knew it in my heart it spread. Will keep you posted! Stay strong! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sparklekat
    Sparklekat Member Posts: 155
    edited May 2014

    Awww I'm sorry Bella, if it gives you any hope I was ER+/Pr+ and HER2 neg and I had a complete response to only found rounds of chemo.  So maybe our younger bodies handle it better?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • littlecalico
    littlecalico Member Posts: 28
    edited June 2014

    Hello ladies, 

    Just a short message to give you some news. As I said in another post, today I'm happy to tell you all that the doctors accepted my request and did the prophylactic mastectomy even though I don't carry any BRCA gene alteration. After many uncertainties on their side, and many on mine too (I didn't know the night before if I was taking the right decision), I realized just after the surgery how relief and peace of mine were sweet feelings, that I had not experienced for way too long.

    All my love and strength to you all, whatever your issues, questionings and decisions in dealing with this disease.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories