Ladies in their late 30's??
Hi There- I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma that affected 26/30 nodes. No other cancer evident elsewhere. I had 6 rounds of chemo, 16 rounds of radiation and just started hormone therapy. I have 2 young children(7 + 5). Just wanting to hear from others like me and your story, tips, advice, survivor stories.
xoxo
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hello I was DX with IDC and DCIS. I had a double MX without reconstruction. Now doing chemo AC *4 and taxol /12. I have 6 kids at home all under 13. It's a tough situation but thankfull I have good support to help out! I hope you are feeling better
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DX with IDC at age 38. No kids and now not an option.
. Also doing 4 AC, 12 taxol, rads, Herceptin, Tamoxifin. Looking forward to being drug free... Or mostly drug free! -
DX with IDC at age 36. Doing 6 cycles of TC then Rads then Tamoxifen
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I was diagnosed with both ILC and IDC a year ago, at 38 years old. The two cancers were opposite in their characteristics so I got dose-dense AC chemo followed by Taxol, and am still getting Herceptin and taking Tamoxifen. I just picked out my new implants the other day! I'm going with the teardrop silicone and I can't wait to get rid of these expanders!
The biggest things that have helped me are exercising regularly (I seriously think this saved my life. As my oncologist said "Exercise cures everything") and having lots of friends and family to support me, talk to, drive me to appointments, etc.
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diagnosed at 35 on my 2 year wedding anniversary w stage iv mets to my liver! I also had just had my son. Went through 6 rounds of chemo (carbo and etoposide) now on tamoxifen and lupron shot monthly. We were able to move in with my parents during treatment to help w the baby. I turn 36 on Sunday and had a scan today that showed my cancer remains stable! I am just now starting to feel like myself again. It's been a crazy year, but I'm stronger because of it!
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Did you know we are considered Young Adult cancer? Under 40 and we're still young adults. Maybe I can get carded next time I go out.... I guess that would require ordering alcohol. My very positive oncologist said I could still have a beer once in a while ..... If I felt like it. Beer has gone the way of chocolate. Smells good - tastes bad!
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hiya lady's hope u don't mind me jumping in . I was 34 when dx 5 weeks before my 35 birthday august 9 th 2013 I have 3 children all under 12
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I ladies. I was dx in July at 39 and have three kids ages 3/5/8. I had a BMX and am waiting on OncotypeDx and BRCA results - should have them in 14 days. For now my oncologist is leaning towards just doing 5 years of Tamoxifen, but that may change when we get my Onco back. I'm feeling incredibly fortunate with my current prognosis and the fact that I have an incredible support network. My husband travels for work and unfortunately right now he has a huge project to finish, so he can't be home with me. (He was here for 10 days after my BMX)
We don't have family nearby so I have to rely heavily upon outside help from neighbors and friends. I'm an very active person, so this has been humbling, but I'm learning to accept any help offered, wether it's meals, carpooling kids to their after school activities, rides to appointments, picking up my groceries, help doing my laundry, etc... I'm looking forward to driving again, getting back in the gym, taking a shower (27 days left) and most of all...picking up my kids for big bear hugs. It's crazy how much you can take for granted.
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hi ladies. I was diagnosed at 37 while still breast feeding my 3rd child. I have 3 children ages 10, 6, and almost 3. Just wanted to say hello.
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Hello.. I just wanted to say Hello. I am 36. Today I am stage 2 idc..er/pr+ and her2+. I start neoajduvant chemo on the 7th.. I am so scared.. I thought I had balls of steel.. now I know I will cry when they find my port to start chemo on Wednesday. I lost my son in stillbirth 8/27/2013 at 36 weeks, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 1 on 10/28/2014, it didn't spread, and I found my stage 2 breast cancer 11/23/2014, snb showed cells 12/30/14 and on 1/2/2015, my brca1/2 among others, showed no deformities...... here's to a new years.. for all of us!! I pray this year, I will be so strong for my husband, my 13 year old daughter, and my family/friends. More than anything, I want to find why this happened, I want to help others!!! Cheers to you all!!
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Hi Jensmart. I am so sorry for your losses... Losses is plural because I consider cancer to be a kind of loss too. The loss of who we were before among other things.
My son was diagnosed with a heart defect at 36 weeks in 2012. This in no way comes close to your loss, but I felt led to share it with you. Prayers to you and your family.
It's ok to be afraid to start chemo. I was scared at every new treatment. I think the fear comes from the "unknown".
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Hello ladies! I am was dx 2 days before my 35th birthday in May with Stage 2 IDC. Cancer is ER/PR- HER2+. I did 6 rounds of TCH and had a double mastectomy in October. I continue to get Herceptin every 3 weeks. I'm starting RADs next monday😞. I have 3 kids 6, 4, and 2. I'm also a stay at home mom so that's been extremely challenging through this whole process. I hate having to depend so much on others but it's a necessity. You can't do it all going through this process. It's also been hard to put myself first. Id been so used to putting my kids and everyone else first so that was an adjustment but again a necessity. You have to put yourself first. It's a long and draining process. Rely on your friends and family. Take help when it's offered. And remember to breathe. One day at a time.
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salty girl - I just Pm'ed you. I offered some advice, but after reading your post again it looks like you've been through the majority of your treatment already. I hope you don't take offense to any thing I wrote.
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jensmart- it sounds like our breast cancers are the same, the feeling I have had through this whole journey is fear and being scared. I started my treatment(TCHP) last February 2014. Still receiving Herceptin until this February. I had delayed reconstruction so am about to have my lat flap surgery on January 20th and yes I am scared again!! I try to stay strong and brave but find myself so emotional, and I always thought I had balls of steel too😉. If you have Questions please feel free to pm me. I am in AZ, where are you
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Hello ladies,
I hope you don't mind me jumping in here. I am not in my 30's. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on my 46th birthday on 11/12/14. The reason I am posting on here is just to recommend a book to you called "Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" by Kris Carr. Kris Carr was in her 30's when she was diagnosed with an incurable cancer. The courageous way she handles her diagnosis and lives her life after the diagnosis is inspiring. The book is a fun read, full of colorful pictures.
My best to all of you for a speedy recovery!
Robin
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I hope you don't mind me posting. I was diagnosed on 1/7/15 and had my lumpectomy on 2/2/15. My appt with the radiation oncologist is this Thursday 2/12/15. I am lucky to not have to do chemo but I am worried about the radiation treatments and taking care of my very active 2 year old. Any major side effects I should be aware of (severe fatigue, burning and pain at site etc) that could interfere with raising my daughter?
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For me radiation was a breeze compared to mastectomy and chemo. Towards the end of treatment I had a really bad sunburn but no blisters or sores, my skin really did pretty good. I lathered on Pure Aloe Vera about 3 times a day and got some radiation lotion from a company called Lindi that I used twice a day. I had it for 6 weeks and by the end of treatment I was exhausted! I would say fatigue is the biggest side effect but you will still be able to take care of your daughter;). Might just need to sit or lay on the floor with her instead of carrying her around or running with her;)
I have 3 kids that I still was able to take care of, you do what you have to do....right!!
Best wishes
Kathy
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Hi all you wonderful ladies on this forum! I was just diagnosed at 34 two weeks ago with triple negative BC. Found out I had it on a Friday and had a double mx the next monday. Now I'm waiting to heal up enough to start chemo but it's so hard! This is all a lot to process...I'm so glad I found you all here.
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Hi Everyone... I was diagnosed in January at the age of 39 with IDC... It would seem that I am now a member of the young breast cancer group! Hard to believe until now I lived an exceptionally healthy lifestyle with only taking a random Motrin for a cramp. Once I researched the pros and cons of each surgery.... I opted to have a bilateral mastectomy with expanders hoping that I would significantly reduce the risk and my fear of breast cancer making a come back. After having a conversation with my Ocologist she has basically advised me that being ER/PR + means Tamoxifen to reduce the risk of cancer coming back somewhere else in my body - basically a lifetime of hoping and praying that there won't be a re-occurance somewhere in my body. Pretty Scary to me~ So this is the beginning of my journey of future surgeries, medications and Dr. appointments.
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Hi everyone, I'm 36 and was diagnosed with IDC on 2/12/15. After much contemplation, I opted for a Lumpectomy plus radiation. I had my surgery slightly over 2 weeks ago. My margins and nodes were clean, so now I'm awaiting my Oncotype results. Hopefully, chemo won't be necessary, but whatever it takes.........I'm healing well and feeling good...still a bit sore from the sentinel node biopsy. My armpit is tender and the area below my shoulder blade feels like I've been punched.
I'm married with 3 children, and am incredibly blessed to have a supportive family. I know that the surgery is just the beginning, but Im ready for everything that I need to face. Or at least that's the way I feel now. We will see if im still this optimistic later. Ha ha.
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Hi ladies...I would love to share my Mom's survivor story. She was diagnosed in 1986 with 3 young children at home (twin 9 yr olds and a 6 yr old). She had a mastectomy, chemo and rads. 4 yrs later, she developed a new cancer in the other breast and had another mastectomy and rads. She has had no problems since and is healthy and happy today at 68. Almost 28 yrs to the day after my Mom's initial diagnosis (in Oct 2014), I was diagnosed as well at Age 37. I had a lumpectomy and have my last chemo on Friday. I will then do 5 1/2 weeks of radiation followed by a bilateral mastectomy, ovaries removed etc. My twin sister was also diagnosed in Jan 2015 while 35 weeks pregnant. They induced labour, she had her son and started chemo within a week. It has been a difficult time for our entire family. Having said that, I know how important survivor stories are as my attitude would be very different if I had lost my Mom at the Age of 9. It is easy to get lost in the sad stories and start to feel like there is no hope. But there is...the truth is, most of us will move on and remain healthy. That takes nothing away from how difficult treatment is, because it is. But one day, it will be a distant memory. My very best wishes to all of you.
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Hi All-
I was diagnosed with IDC on February 18, and I just had a bilateral mastectomy last Monday. The physical healing hasn't been as bad as I thought. It's the emotional healing that I'm finding to be more difficult. I haven't had many why me? Moments since my diagnosis. Instead, I immediately went into survival mode, taking on a very proactive approach and fighting for myself in a way I've never fought before. I start chemo in a few weeks though and I am very scared. Wondering if you might have some advice for me? Thanks so much.
I'm estrogen +, progesterone +, her 2 + and stage 1
I will need chemo for three months, herceptin for one year, and tamoxifen for ten years
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Cindy K, I was diagnosed at age 38 and have never been in the hospital(except for the birth of my 3 children) or had any surgery. Was very healthy as well. Sorry to hear you are now on this journey. It is very scary and you will go through a roller coaster of emotions through the different stages of treatment. Try to stay strong and have faith and you will prevail!!
Tanyah, thank you for sharing your story. I have a 6, 10 and 11 year old. It gives me hope to hear this!!
Scg, I was exactly the same as you....was shocked for sure but hit the road running and fighting, I think that's what gets you through the first part of the journey and the treatments. But you then you go through a period where the emotional part is the hardest. I have said this journey is the biggest roller coaster ride I have ever been on.
I am also ER/PR+, Her2+ so probably having the same chemo as you. I had TCHP for 18 weeks then Herceptin for a year. Am now on Tamoxifen. My advise during treatment is to try to drink a lot of fluids, try to eat as much as you can. I lost my appetite and the taste in my mouth was awful from the Taxotere. I found bland/plain things were the easiest to eat, plain noodles with butter, protein shakes were actually very good. I got the Glucerna ones bc they are low in sugar and high in protein. Hard for me to think of more but if you have any specific questions feel free to pm me!
Good luck to you all!
This too shall pass.....
Kathy
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melihowe76 - since I had vascular invasion and positive nodes and unclear margins... My RO hit me pretty hard with the radiation to my entire right chest wall. I burned pretty bad and ended up with radiation pnuemonitis. But line I said, I had a heavy dose for 6 1/2 weeks. Everyone reacts differently. Most I have heard have had mild sunburn type symptoms. Use the creams they give you. I also used Domboro soaks. They were great. Hang in there. My youngest (I have 3 kiddos) was 2 1/2 at the I was going through radiation. I was tired a lot but it was better than chemo for sure.
Littleblueflowers- how are you doing? Yes, it is a huge amount to process. The best advice I received was to "have enough information to make informed decisions but not let information become my idol". Take it one day at a time.
Cindy K - are you in Georgetown,TX? There is a hill country breast cancer warrior thread on here if you haven't visited it yet. They are an amazing group of ladies.
Gingeel- optimism and humor and faith has gotten me through some of my toughest moments. You got this girl.
Tanyah- thank you for that story of hope. My oldest (girl) was 9 at the time of my diagnosis. And I was 37. We must focus on the positives even though it isn't always easy to do so.
Scg8 - I struggle with the emotional healing. I finished active treatment 7/2014, but am dealing with side effects from it and had to postpone my reconstruction. I hope to get all of that wrapped up by the end of the year this year. I don't feel I can heal emotionally until I have completed the physical. I've had to also mourn who I was before cancer so that I can accept and love who I am now.
Kathy - I was 37 at the time of diagnosis. I also have 3 kiddos. At the time of diagnosis they were 9 years old, 5 years old, and 17 months. They are now 10, 6, and 3. I too had no health problems before BC. Just an occasional sinus infection and my 3 C-sections.
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Hi everyone. I am 35 years old and diagnosed on 12/1. I had a lumpectomy in Jan and am currently on my last week of radiation. My oncotype was 15 with no nodes involved so I did not have to undergo chemo. I am doing three weeks of whole breast rads and one week of boost rads to the tumor bed. I am red and swollen. So ready for it to be over. I will start Tamofixen later this month. It is nice to connect with other women my age!
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Hi Shellym1! It's great that you don't need chemo. You must be so happy to be about done with rads. I'm meeting with the RO this week to discuss what sort of treatment I will be undergoing, as well as the MO to get my oncotype score. I'm not nervous at all, just ready to get on with it.
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hi ladies!! Just wanted to check on everyone and see how y'all are doing.
Holli
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Hi! I was diagnosed September 2014 at the age of 32, with DCIS and IDC ER+, PR+, HER2+, grade 2, the original tumor was 2.1 cm and all nodes clear except an internal mammary lymph node showed enlargement which they have to assume it is positive. I have no family history, all genetic testing came back negative, and am known as a "health freak." This diagnoses was the last thing I ever thought possible. I did TCHP chemo, 6 rounds every 3 weeks, just had surgery (was supposed to get double mastectomy with expanders but was changed last minute due to radiation, so I had left side mastectomy without reconstruction) I will then do 6 1/2 weeks of radiation in the next couple weeks then continue with herceptin until the 1 year mark. By that time I should be good to do prophylactic mastectomy on right side and reconstruction then. I live about 5 hours away from family, I live with my boyfriend of 10 years (who has been amazing through all of this) and am in school full time. Before chemo started I harvested some eggs and embryos. I have decided I will not attempt to get pregnant because the risks are not worth it to me. In the next few years I will be finding a surrogate, and hopefully have some little ones running around! Anyone have and tips or would like to chat, please contact me for anything! The hardest part is not having people close in age who can understand everything you go through. Much love pink sisters!! XO
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Hi everyone.
I am 36 years old and I was diagnosed with Grade 2 ductal breast cancer (ER+) on the 24/03/2015.
I had a mastectomy of my left breast and complete axillary node clearance as they found cancer cells in my sentinel node, on the 16/04/2015. I cannot undergo reconstruction until after my treatment has finished, as we all agreed that it was not the right thing to do at this moment in time.
I find out what further treatment package I will be having on the 08/05/2015, when they have my pathology report back. I have been told I will need chemotherapy, but they have not decided on whether I need radiotherapy to the chest wall. I will also be taking tamoxifen at a later stage.
I have 2 daughters aged 14 and 10, so I am very lucky not to have to worry about fertility issues.
I am very nervous about receiving my results as, I have no idea how many lymph nodes are involved and whether the cancer may have spread elsewhere.
I would like to get in touch with women with breast cancer of my age group. I am finding this very isolating, as I really have no one to talk to who understands what i am going through. I can talk to my partner and friends, but a lot of them really do not know what to say to me. There is so much i would like to talk about and ask about.
Please feel free to message me if you would like to chat and share your experiences with me.
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do any of your doctors want to put you on Lupron shots plus an AI?
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