Diagnosed 4/25 at age 27... On an emotional rollercoaster.

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KNardo88
KNardo88 Member Posts: 54
edited June 2016 in Just Diagnosed

hi everyone,

I never in a million years thought I would ever be posting in a forum like this... I was diagnosed this past Monday with Stage 1 IDC at the age of 27, with no family history of breast cancer. I am a serious mess. I keep thinking about how I felt the lump long before I said anything to anyone about it, and had I not been so stupid then maybe this would have been caught sooner. I am so emotionally gutted that I am in physical pain. This is making me panic because my mind immediately assumes that every ache and pain I feel anywhere in my body is the cancer spreading, growing... I've gone through a battery of scans and tests, and so far everything looks okay--- except a 2cm "area of low suspicion" that showed up on my MRI in the same breast, but on the opposite side of the IDC tumor. I am getting an MRI guided biopsy of that area tomorrow morning, but I am out of control with worry over this. I don't know what constitutes a "low suspicion" finding, but ANY finding is clearly not okay in my book. Can't shake the thought that I'm not strong enough to go through this. I'm 27, married to my high school sweetheart a year and a half, no children (but had been starting to plan for them), new homeowners, happy and otherwise totally healthy! I feel like our lives just got completely derailed and now life will never be the same because of cancer. My husband and my parents have been so supportive so far, but I feel guilty about the toll this takes on them, too... I guess I need someone who has been in my shoes to talk to, and talk me off this horrible ledge...


Thank you all

Kelly


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  • AnaSimone
    AnaSimone Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2016

    Hi Kelly, I was diagnosed a couple months ago (at 30 y.o) with early stage breast cancer. After my MRI, the doctors also found a 2cm mass of low suspicion my healthy breast. They biopsied the mass and the results confirmed it was a fibroadenoma (benign mass). From what I understand, MRIs can have many false positives.

    I was diagnosed in March and can confirm that in the first weeks I was a complete mess, cried often and couldn't sleep at all. But it does get better! After I had my course of treatment laid out by my oncologist and breast surgeon, I was/am able to focus on getting through it and getting better.

    Wishing you all the best during this difficult time!

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  • Momof4crazyboys
    Momof4crazyboys Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2016

    Hey... this is actually my first post here but Ive been on this site for almost 2 months I am 37 a mother of 4 boys 11 and under and I was diagnosed on march 14th with Bc the first few weeks are def horrible but you get through it... after my mri they found 2 areas of concern also had mri guided biopsy and they were nothing thank god... Last friday I had my lumpectomy which was not bad my tumor was 7.7mm so very tiny nodes clear and clear margins... I am triple positive that darn her2 ugh... tomrw I meet with my oncologist to go over my options... you will get through this we all do and what you are feeling is comp normal I had all the same feelings..

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2016

    Hi All, and we are all here for you !!


    Maybe you join the forum for young women diagnosed with Breast Cancer? Or we start a new Topic for Women in their 20's ?

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/27


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  • Stephmoen
    Stephmoen Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2016

    hi I was diagnosed at 29 with stage 1 teiple positive it was devastating I have a 2 year old and 6 year old I have been out a year had complete response to chemo and feeling great you can get through this and perjeta is amazing for her 2

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  • nightowlhoot
    nightowlhoot Member Posts: 45
    edited May 2016

    So sorry to read about your diagnosis. I was 41 and 42 when I had surgery and I thought I was young, but reading about gals in their 20s and 30s is hard. Is there a place near you where you can meet with a support group? That helped me too. Except when I did go, I felt so young. I could not make the Under 50 support group (it was a night when I need to be home to help put kids down/read stories) so I went to a regular “newly diagnosed” group and I felt really young there. I highly recommend looking for a group if you are a people person.

    Where I live in CA, there is a great group that has resources and puts together support groups. Perhaps your doc’s office or nurse navigator will have info for you. . .

    I wish you the best as you move forward. . .

    Night Owl

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  • Lolis197138
    Lolis197138 Member Posts: 512
    edited May 2016

    Hi,

    I was a little older than you when I got diagnosed (33) but in the same situation as you and I had just lost my first pregnancy. I wasn't scared by the diagnosis as I kind of knew it was cancer before I got the confirmation but I was more down about my miscarriage and the implication cancer had. I was diagnosed with stage IIIA and had surgery, chemo, rads and am on tamoxifen.

    It's a bit scary but once you have a plan of action you will feel a bit better. Come to this forum often if you don't want to worry your family but don't forget they will want to help you and you should take their help, that's what family is for. Also, be kind to yoursel and think that you are young and you will go through the treatments easy since you are healthy otherwise. If you need an anti-anxiety ask your doctor.

    Also, if you have to go through chemo ask your doctor about fertility preservation.

    Take it one day at a time!!! You are stronger than you think!!

    Btw I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary (since the surgery) and I am well and feel like nothing happened!!

    Big hugs and come here to vent as often as you need.


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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited May 2016

    Knardo...I agree with everything everyone else said but I want to emphasize that MRIs show many false positives. It seems like there is a good chance that other area will be benign. This is a very scary time and all your feelings are very normal. I promise you that you will feel better once you have all the facts. Its a very positive sign that all your systemic tests are ok. Hang in there hon. Good luck and keep us posted....

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  • Busgirl406
    Busgirl406 Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2016

    just know no matter the age no matter the diagnosis all these women on this page will be there for you the number one thing is not to overthink it we all get a little crazy. The best thing to do is take one day at a time and try to not look too far ahead, easier said than done. I was diagnosed at 48 and I'm a year into it and every day is a struggle but everyday women like you meet on this page and people that will come into your life will be there to help you get through it. Find a local support group.

    My church starting one and we all have become a big family.

    Also don't be afraid to ask ???s

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  • WifeMomTeacher
    WifeMomTeacher Member Posts: 42
    edited May 2016

    I am 29 and was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma on the 21st. It turned my world upside down to say the least. Everyone told me not to worry, that it was not suspicious and most likely just a fiberedenoma. So when I wentto pick up my pathology I felt like I was hit by a truck. I know what you mean by shock. There is no possible way to prepare for this. The unknown is terrifying. I am doing the same thing, everytime something hurts or aches I am certain it is the worst case scenario. I am waiting on my MRI results from yesterday. I am praying everything comes back normal so I can have surgery and move on. You are not alone.

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  • KNardo88
    KNardo88 Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2016

    Thank you all for the wonderful words of support and encouragement... It is nice to be able to share things with people who are going through a similar ordeal, although I wish no one ever had to go through anything like this at all. I had the MRI biospy this morning, and am anxious to get the results back... In the meantime, I have appointments tomorrow and Thursday to get a second opinion from Dana-Farber in Boston. I want to feel like I have the best doctors with the best resources available to make this all go away for good. I am excited to meet those doctors, get that action plan in place, and BEAT THIS.

    I'm embarrassed to admit that I feel like I brushed breast cancer awareness off in the past, as it had never affected me directly... Until now. I will say that this has sparked a fire in me to spread awareness as far and wide as I possibly can that your age and an absence of breast cancer in your family history doesn't make you exempt from breast cancer...

    Thanks again, ladies. Know that I am thinking and praying for all of you as well.

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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited May 2016

    You won't have my Dana doctor if you have an appointment on Thursday. I would have recommend my oncologist if I had known you were considering DF. I followed my doctor from Beth Israel. Of course, our relationship with an oncologist is not just medical. This oncologist fits me perfectly. I hope that you find a team that makes you feel well-cared for.

    My breast surgeon was fabulous. PM me if you would like her name. She is affiliated with the Beth Israel.

    *susan*

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  • brandford37
    brandford37 Member Posts: 71
    edited May 2016

    Hello guys I wanna save my fertility my husband need a child so bad and I wanna give him one I'm 37 diagnosed March 8, 2016 had Lumpectomy April 12 and starting treatment may 16 my treatment plan is ( Epirubicin + Cyclophosphamide Every 2 weeks × 4 doses ) and ( Abraxane once a week for 12 weeks ) can someone share their experience with me I'm a lil concerns that I'm not gonna be able to give my husband a child...

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  • denisemcal
    denisemcal Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2016

    Hi Kelly

    You will get through this, we are all stronger than we know. I was diagnosed with stage 1 BC in January and I have just finished my treatment. I was worried at the beginning but as soon as I sat down with the doctor and oncologist and spoke of the diagnosis and my options it was like a weight was lifted from me. Try to sleep well and not worry or it can effect your body and mind. I started a blog for my friends and family to update them and found it therapeutic, it is stepbystep927.wordpress if you want to take a look, it may help with some questions you have. I felt lucky that I was Stage 1, other people have a tough journey.

    Take deep breathes and I wish you well.

    Denise xxx

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2016

    Dear denisemcal, Thank you for posting your story here and helping other members. Congratulations for finishing treatment. Stay connected here and keep us posted. The Mods

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  • Peppin
    Peppin Member Posts: 29
    edited May 2016

    Hello Kelly,

    At the moment you feel your life has been turned upside down. This is not what you planned for it. It is puzzling, scary and it feels like the ground beneath you has given in and you are falling. It is normal to feel that way in such a situation. What I can tell you, now that I am 10 months after the end of my main treatments (BMX, chemo and radiotherapy), is that life does come back to normal after. You caught it early. So do stop blaming yourself. You'll get through it and you do get your life back after - and it will be richer than it was before because you will be a much stronger person, you will not take rubbish from anyone, you will learn to appreciate yourself and others much more than you do now. Focus on making a treatment plan - the best there is. It'll be a rough ride for a while, but you will land on your feet again. Have faith.


    Take care


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  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited May 2016

    hello i too was 42 yrs when i found the lump n diagnosed that was young when i went thru treatment planning my 2nd marriage n then it hit i now see ladies young like u n some youngerplease know we are here for u we kniw what your going thru But be INSPIRED i am now a 22yr Survivor this yr Praise GOD . msphil idc stage2 0\3 nodes Lmast and chemo and rads n 5yrs on tamoxifen.

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  • KNardo88
    KNardo88 Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2016

    Hi everyone,

    Thank you again for the much-needed words of encouragement... It really means the world to me, and is so, so helpful. I wanted to share that the results from the MRI-guided biopsy of the 2cm area that I mentioned in my original post have come back (already!) and i'm very happy to report that it was nothing. Feeling very relieved and blessed. I also met with a breast surgeon and medical oncologist at Dana Farber yesterday and today, and I am feeling confident in going forward with receiving my treatments from them. They were very reassuring, but realistic, and I am relieved to know that my surgery date has been set for 5/20. I see it as a goal in sight, and one of several major stepping stones to being cancer-free. Here's to hoping that the streak of good news continues for me, and that this still-nagging fear of lymph node involvement that I can't seem to shake gets dismissed soon. I feel silly about it, I've had no less than 10 different doctors on multiple separate occasions in the past 10 days shove their hands in my armpits and feel around there and around my neck and have all stated that they do not feel anything. My scans do not show anything. I know being "clinically negative" doesn't mean all that much until after surgery when the nodes are actually examined, but it's a good sign and a good start and I need keep reminding myself of that. My mind is seriously my worst enemy. The fact that I have these weird aches and general discomfort in both my underarms and my neck has been driving me crazy with anxiety, but I need to listen to the professionals, and understand that the state of distress that my mind and body are both in right now definitely contributes significantly to how I'm feeling physically....

    ...Right???

    Ugh!

    -Kelly


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  • VioletKali
    VioletKali Member Posts: 243
    edited May 2016

    I was diagnosed just 3 weeks shy of my 32nd birthday. June19th 2014. Zero family history, all genetic testing was normal.

    We had just closed on our home a little less than 4 months prior.

    I am finally starting to feel like me again, it will get better!

    Take advantage of any and all support.

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  • Tmh0921
    Tmh0921 Member Posts: 714
    edited May 2016

    Hi Kelly,

    I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, 1cm, stage 1b, ER+/PR+, node negative 16 years ago at the age of 27.

    My husband and I had been married 5 years and had just started planning to try getting pregnant. My surgeon and pathologist were shocked that it was cancer, as back then it was very rare to get a BC diagnosis at this age.

    I had a lumpectomy, sentinel node and axiallary node dissection, radiation, and Tamoxifen. After long conversations with my oncologist, surgeon, and OB/GYN I opted to discontinue Tamoxifen and have a baby. My treatment team was fully supportive.

    I've had TWO healthy baby boys since, one now 13 & the other is now 8.

    The first few months of this journey are terrifying, not only for you but your husband as well. Make sure you both communicate openly and honestly with each other. This is a rough journey, but there is light on the other side.

    You ARE strong enough to do this. Just remember that strength doesn't mean you try to do it alone. Talk to your family and others, let people help you when they offer 😊

    If you haven't already, I also you check out the Young Survival Coalition at http://community.youngsurvival.org They are a group specifically for young women with Breast Cancer.

    Tracy

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  • Blueorange
    Blueorange Member Posts: 76
    edited May 2016

    Hi Kelly,

    I'm newly Diagnosed as well, a days ago and have the same diagnosis as you. I knew something was different with me as well, but waited a few months before finally getting a mammogram. It's denial and I think it's common. I will never wait again! I understand the guilt of putting family through this, I feel that as well. I think though that avoiding extra worry is so important right now.

    Wishing you the best

    Gaea

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  • kmgbars732
    kmgbars732 Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2016

    Hi Kelly,

    I am recently diagnosed as well: on March 24th, stage 1A at age 36. I found the lump myself and as soon as I felt it, I knew. Plus, my mother was diagnosed at the exact same age, same cancer (triple positive IDC) - except she was stage 3. So I guess it was something I was expecting to happen to me sooner or later.

    The important thing to remember is that there is no way that you "should" be feeling. When I feel well enough to exercise, I do. When I feel well enough to have a drink, I do. And when I feel down, I let myself cry. (Which is a lot these days - my beautiful mother passed last year.)

    Please do not worry about the "toll" this is taking on your husband and family. I do the same thing - I feel bad that I am messing up so many lives, from the people at work who have been so gracious in picking up my slack, to my husband, to my dad who has had enough to deal with without me now floating on the cancer raft. But here's the thing I'm learning: it's OK to lean on these people and your friends. Let them do things for you, let them do the worrying. You need all your strength to get through the illness alone!

    How did your surgery go on 5/20?

    Best wishes!

    Kelley

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  • lauragirl
    lauragirl Member Posts: 20
    edited May 2016

    Dear Kelly,

    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Just wanted to share with you. I was diagnosed a little less than a year ago at the age of 25 years old and it was heartbreaking. I was newly engaged, had to push my marriage date after I got diagnosed. Since then, have done surgery and chemotherapy. It was not easy but you will get through it. Lean in on the people around you to help you out. Like you i still get paranoid and keep seeking reassurances about every ache and pain in my body. We just have so much fear that it keeps playing in our head. Im trying to piece my life together now. Life does get better. Take one day at a time, some might be better than others. Keep the hope up always.

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  • KNardo88
    KNardo88 Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2016

    Hello again to all you beautiful, courageous ladies! Once again I'd like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being here for me, without even knowing me. Your stories, support, and positivity are all so meaningful to me--- I wish I could give each of you a hug! I hope this post finds you all well and happy!

    Wanted to post an update to this thread to share that my bilateral mastectomy went forward as planned on 5/20. I last posted that I was crippled with fear about lymph node involvement--- I am very pleased to report that I am node negative! The mind does some seriously awful, crazy things. Glad to have THAT paranoia behind me. One of the biggest senses of relief for me was getting the phone call that my surgical pathology report was "excellent", and to make it even better news, the tumor size was in fact smaller than initially measured by scans.

    As for the surgery itself, I will say that consistently my biggest problem so far has been with my anxiety and mental state! The morning of the surgery was really tough. My husband and my parents came to the hospital with me, and the memory of the three of them leaving the pre-op area still makes me tear up. I've never had anything wrong with me medically... Ever. Until now. The most intense thing I'd been through previously was having all 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed in 2014, and I was nervous for THAT. This major surgery, combined with the stress of the circumstances alone, plus the visible anxiety coming from my loved ones made it quite the ordeal. However, surgery went flawlessly, and again, I am node-negative! No complications have risen, now 6 days post-op.

    The recovery process is not what I thought. The pain in my chest, back, and arms is not the kind of pain I was expecting. It's hard to explain. The weird change in sensation (or lack thereof) is what's most unnerving to me. I have tissue expanders in, which have proven to be quite uncomfortable as I have read, as well as the gross drains. They really get me squeamish, but aside from that and the discomfort of having them, they're manageable.

    Had my first follow up appointment with my world-renowned (seriously) plastic surgeon today and all is well! He says the drains may very likely be ready to be removed this coming Tuesday! I've never been so excited for such an icky procedure! Someone please tell me that the drain removal process isn't bad... I can't even look at the entry points, let alone imagine them being yanked out!!! *gag* next steps involve IVF preparations with PGD testing, gradual tissue expansion fills, and waiting to see what the course of action for additional treatments will be. The whole oncotype dx score thing is my latest source of anxiety...


    Will keep everyone posted! Thanks for reading and continuing to share with me!


    With love,

    Kelly

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  • bluepearl
    bluepearl Member Posts: 961
    edited May 2016

    I do not recommend this but there was a mix up about getting the drains removed, so I looked it up and removed them myself. Not painful, not icky at all. I put a prescription antibiotic cream where it went in. The only thing I forgot was to release the vacuum and so there was a lot of sucking noise. DH nearly passed out when I showed him the drain...lol....but it isn't anything, really!!!


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  • Jenniferg29
    Jenniferg29 Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2016

    I WAS DIAGNOSED APRIL 18th, 2016 WITH INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCIOMA GRADE 3 STAGE 3B ER-/PR-/HER2+

    IM ONLY 29 YEARS OLD. ITS VERY HARD AT FIRST BUT IM MAKING IT. I HAVE TO START CHEMO FIRST. I STARTED CHEMO MAY 18. ONCE EVERY THREE WEEKS. SO FAR IVE ONLY HAD MINIMUM SIDE EFFECTS.I HAVENT HAD ANY VOMITING. MY TASTE BUDS CHANGED THE NEXT DAY AFTER CHEMO. I HAVE NAUSEA,DIARRHEA AND DAYS WHERE I FEEL WEAK TIRED AND A LOSS OF APPETITE.SOMEDAYS I CAN EAT EVERYTHING BUT SOMEDAYS I EITHER DONT WANNA EAT OR ONLY HAVE A TASTE FOR CERTSIN THINGS. I HAVE LOST SOME OF MY EYELASHES ALREADY AND I SHAVED MY HEAD BEFORE CHEMO.THE NEULASTA SHOT THEY GIVE ME THE DAY AFTER CHEMO IS DREADFUL. MY BONE PAIN STARTED THAT NIGHT AND LASTED FOR FIVE DAYS. MY TUMORS ARE IN MY LEFT BREAST AND HURT OFTEN. I TAKE NORCO AND NEUROTIN FOR PAIN. I CAN HONESTLY SAY MY BIGGEST TUMOR BEING 10CM HAS ALREADY BEGAN TO SHRINK.I CAN FEEL IT BUT I CAN TELL ITS NOT AS BIG WHICH IS WONDERFUL. MY CHEMO AND TARGET THERAPY IM ON IS carboplatin,taxtore,perjeta & herceptin

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2016

    Hello Jenniferg29,

    Welcome to the community!

    We're so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and at such a young age but we're glad to see that you found BCO.

    You may also find the Chemotherapy Forum helpful for things like: Shopping lists, Tips, Hair Questions, and Exercise During Chemo.

    Chemotherapy: Before, During, and After

    Sending big hugs your way,

    The Moderators.

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  • TLB140
    TLB140 Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2016

    Dear JenniferG

    I had the same type cancer as you. I was diagnosed in June 2011. I am still here and have healed from chemo, radiation and several reconstruction surgeries. I am happy I survived and I feel blessed that the Lord spared me thus far. I quit taking that shot after chemo as it did me like its doing you. My bones couldn't handle it at all. Send me a message back as you progress. Good luck in your treatments and your day to day issues.

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  • Jenniferg29
    Jenniferg29 Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2016

    tlb130

    Thank you I will keep you posted!♡

    Praise God your cancer free

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  • Jenniferg29
    Jenniferg29 Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2016

    moderators

    Thank you for your support. Yes at my age never thought it would happen to me. Im glad I found this site. Its so helpful

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  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited June 2016

    sweetie im so sorry u had to be here but im glad u found us i was diagnosed at 42 back in 90 s that was considered young but am seeing more n more way younger i was in process of planning my 2nd wedding when i found the lump for Inspiration n Hope im now a 22 yr Survivor this yr keep Hope n Positive thinkin that i will get thru this Praise God. msphil idc stage2 Lmast chemo and rads n 5 yrs on tamoxifen.

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