26 y/o TNBC trying to find other young women

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Maegtexas
Maegtexas Member Posts: 8
edited January 2017 in Young With Breast Cancer

hello!

I came across this website the night I felt my lump and throughout the appointments, biopsies, imaging, and the final call. I used this place to just read about other women. I posted once, only to ask if people would postpone chemo until after their wedding and was met with kindness and honesty. I was diagnosed May 18th and married June 12th. I had one AC treatment prior but was absolutely fine on the wedding day! My treatment is 4 dose dense AC treatments, 12 weeks of Taxol and then a total mastectomy + reconstruction. I am leaning towards this surgery since I have no family history and am BRCA1 negative.

I have searched high and low for great resources for women under 45. I graduated from social work grad school in 2013 and am just married. I don't have children yet and I feel that most forums usually talk about children (which I love but can't relate to). So I'm just here looking for and trying to offer support.

I have tried cold caps (stopped using them yesterday) so my current struggle is with myself and my identity with hair loss

I started a little blog to document my trials. I've gotten responses from other young TNBC and other BC fighters and wanted to make it available to others. (Mods: Please let me know if there is a more appropriate place for this)

https://netflixandchemo.wordpress.com/


Please feel free to connect with me! I'm so passionate about spreading education, asvocaxy, and support!

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

    Mae, thanks for your complimentary post and for coming back to look for support! You'll surely meet many others here who can share in your experience and bring you support.

    We're looking forward to hearing more from you!

    --The Mods

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited June 2016

    Hi there! There are quite a few young TN women over on the Triple Negative thread. Also, have you heard of the Young Survival Coalition? Its all women under 40. Sorry you have to be here, but welcome! I'm 34, so a little bit older, but I don't have kids either. Browse around, you will find tons of support!

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  • LM070917
    LM070917 Member Posts: 323
    edited July 2016

    Hey, that's great that you managed to have your wedding through chemo, well done and congratulations! Yeah it can be difficult to find younger girls out there, but we are here..I'm actually 35 years old now so a bit older than you, I was diagnosed last September at 34. I am married but with no children and even though I am ER/PR positive, it's something I still want to pursue down the line. I joined a local young women's support group, which was great to meet other girls going through similar issues (the kids thing, sexual dysfunction etc). You are not alone

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  • WillowTreeWood
    WillowTreeWood Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2016

    Mae,

    I am just beginning my journey, was diagnosed 6/28/16 at 28 years old. Currently my treatment plan is in development pending various test results. I would cherish any advice you have to share, or simply another 20 something like meyself to connect with.

    I hope you are progressing well though your treatments,


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  • Joy777
    Joy777 Member Posts: 15
    edited July 2016

    yup... I'm 28. Diagnosed on april 22 this year, had surgery on april 22 (dx during surgery), had my wedding on may 28, started chemo on may 30.

    My surgeon scared me very much and he said that i should start chemo asap, not wait until the wedding. But it was a matter of 10 days + or -, I asked my onc and another onc and they both said it wouldn't matter 10 days (they said the normal time between surgery and chemo is 4-6 weeks, and i started it after 5 weeks from the surgery).

    But my case is chemo after surgery, not before.

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  • KNardo88
    KNardo88 Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2016

    Hey Maeg,

    I'm 27... Not TN, but close-- Just 20% ER+, negative everything else.

    I checked out your blog, and have to tell you you're hilarious! The song titles had me rolling. I really admire your positivity and strength through such a crazy time! Congratulations on your recent wedding--- I'm glad to read that the chemo didn't get you down. Keep on pushing forward, and know you're not alone in the 20-somethings cancer club.

    Xo

    Kelly

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  • YoungBRCAgal
    YoungBRCAgal Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2016

    26 y/o here. Also TNBC. Was diagnosed in November when I was still 25. I've been in remission since April but have been on a constant lookout for someone similar in age and life circumstances to me. Would love similar sisters to talk to.

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  • Maegtexas
    Maegtexas Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2016

    I'm so appreciative of the positive support and information. Thank you all! A girl messaged me on FB and communicated with her has been so helpful. I'm not sure how to attach my Facebook account in a post but it's in my blog and I welcome anyone to message me if you ever have any questions at all. This Thursday will be my 4th and final AC treatment then I'm on 12 weeks of Taxol. Let me know if you would like to connect!

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  • seejuliago
    seejuliago Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2016

    Just now seeing this thread but I'd love to connect! I'm TNBC and I'm 25. Your blog is HILARIOUS, Maegtexas. I'm bookmarking it.

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  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited January 2017

    I was 28 when diagnosed with TNBC stage 2B in early 2013. I had dose dense AC+T and no radiation due to genetics. My onc told me that if a patient with my diagnosis relapses it happens for about 80% of patients within about 2 years, so I am optimistic.

    Unfortunately I had decided to have just a unilateral mastectomy at that time and just found out that I have a new primary in my remaining breast (which is now already removed and reconstructed with a DIEP flap). Ughh. Chemo again.

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  • Brenda77
    Brenda77 Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2017

    I was 35 when diagnosed, and haven't had recurrence in 4.5 years. I hope this gives you some confidence that you will have a future.

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