Enjoying your 30s...and breast cancer!

Hey Bluekoala,

I got the brca testing done through the public system, but I waited a year for the results (didn't think it would be that long)..yeah i have heard of other ladies who have been denied it..which is kinda crazy, I'm not too sure but maybe because of my extended family history they decided I could have it. My oncologist approved the testing.

I was given the option of going private (I'm with bupa), but it costs thousands even though I hear the results come back in 2-3 weeks. At dx they also found calcifications in the other breast and I have heard that you are at a higher risk of having a genemutation if found in both. Although it turned out to be benign, my onco still thinks it could be a precursor.

Yeah I definitely think there's a lot of us under 40 with some sort of mutation and give it 10 years or so, it will probably be discovered.

I had one maternal aunt with BC at 42. My Mom is 1 of 10 (7 girls). If you add my Grandmother that's 8 women. 1/8 is the risk within the general population. No BC on my Father's side. No other cancers at all within both families.

I tested negative for BRCA mutations and will have a full panel eventually.

Hi Adelozier---of course you can join. When were you diagnosed? I was diagnosed at 38 (will turn 39 pretty soon)---my daughter is 4. It's hard.

I added what I could. I have not had the lumpectomy yet. I was just diagnosed yesterday. I am in shock and my.anxiety is over the top! The surgeon said from the ultrasound and mam my lymphnodes look good. I obviously don't believe her. She said she believes I caught it early. I Dont even know what to say. I'm getting a second opinion. The first doctor was mean and brass From the moment I.walked in.the door before any testing. My life is flashing before my eyes and I guess I'm just looking for hope. I have breast implants. I swear they caused this!

I also have three masses in the same area right beside each other. The largest is 1.8cm. I don't know what this means. Does that mean its spreading?

im so confused about it all. How can one person have a 1 cm mass and be stage 3 and another have a 4 cm mass and be stage 0,?

Adelozier, the stage depends on the size, lymph node involvement, and mets. Here's a link with the stages and criteria for each stage

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/staging

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/sta...

Adelozier, I'm not too far along this journey, but I can say that for me, the hardest time so far has been the weeks after diagnosis, but before we started DOING something about it. My mental/emotional state has improved as time has passed and we have developed and started a treatment plan.

Yes I was told that too. And then I had the SNB and she took out 4 nodes and they were all clear. You will see your little one grow up! You may have a rough few months but you will get through them. Bring someone with to your appointments if you can

Adelozier- you WILL see your little one grow up! You are in the absolute worse part of this journey right now. Once you have a plan of attack you will feel such relief. I was in your shoes 11 yrs ago. I was 36 and my son was 9. I was terrified. I remember hiding in the bathroom to talk on the phone because I was worried about scaring him since I couldn't talk about it without crying. I just knew I'd never see him grow up. He is now 20 yo and I'm so proud of him!

A second opinion is always a good idea. Bc.org is the best place to gain accurate, up to date information and also a huge support group from those in the same position. Don't get wrapped up with dr. Google or statistics-some of them are way outdated.

Deep breath.... educate yourself..... gain all the facts about your cancer.... and kick some cancer butt. You have time to make the decisions that are right for you.

Alli

Great news about the nodes. Take it easy! The surgery is rough and it takes a while to feel "normal" again.

I know it's hard but try not to overdo it with your little one

I am numb fr under my arm to around my.shoulder.. Like novacaine! I have mo appt. Today. I know she is gonna suggest chemo based on my age. I don't know what to do.. Im so torn.

gb

Yes they said its stage 1 no lymphatic angio invasion and no lymph node involvement on preliminary report. Clear margins are exam in or. But they told me " chemo is just not something you can get out of at your age." Amd kept insisting I see someone to talk about freezing my.eggs ect... I am on my way back to philly for a follow up appt right now with my plastic surgeon and mo. Im.not sure if the oncdx or mammoprint will be back yet. I feel like they are gonna push it on me either way. Im overwhelmed hysterical sick n damned if I.do amd damned if I dont. I am highly allergic to most meds.

Adelozier, I'm 39 and chemo wasn't part of my treatment plan until they found the four positive nodes during the sentinel node biopsy. I'd get a second opinion, if I were you.

today couldn't have went any worse. I had my breast implants removed with the cancer and a lift... Well it turns out my margins that were clear in.the or infact one has dcis!!!! this means a masectomy now most likely.. Im losing it completely!! I mean really losing it. I can't stop pacing and sobing. They don't know what this means for me at this point. They are taking it to the tumor board.. Whatever that is to discuss as to whether radiation can just take care of it. How can this even be? That had a path in the or!!!! Lymph is still negative but something about angiolympatic invasion and my ki76 ???? My mo never sent for a oncdx!!!! I had to insist today!! She told me they found 7.. Yes 7 tiny tumors!!!!!!! I'm literally sick.... I am looking at my.little boy picturing his life without his momma!!! She said based on the findings the oncdx is a waste and chemo eould be necessary anyway... wtf!!! Im so scared ..She told me "think positive"

After weeks of lurking on the "Worried" and "waiting on results" boards, I find myself here. Every step of the way I was told "this is almost certainly benign" yet today I was told otherwise. I found a large lump back in early May that (seemed to me) came out of nowhere. I had that and a spot of calcification biopsied on Tuesday and both came back cancer - one was IDC and one was IDC inside DCIS. I'm 34 with a small child. Trying to think positive - I meet with a breast surgeon tomorrow and my husband is extremely supportive. It's just such a shock to be here....I really appreciate everyone who contributes to this community and shares information. Hugs to you all!