B/C in your 40's, newly diagnosed

Hi ladies! Do you mind if I jump into this discussion?

I turned 41 in January. Had my routine mammo on 1/24, was called back for a diagnostic which I had on 2/1, stereotactic core biopsy on 2/21, and diagnosed with extensive DCIS on 2/23. I had genetic testing on 3/1 (still awaiting results) and met with the BS on 3/3. I have an MRI scheduled for 3/14 and follow up/pre-op with the BS on 3/17. Phew...so many doctor appointments!

Emotionally, I'm handling this fairly well, I think. My preliminary treatment plan was lumpectomy followed by aggressive radiation (5 days for 6-7 weeks) but in talking with the BS last week, she wants the results from both the MRI and genetic testing before advising between a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Due to my breast size and depending on exactly how "extensive" my DCIS is, those things will help factor into the decision. If we decide a mastectomy is the best route to go, I'm seriously considering a double mastectomy. I also feel that I would want immediate reconstruction and want saline implants but I have so many questions about that. I haven't met with a PS yet but she did want me to consider consulting with one. At times, I feel like I've got a firm handle on everything, then I think of or read something else and begin to feel overwhelmed again.

My thoughts and prayers for all of us! We can do this ladies!

Renee, I understand your confusion as I was there less than a year ago. One consideration is how large the area of DCIS is; for me at a 34B I was losing most of my breast tissue. I had a UMX and rads. There was 1 cm of IDC so it was good to have those all those cells removed. I am BRCa neg even tho my mom had BC as well. So I kept the right boob! If you add your Dx to your signature it would help to get a better picture of your situation. Good luck as you navigate through this.

dj mammo.....my 2015 mammogram was normal. My 2016 mammogram started a chain of events that eventually revealed invasive mammary carcinoma, dcis, and lcis on one side and multiple sites of lcis on the other side. I had no risk factors, no palpable lumps, and no family history. I'm 47. Im so glad my OBGYN still recommends mammograms every year from 40 on. He may be old fashioned but he saved my life.

Thought I would introduce myself as well. I was diagnosed in March at 41 years old. I had a mammogram six months prior to my diagnosis that was normal. I happened to glance in the mirror while getting ready one morning and noticed some dimpling under my left nipple. I could only see it when I lifted my arm. Felt the area and sure enough there was a lump. Went to see my GP two days later and he ordered a diagnostic mammogram and US. Nothing on the mammorgram, but could be seen in the US. Had a core needle biopsy and here I am. MRI before surgery showed two masses in the same breast (one under the original mass right by my chest wall). Pathology report after mastectomy showed multi focal IDC and multiple areas of DCIS. That glance in the mirror was my saving grace. I tell everyone now that when they do self exams to look in the mirror as well and give them a link to breast self exams from this site.

46 year old dx 3/23/17. BRCA - Right lumpectomy 5/4. 1 Neg node; 1 micrometasis. Her2 neg. er/pr +. Stage 1. Grade 3.

Waiting Onkatype dx results. Praying for LOW number. Hopefully just rads and NO chemo but will go with dr recommendations.

Anyone else with similar experience, and did not need chemo??

42 years old. Diagnosed yesterday. I'm meeting with the surgical oncologist on Tuesday to find out the next step. They said all of the tests from the biopsy aren't in yet but hopefully they will be ready by Tuesday's appointment. I'm wavering between denial and disaster.

Diagnosed at 46. Like Kath1228, went for mammo every year for 9 years prior, sometimes for ultrasound. Both have missed cancer, even though it was not that small, 2 cm. The cancer was discovered on a baseline MRI, which I had done after testing BRCA2-positive. Nobody, the doctors included, felt the lump.Had a bilateral mastectomy because of BRCA, with recon (which looks great, but still feels uncomfortable),now on tamoxifen for the last year.

hello sweetie I was diagnosed in my early 40 s while making wedding plans for Our second marriage I found lump things moved pretty fast diagnosed in September chemo 3 months before surgery in December Lmast then 3 months after we married then radsfor 7wks 5days wk. Praise God I'm now a 23yr Survivor. Wrote book The Healings of Breast Cancer, A Physical n Spiritual Healing Of Body n Soul. On Amazon.com n barber&noble. God Bless Us All. msphil idc stage2 0\3 nodes Lmast chemo n rats n 5yrs on Tamoxifen.

Hi there... I am 46 years old and was diagnosed with IDC 3.8 cm, grade 2, TPN, BRCA +, so far no node involvement . I finished 4 x dose dense A/C and after a 3 week chemo break to allow my counts to recover I just had my first of 12 weekly Taxol. Unfortunately, I didn't know breast cancer ran in to family. My cousin and aunt on my dads side both had bc and both were BRCA+. They didn't share this information with the family. Had I known, I would would have been screened more carefully and perhaps would have caught it sooner. So, here I am. Bald and chubby from the steroids and change in my daily activity. I'm usually very fit and super healthy so I extremely distraught about the changes in my body. After chemo I will have mastectomy, reconstruction and hysterectomy in one surgery. This means even more changes to my once healthy and strong body. I guessing my focus should beating this so I can live a long and healthy life. So I eat healthy foods and walk any every day I feel good. So far, I have tolerated treatment fairly well. I just can't wait to get this behind me so I can get back to my life and the things I love to do. Plus... I will never complain about a bad hair day again when I have my hair again. On a positive note my daughter is BRCA-!

I just want to welcome all the ladies in their 40s. Seems like there are more and more of us every day. I am two years out now, and other than some weight gain i cant shake off, amd feet that hurt when i first get out of bed in the morning, life has pretty much returned to normal "though a slightly different normal" than I had planned.

Hugs to all of you as you go on this journey.

Pamela

Leatherette and all the newbies here - We're sorry that you had to join us, but wanted to say welcome! We hope you'll find Breastcancer.org a wonderfully supportive, caring and knowledgeable community.

Best wishes for next tests results and treatments. Please, come back to let us know how you're doing.

The Mods