24 yrs old and diagnosed with breast cancer

mn07, welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're so sorry for your recent diagnosis but at the same time we're glad you've found us and decide to post. We know that you'll get tons of support and understanding here! As a suggestion, you might find interesting a particular forum where you can connect with members who were diagnosed at a young age too, here: Young With Breast Cancer

Hope this helps. Please know that we're all here to support you!

Kind wishes,

The Mods

Oh dear! I have a 24yo daughter who has my same two rare gene mutations. Her risk is estimated at 58+%, which scares the starch out of us both. I would be crushed to learn that DD had BC at such a young age.I am very sorry that you're having to deal with this. It's not fair!

I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. I was diagnosed in January at age 40 after my first routine mammogram. It was a complete surprise as I did not have a lump. The diagnosis definitely stopped me in my tracks and sent my life into a tailspin, which is normal. My emotions were all over the place. It's hard not to think about your mortality after hearing you have cancer. This may be hard to believe now but it does get better. Everybody deals with the diagnosis differently but I experienced several stages (similar to stages of grief) initially shock, then denial, anger and acceptance. I gathered a lot of info and sought out survivors and various websites, for support. A breast cancer diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence. It does change you and is a huge inconvenience (to say the least). Two months after my diagnosis I saw the following quote "Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. " on a sign at the Women's March. It's become my mantra. Stay strong.

The good news (as good as it can be under the circumstances) is that it’s DCIS, not invasive. By definition, it has not spread outside your milk ducts into breast tissue, much less lymph nodes. So you’ve got a little more time to get as much info from doctors, support groups and reputable websites (not “Dr. Google,” he’s an idiot with no filter) such as this one—both the informational sections and these forums. I suggest you buy (in physical form or downloaded as an e-book) Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book—she was a pioneer in breast conserving surgery, is still on the cutting edge and a top authority, and has gone through cancer herself (I believe her partner also had bc). It’s not light bathroom reading, but a terrific reference. Dr. Elisa Port, of Mt. Sinai/Memorial Sloan-Kettering, has a great breast cancer book as well.

Can you go to your Profile, enter your biopsy diagnosis (as much as you have been told in the pathology report) and click “Public” so we here on the forum can see it and give you more accurate advice?