New at this

ElsaCris, we're so sorry that a cancer diagnosis brought you here, but glad that you found us and decided to reach out. We know you will find lots of information and emotional support from our wonderful community members. If you want to meet others diagnosed at young age, here is a forum for young women with breast cancer that may be particularly helpful: Young With Breast Cancer.

We hope that you will stay connected here and continue to let us know how you're doing. We're all here for you!

The Mods

You're going to be ok. It's overwhelming. It's ok to cry and feel overwhelmed. You won't always feel like this. I was 38 at diagnosis (now 40) with a small child. You do get through it somehow.

Others have given you good advice. Have you been scheduled to see a surgeon or an oncologist yet? Usually it's the surgeon first, but not always. Have you been referred to a "nurse navigator?" Ask about this where your testing was. I had access to one, and she was massively helpful to me. I could call her whenever I had a question, she set up my appointments for me, and basically just let me unload over the phone. She would randomly check in with me too (enough that the secretary at work knew who she was), which was nice.

this is the hard part. Don’t rush to treatment- make sure you understand what is happening, why, and as many options as you can. If you have a calm friend, ask her (or him) for help, specifically to come to your appointments and take notes and help with questions. Family members are often too close to provide this objective help

I'm so sorry you had to join this group, but thankful you found us. There is a wealth of information and helpful tips here; the key is deciphering what pertains to you because this journey can be confusing & overwhelming. But you're young, strong, full of life. And you don't need permission to cry sweetie - go for it.

Like everyone said, you are at the worst step - the unknown. You know you have a tumor that needs to come out so use this waiting time getting your body prepared for surgery; additional exercise, no alcohol, anti-inflammatory diet, increased water. The biggest tip is bring another person to all appointments - another set of ears taking notes of the 'medical-speak' is very helpful. Give yourself time to process the information until you understand it.

You can do this.

You're on my prayer list! Keep us posted of your progress through this journey.

ElsaCris- welcome and I’m glad you found us. Wish you never had to come here though!! I want to share my story with you because we are close in age. I was diagnosised this past April with ilc at the age of 33. In May I had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders placed. My lymph nodes and margins came back clear and I did not need chemo or radiation (oncotype of 14). I will be on tamoxifen for 10 years. I just scheduled my implant exchange surgery yesterday for oct 8, I’m ready to have the surgeries over with! I wanted to share a brief summary of what I went through because even though you have been diagnosised with cancer and are extremely overwhelmed right now you are not alone! My biggest piece of advise would be to take it one day at a time. I wanted to know all the information right up front (type a and a planner!) but unfortunately it takes time to find everything out. Trust your gut and follow your heart with whatever treatment options you choose! You got this!! .