feel sad and helpless I am only 33

Good you found your way here Bestrong!

There is so much you can do to help yourself and become proactive and informed!

The docs will determine what receptors your tumor has: ER, PR, HER2... depending on that info, and whether or not you have lymph node involvement they will propose a treatment plan. Generally the treatment plan is pretty formulaic and based on the best odds of success for your kind of cancer and your stage at presentation.

There is a lot of variety within breast cancer. Some fast growing, some slow growing. Sometimes chemo is done first, sometimes surgery is done first.

One thing you can do... get a second opinion from a cancer center doc. While waiting for results, this can be set up. Also, IMO an appointment with an integrative medicine or naturopathic doc who experienced in supporting cancer patients is a good idea. There is a ton you can do nutritionally to beef up your system, and you should exercise like you are in training for a long life! While my oncologist was poisoning me, my naturopath was fortifying me and giving me help in weakening my cancer through nutritional/complimentary means.

I was diagnosed with the worst BC in terms of survival: TNBC. Plus I had lymph involvement. So, not the greatest diagnosis! They wanted to do chemo first, both to shrink the tumor and begin my systemic therapy asap since it was already into lymph system. Followed by surgery. I am now cancer free after chemo, confirmed by lumpectomy. The tumor shrank to zero, all cancer dead, and so did the node. So I have a very good prognosis now. 90% of people in my current situation will live a long time.

It turns out that some of the most lethal cancers DO respond beautifully to chemo. Some of the poky, less-threatening cancer does not respond as well because it is not as active taking up the chemo.

Be proactive, get informed, enlist expert care and hit this hard! You have a little child to live for -- there is no better reason to live!! You will be strong and you will have these boards to support you.

Bestrong, I feel so bad when young woman get cancer. I was turning 50 with a 15 year old and that was bad enough. Here is hope for you. My cousin had breast cancer in herearly thirties too. She is 66 now and cancer free the whole time so she not only saw her kids grow but grandkids too.

This is the hardest part! The diagnosis but no plan, no staging, not knowing where things are headed! It is a scary time, but you can do this!! Definitely seek out second opinion and if it’s an option, find a dedicated cancer center. And use all of us as resources!!!

Chiming in to agree with all of the previous posters! This is the hardest time, - you WILL get through this!!

My daughter's friend was 32 and single when diagnosed. She wishes she already had children, but went to fertility dr and saved eggs before beginning chemo. She got through double mast and reconstruction, used cold caps to save her hair during chemo, and is back working and on the dating scene now!

Keep your chin up! You can do this!!

Hugs from NYC

Bestrong, you can do it! Once you have the treatment plan, you’ll feel better. In the meantime, try to relax, if you can. You got the worst news already, it can only get better from there.

I hate to hear about young women getting BC too especially with young children. I am older and my youngest was in his 20s.

All the sage advice is helpful. We know how you feel when you are first DX. I was sort of numb because I was already braced for it. I didn’t have a clue what stages, kinds or grades meant as it had to do with BC. You will be inundated with information so don’t be afraid to ask questions of your medical team. That’s their job.

BC isn’t the death sentence anymore but it’s also a disease that isn’t curable but is manageable. There are no guarantees but early detection and early stage are important and all BCs are treatable in some method.

FYI I am 7 years out last August. There are multiple stories on this website of ladies who are even further out than me. With each passing year of NED you will feel even more optimistic.

It’s okay to be scared- so were we - but there’s also plenty of reasons for optimism. We are all proof of that.

So keep the faith and keep us posted.

Diane

Bestrong - So sorry you're faced with this; I was in your shoes just 6 months ago. I am 31 and I also have small children.

Just remember, breast cancer treatment has come a LONG ways in recent years. It's no easy road, that's for sure, but you will be in good hands. I ask questions here constantly, so if you ever need anything, there are many many women who have already gone through this and have answers to everything!

The waiting is horrible, but you already have seen how you are dealing with this already. You will do this for yourself and your son. I worried about my 3kids..older but still, you worry about leaving them. It gave me the strength that I knew I would fight it just to stay with them.

So much great information and wonderful men and women on here to help and support. Was a lifesaver for my sanity.

sweetie I was diagnosed at 42 while making wedding plans to my now husband of 25yrs in may of this yr. I had my cry then decided to fight for my life with Positive thoughts and Hope I went to bed saying 'cancer you have to leave my body.When I got weak my fiancee and family would say you will get thru this then I went to my faith. Faith gave me Hope. Inspiration here honey it will be 25yrs this yr. Hang in there baby. msphil idc stage2 0/3 nodes 3mo chemo before and after Lmast got married then 7wks rads and 5yrs on Tamoxifen then our Honeymoon to mountains stay strong.