please help, I think I have breast cancer

First off, smoking doesn't cause breast cancer, so don't beat yourself up over that. Second, although there are 23 year olds with bc, it's pretty unusual, so the odds are in your favor. Third, squishy, moveable lumps are more likely to be benign than hard, immobile ones. That goes for lymph nodes, too. Malignant tissue tends to be hard and fixed in place.

So try not to panic at this point. Of course it's scary--we've all been there. And it's especially hard when you're uninsured and have no support system. That's why this board is great--we're here to help and support you.

Keep us posted on the results of your mammo, and hope everything turns out well for you. 

maybe the saying "cross the bridge when it comes" might help?  No use worrying and getting really worked up if it's not a bridge you have to cross.  Wait and see how it goes, one step at a time.  Sounds like you're being proactive and that's the best you can do!

Also, in Oregon there's the federal health insurance assistance program - if you haven't had insurance for the last 6 months and your income is below a certain level, they'll pay for insurance for you.  And it's really good insurance.  Maybe that could be your focus in the next week - figuring out how to get insurance through public programs.  Which state are you in again?

Can you do some self care in the mean time - eat something comforting, take a warm bath, listen to some music you really like, clean house, watch a funny tv show, strategize about how to make friends in your new home - I always think of the saying that the way to have friends is to be a friend.  Also, my guess is that there's free counseling through co-counseling or some other type of group therapy program.  I have several friends who've done that and who made really good friends in the process. 

big hugs to you - things will get better and look up.  Take really good care of yourself, 

Check with your local health department.  Kansas has the early detection program that pays for the mamogram and biopsy if needed.  I have insurance through the state specifically for breast and ovarian cancer.  There was just a short paper to fill out and qualify.  I qualified and they pay for everything.  The health dept might also have info on support groups.

Check out your local SRS office.  There is help out there.

Of course these boards are awsome.  I love my bc.org sisters.

Good luck and {{{{{BIG HUGS}}}}}}

CindyKS

don't board the train without a ticket...

you can always call the american cancer society at 1800 acs 2345 to get free screening, and to find out what to do without insurance.

It is probably not cancer, and you are doing everything you are supposed to do.  You went to the Dr., and you're getting it checked out.  You may need a sonogram, b/c Mammograms don't work as well on young women.

You have to try to stay calm until you have more information.  If it turns out to be breast cancer, you will take action, and fight it.

My hope is that it is not, and smoking doesn't cause breast cancer, but you should quit anyway...

come back here for more support- we'll be with you until you find out--just hang in there.