23 years old - Stage IV - advice?

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Samantha17
Samantha17 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in Young With Breast Cancer
23 years old - Stage IV - advice?
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  • Samantha17
    Samantha17 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2007

    Hi Everyone,

    I am 23 years old and was diagnosed in August with IDC with mets to the liver.  I have 3 small spots on my liver and started hormonal treatments (Zolodex, Lupron) in September.  2 days ago I had my first scan of my abdomen to see if the treatment was working and it showed tumor growth.  My doctors are switching me to chemotherapy this week (Taxol).  I have a great attitude about everything and believe truly in my heart that everything is going to be ok.  I am continuing with a normal 23 year old life the best way I can and hope to be an inspiration to other young girls.  I have no other cancer in my family and have been extremely healthy and active my whole life.  I am waiting to have a Brain scan today/tomorrow before as protocol before I start chemo this week.  I am a little scared and do not know of anyone in my age group that has been through this and have not reached out to talk to any survivors yet.  Looking for a little inspiration and advice? Thanks!!

    "I believe INCURABLE means CURABLE FROM WITHIN"

    Sam

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  • mrs_X_Sunneedazee
    mrs_X_Sunneedazee Member Posts: 541
    edited December 2007

    Hi Samantha,

    I am sorry that you are dealing with this at such a young age. I am 29, and was 28 when I was diagnosed.  I had great response from the Taxol, and hope you do as well.  I did 17 treatments (once a week for 3 weeks, then 1 week off).  I was also on herceptin because my cancer is her2+.  I did chemo for 5 months, then had a mastectomy and a hysterectomy at the same time, and i am still on weekly herceptin and Aromasin.  I feel great, and am hopeful that I will be here for a long time.  I luckily got married at 18, and we have 5 kids.  Crazy, I know, but I am SO grateful that we had our family young.  I wish you the best, and hope that treatment works for you.

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited March 2008

    samanatha you'll find a ton of girls your age at

    www.youngsurvival.org

    I wish you all the best with Taxol, and I hope it kicks some cancer butt!!!

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  • badboob67
    badboob67 Member Posts: 2,780
    edited December 2007

    Wow, 23! Okay if I call you "Kiddo"? LOL! I was 38 when diagnosed and everyone kept saying how "young" that was.

    I am so sorry that you find need to join our "club" here, but am so glad you found us. The boards here have truly been a blessing to me and I'm sure you will find lots of support and friends here.

    I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way; I hope to hear that the Taxol zapped all that crappy cancer.

    (((HUGS)))
    Diane

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  • joykeeperorg
    joykeeperorg Member Posts: 154
    edited December 2007

    23 WOW! Well we have two things in common I have breast cancer and Im 23 as well, Im at Stage 3. Sorry to say but welcome to the pink club! I was to dx in Aug. to Im a triple negative with a extensive family history of cancer. This site has help me so much if you need to talk every here is my email crc0214@yahoo.com

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  • mpieterse
    mpieterse Member Posts: 76
    edited December 2007

    Hi there,

    My daughter Monica was dx at age 24.  3 years later she is stage 4 with mets to her spine and liver.  She is on Gemzar and Zometa at the moment and after having some nasty SE, she is doing great this week.  She is on a break now until the 7th of next Jan.  All of the best to all you young ladies.  You are all so great and have such great spirit.

    Hugs

    Marietjie

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  • LilWarrior
    LilWarrior Member Posts: 268
    edited December 2007

    I am 37 yrs old, and I thought I was young to be diagnosed but I see this disease is hitting them younger.  I am in stage 3 and let me tell you do not let this take over your life.  Keep positive and pray cause God does miracles and as you can see there are so many survivors here but they are positive survivors here.  I am not going to let this get the best of me, and I will continue my last 10 months of school to become the Nurse that I want to be and be a testimonal to other patients.  God will carry you thru this - trust me.  I havent even started chemo but I have gone thru enough test and surgeries to get me prepared for the next step and I am not worried about it because I have God on my side carrying me thru each day.

    Stay positive and God bless ya and I will keep you in my prayers.


    Dana

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  • LilWarrior
    LilWarrior Member Posts: 268
    edited December 2007

    One more thing - dont let the stage or Drs scare you.  God is your surgeon and your master - he is in control of everything.  Remember that - he will carry you through this - have faith!!!!

    Muah x0x0 

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  • suecco
    suecco Member Posts: 317
    edited February 2008

    Hi Samantha,

    wow 23 your still a baby! Im 36 now and  I was dx just before my 31st birthday theres no history of bc in my family either, that was in 2002, I was dx as stage iv in 2004 I was 33, your positive outlook will carry you through your journey, I know mines done wonders for me.

    Take care, keep in touch

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