Hi there, 

So sorry to see another young person diagnosed. 

If you're on Facebook, there is a 'Younger Breast Cancer Network' group you can join for support or advice on younger person issues, such as work, egg freezing, fertility and relationships etc. There's always someone else feeling exactly the same, and it's a hugely supportive community. There's a huge number of us on there starting, currently going through treatment, or been through and now out the other side and well for many years, in addition to a sub-group for under 30s, so you're definitely not alone with this. 

Breast Cancer Now also host younger person support days which might interest you too, so do have a look at their website for details.

Wishing you all the best for your treatment- chemo sounds scary but it's definitely managable and you may not experience the side effects others do, but your team will take good care of you and give you additional medication if needed. Take this time to focus on your wellbeing, and don't feel any pressure to tell others if you don't want to. 

Hi C

I am very sorry that you are going through this experience especially when you are so young. I began my journey in October and the first few weeks are the toughest...waiting for results and worrying. Please know that once you have the full diagnosis and treatment plan that things will get alot easier to bear as you will begin to progress through each step of your journey. Your team will look after you very well and treatment for BC has developed so much that outcomes are now excellent.. Did your clinic give you contact details for a keyworker/Nurse? They are an invaluable support . I rely on my BC Nurse specialist quite a lot and if i have questions or if I'm worried  I just get in touch with her and she talks with me and I always feel better afterwards. I hope that your next set of results will be the best possible and that your treatment plan will be straightforward. 

Thinking of you and sending you lots of positive energy and hugs.

Mx

Hi C

I completely understand how overwhelming this is, I was diagnosed in Nov and although at 47 I'm older than you, it was still a huge shock.

I've now had a lumpectomy and think my next step will be chemo in the next few weeks, so I can update you on how it is then.

What I would say is try not to jump to far ahead until your doctors have all the info. I also had MRI and a few biopsies and scans. Once they have all the details they will build a plan for you..not everyone needs chemo and each persons treatment can be different they won't know until they have all the information.

This is the worse time all the waiting, it will get easier once you know the full picture you can come out fighting ready to get through it and get back to yourself.

im here if you need to chat ️ this forum is great, just read all the positive posts for people who are through the other side...that will be you soon so keep smiling xxxxx

Hi,

Thanks for your reply, like you say it doesn't really matter you are always shocked! 

Yes please, I am interested in speaking to people that have or are going through chemo just be mentally prepared. 

I am taking it all as it comes but from what they know thats currently been told to be my first treatment method. 

Yes all the reading is helping, thanks very much and I hope the rest of your treatment goes well. 

C xx 

Thank you for your reply. Its great to read that you have got back to normal life now! 

Yea it has been a whirlwind and just than a week has felt like a lifetime. 

I have invasive ductal bc, grade two, oestroen receptor positive and her2 positive. Waiting to see if it has spread to the auxula. 

Thanks, 

C

Hi, 

Thanks for your response, finding people my age has been the hard part so thankyou for the recommendation! 

I will look at those too, thanks! 

Thank you very much - yes you are right, I think taking it day by day is all I can do atm. 

I hope you are on the mend too. 

xx 

Thank you for your response! Yes they have been great so far and been pushing on all the final test and results I need so I haven't really been waiting too long but once you know, everyday feels long when you do not have all the answers. Yes I do have one and probably need to use that resource! 

Thank you and you! 

Take care 

C xx 

Hi CMurphy, I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Whilst much older than you (64), I too have a Grade 3 IDC, ER neg, HER2 pos. The waiting is hard, no two ways about it.

I've had six of seven courses of chemo so far, and it really hasn't been terrible, so don't assume it's going to be bad. There are lots of meds to help you with the worst side effects, but I've hardly had any bad ones.

My two tips for you are: keep busy while waiting, listen to happy/calming music, meditate/pray. Once you get all your results and treatment plan, you'll find it much easier to move forward. My second tip is: exercise! This is a good article from Australia but there are lots of others:  www.cancer.org.au/.../every-cancer-patient-should-be-prescribed-exercise-medicine

I would also recommend the book "The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer" by Liz O'Riordan and Trisha Greenhalgh. I like to have lots of information and I've found it really useful.

I do wish you all the best with your treatment. Don't forget that there's always someone here for support, and the Macmillan helpline is amazing if you have any concerns or just feel you want to talk to someone. 

xx

Hi C

once you  have the info on your treatment you will feel a lot better I promise! I was all over the place when I was first diagnosed, hardly sleeping or eating and now im Up and fighting!!

i was initially told chemo first (I'm grade 2 ductal,HER2 positive ) followed by surgery however after MRI showed 18mm they changed it to surgery first.

I had lumpectomy and some lymph nodes removed 20th  dec and  got results today showing it's all out and nothing in lymphs wooohooo! 
I should be starting chemo and targeted therapy in next few weeks once my wounds are healed but as a preventative measure. 

Long way to go but I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel and so will you soon....I will update you on the chemo and cold cap as going to give that a go to ( worth a try eh).

stay positive and you have got this ️ it's just a bump in your long road xxxx