38 years old newly diagnosed breast cancer

Hi all, I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m 38 with no family history but was referred to the breast clinic after finding a lump where I had an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy before the nurse told me the lump was highly suspicious. 10 days later and I went back to receive an official diagnosis, luckily feeling prepared after what the nurse had said previously and with my husband for support. I have HER2 positive oestrogen positive progesterone positive cancer, stage 2 grade 3. I have been given a treatment plan which involves chemotherapy and hormone treatment starting in a few weeks, then a lumpectomy, then maybe some more chemo before radiation. Obviously it has all been a shock and I’m really keen to talk to other women who have received a similar diagnosis. I’m scared about chemotherapy and how it will make me feel and look, and I’m worried about the effect of them shutting down my ovaries and blocking hormones - know it is required because the cancer is fed by hormones but I thought I had more time before menopause! & in all of this my biggest worry is how it will all impact my 4 year old daughter. She is my sunshine and I don’t want her to have to go through all that is ahead. Any thoughts, suggestions, tips would be welcome as I try and navigate this strange new world! Xx

  • Hi Hannah, I'm feeling really well at the moment thank you. I still only have minimal side effects, which are quite manageable. I'm also still managing my 2 1/2 mile walk every day, which I'm pleased about. My next chemo is on Tuesday and my last one on the 9th of July. I had to go for another echocardiogram yesterday, which was all fine. They do regular checks on the heart, if you are on phesgo injections. Have you been give a start for your chemo yet? Hope you are feeling OK. Xx