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Julianna's avatar
Julianna
Member
4 years ago

26 & in complete shock

I never thought I would hear the words.. let alone at 26. I have been recently diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Postive beast cancer after finding a 3.5cm lump in my left breast & lymph node spread after further testing. Although I have family history, my Aunty & grandma were diagnosed with estrogen Postive breast cancer. I guess I wanted to reach out & see if anyone has been diagnosed under 30 with a HER2+ with little family history… I just feel so alone, I’m the youngest person at the cancer clinic. 

I am two chemotherapy sessions in & I feel like I’ve been in survival mode since I heard the words. 
So much to wrap my head around - losing my hair, not working, being so sick, seeing my family so upset.. 
willing to take any suggestions on processing my new normal! 
  • Theres a group called young women  here on the right ——I’d think if you post there you should be able,to,get feedback and info from others in your age group,? Sending you hugs and wishing you well , you’re so young to,face this wretched disease .
  • Oh @Julianna, this is just shit, isn't it. I am sorry you are going through this. I am old (59) compared to you.

    I can't imagine being your age and dealing with this. You are so brave and strong. It is great you have reached out here. This group are amazing and hopefully someone closer to your age will check in over the next few days .

    It is very overwhelming at the start. Everything happens so fast and it is hard to process it all. Are you in contact with a counsellor? It might help you get through this as they could offer some strategies to help with all this. Maybe check with your oncologist or breast nurse. 

    I see you are in Brisbane and now in lockdown. I am from Brisbane and was first diagnosed during lockdown last year. I had surgery, chemo and radium and I am doing well now. 

    You will get through this, step by step. Be kind to yourself, eat good food, get a little exercise if you can and keep reaching out to get support from family, friends and all of us here. Big hugs 🌻
  • Ah, @Julianna that just sucks. No wonder you are struggling to get your head around the whole thing. 

    There are some younger women on the forum now, and many from years ago have motored through your situation and gotten back on their feet.

    Me, I'm an old biddy with a different variety of what I call Tit Pox from you, but I'm still around 16 years after first  being told I was not in a good position. I've done this twice now, and would like to say it gets easier, but there is a reason we don't want this shit of a disease. 

    Hang in there, and I hope you can connect with someone closer to your own age. MXX