Forum Discussion
Diagnosed one month ago, aged 24.
Hi, my name is Emma. I have been wanting to post on here for a while, but just didn't know what to say, but desperately wanting some support. I am 24 years old, and found a lump a few months ago. My doctor sent me home to wait 6 weeks to see if it went away as they didn't believe it would be cancer. It didn't go away, so I had an ultrasound, mammogram and core biopsy. They never thought it was cancer, but the biopsy came back inconclusive, so I was sent to a breast surgeon to have it removed. They took it out and I went back a week later, and was told it was breast cancer. I have no history in my family, and I am 24... so really couldn't believe it, but even from the start had a bad feeling. I tend to think the worst of situations, as my sister passed away when I was 12.. so quite often expect the worst. I was told I would have another surgery to remove more tissue to try to get clear margins and to get some lymph nodes taken out.
My doctor and surgeon seem baffled as normally cancer in young people tends to be aggressive, but mine is a grade 1, 17mm lump, with 7mm of invasive surrounding the lump, so technically this is a 'good cancer' as I have been told, but normally presents in older women. It is 95% oestrogen +, and they didn't expect to find any cancer in my lymph nodes, but one of three that they took, had a small amount of cancer. This really scares me. I was sent straight for genetic testing, and have sent the cancer itself for genomic testing in the US, more information the better I am hoping. I have seen an oncologist, radiotherapist, and tomorrow seeing a fertility clinic. I just feel overwhelmed with information, and so scared of the long term future. The medical team is unsure what to do, as normally they would remove the lump and have radiotherapy and that's it, but they are leading towards wanting to over treat me because of my age... so possibly double mastectomy, chemo, and 10 years of tamoxifen and ovarian suppression..
I cannot think of anything but this... all the time... Thank you for those who will read this, I really appreciate it. :)
My doctor and surgeon seem baffled as normally cancer in young people tends to be aggressive, but mine is a grade 1, 17mm lump, with 7mm of invasive surrounding the lump, so technically this is a 'good cancer' as I have been told, but normally presents in older women. It is 95% oestrogen +, and they didn't expect to find any cancer in my lymph nodes, but one of three that they took, had a small amount of cancer. This really scares me. I was sent straight for genetic testing, and have sent the cancer itself for genomic testing in the US, more information the better I am hoping. I have seen an oncologist, radiotherapist, and tomorrow seeing a fertility clinic. I just feel overwhelmed with information, and so scared of the long term future. The medical team is unsure what to do, as normally they would remove the lump and have radiotherapy and that's it, but they are leading towards wanting to over treat me because of my age... so possibly double mastectomy, chemo, and 10 years of tamoxifen and ovarian suppression..
I cannot think of anything but this... all the time... Thank you for those who will read this, I really appreciate it. :)
23 Replies
- Hi Emma, so sorry that you have to deal with this at your age, it just shouldn't happen. As it has been said, there is a lot of experience and love on this site - we are all here for you. Sending my best wishes and a hug, Jane x
- Hi Emma, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it is a shock and an overwhelming experience for any one of us, let alone someone your age. The first few weeks are particularly difficult as you are faced with a barrage of information and expected to make decisions while you are still in shock, not the ideal situation.
The My Journey Kit is great for understanding some of the new terminology you'll be hearing and for preparing questions for your medical team. There is also a section on the BCNA website for Young Women and Breast Cancer, which also lists some useful resources: http://https//www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-young-women/
If you are considering reconstruction as part of your surgical treatment, you might like to join our group, Choosing Breast Reconstruction, on this site to understand a little more about your options: http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction
Hopefully you've got access to a Breast Care nurse that can help you navigate some of the information and to help you with your decision-making, but as the ladies have all said, we are here to help in any way we can so please feel free to jump on and ask questions. Best of luck hun xx - @em_24 please let me know if you have not received the "My Journey Kit" and I can get this sent to you. As all the members have said we are here to support you any way we can. Please ask as many questions as you need to.
- Hi emma
its such a shock! I was diagnosed 3 months ago at 30. I still have to pinch myself that I am going through this as well. The best thing you can do is, as hard as it may be is to roll with what the experts say and know you are going to tackle this head on. We are all here for you and if you feel you need to speak to a counselor or psychologist there is no shame in that whatsoever. Hoping all the best for you. We are just a message away xx - Hi Emma - we're all here to help you through, it's a so and so this diagnosis. The most important thing you have to put your head into at present is you! Remember the medical team are doing everything possible for you and the course of action being recommended is what they believe will help you along to an eventual all clear life!
Hopefully you have someone to go with you to appointments, make lots of notes and ask lots of questions. Have you been allocated a breast care nurse? She will become your go to person! Have you ordered your My Journey Kit? Ring BCNA, number on their website, click at the top of this page, the staff are very helpful and will guide you through.
Wishing you well with treatment and please come on and let us all know how you are, coping or not coping!
Take care from Christine - Hey Emma, that's a lot to take in at 24. Just take one day at a time and look after yourself. We are all here for you if you need us.
- Welcome Emma. Life is so not fair sometimes. You are the same age as my son. What a shock for you. I hope you have a lot of support around you. It sounds like you have a good medical team who are doing everything possible. Please stay in touch and let us know how you're going xox
- Hi Emma welcome to the site, what a shock for you. Try and take some one with you when you go to appointments as a second person to listen always helps. Start a list of questions to take with you next appointment as when you go in you.see docs the info keeps coming. Visit often as lots of ladies of different ages and experiences. No trip of bc is the same for anyone. One day at a time take care sending you a hugxx
- Hi Emma, what a frightening time you've been through. Sad that it should happen to any of us, but 24 is just wrong. You will make it through this rough time with many years ahead to enjoy. sending you a big warm hug, Tracey xx
- Hello Emma, just want to welcome you to the group we would all prefer not to need. As the others have stated take it step by step. Ask questions
Alice aka Soldier crab
