Hi,My name is Steph. I’m 30 years old. I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer (IDC). I also have BRCA1 gene mutation.i have had sentinel node biopsy which came back clear (3 lymph nodes taken).this coming Tuesday 10th of April I will be under going a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction (expanders/implants?).My Mum had breast cancer 5 years ago, aged 57.A little about me... I am a single mother to an almost 7 year old boy. I have an identical twin sister. I work as a nurse in aged care.i would be interested in chatting to other women Dx with BC around my age. I’m also happy to chat with other women of any aged dx with BC.thanks

Hi there,you will find lots of supportive women here of all ages.i am 31 with a 2.5yo daughter and was diagnosed last September. Have just finished 6 months of chemo and will have lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy in May followed by radiation. I am a radiation therapist.you said you are an aged care nurse, my dad and step Mum are too!any questions Ask away there will be someone here who cAn help :)

Hi Steph. I'm sorry that you've found yourself here but I hope you'll find it as supportive and helpful as I have.Scroll down and you'll see listed in the groups section a group called 'Young Women' which would be perfect for you.You can also use the search bar to navigate to particular subjects that interest you.Hugs and best wishes. Hang in there. Kate xox

Welcome @StephO. You'll find a lot of info and support here. I see that @kmakm has suggested the Young Women group. As you may have noticed, there is also the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group. Good luck with surgery on Tuesday.

hi StephOBelow are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. The what and how thread. http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1 Breast Care Nurses https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx My Journey Kits and other resources. https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/ BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258 If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST. Young Women group https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/10-young-women How to understand your pathology reports https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-pathology-report/breast-pathology/breast-cancer-pathology.html

hi StephO this will help you understand it The what and how thread.http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1

IDC, 30 years old, BRCA1 | BCNA Online Network

Kiwi_Angel
Member
7 years ago
@StephO so sorry to hear about all this you are going though. Hope u are feeling a little better. I’m currently undergoing chemo and through not fun it is not as horrific as I was expecting - I have a couple of days where I feel crap but i just had my second one and feel I know more what to expect and am able to manage it better now. Everyones experiences are so different and I know it sounds trite but just take it one step at the time and get over this big surgery first xoxoxxx
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Hey @StephO It's good to have results because then you finally know what your treatment plan is. According to my surgeon, no-one has ever greeted him with "Chemo is great" and certainly I have found it crap but it is manageable.
iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
Hi! Tiredness from it all is not unusual - just roll with it the best you can and don't fight it! As to the expanders, it is advisable to have Panadol prior to going for the pump up. Yes they are tight but I found it more to be uncomfortable rather than hurt. Hope that helps!
Take care
StephO
Member
7 years ago
Hey,

Sorry I’ve been very tired. I was in hospital for a week and relieved to go home!

The lump at the back of my head apparently was a pressure sure. Wow! And it really hurt! Still tender and itchy now.

I have both drain tubes in and hospital in the home visiting daily.
I had a leaking drain tube which they had to come back to fix. Both tubes seem to be blocking and unblocking. They are so annoying! I just want them out.

The expanders do feel tight. I hope it gets better. They will pump them up next week, I heard this hurts :-/

I have results from pathology.
Stage 2, grade 3. Triple negative.
They said I’ll be needing chemo.
Finch
Member
7 years ago
@StephO oh my darling, sorry to hear you're having a rough time. Hate that the nurse has been unpleasant . Ask family to have a look at the lump at the back of your head . Is it a bruise? Sending hugs your way xxxxxxxx
iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
@StephO
What a time to find out your sensitive to the dressing!
Make sure you speak up and let them know that you're having problems.
Take care
Sister
Member
7 years ago
I don't know if you've spoken to your doctor, but if not, I think you should.
StephO
Member
7 years ago
She hasn’t put my mind at ease in regard to the ribs as that is the least of my problems at the moment.

i forgot to mention I also have a painful and hot lump at the back of my head from surgery? I don’t understand how this happened. It’s uncomfortable, painful, hot and causing pressure.
StephO
Member
7 years ago
Not doing so well.

I had issues with a horrible nurse and a blocked drain tube that caused excruciating pain.

im having trouble taking deep breaths due to my chest feeling heavy and tight. Requiring oxygen. I can barely sleep due to frequent waking, pain and trouble breathing.

Ive had an allergic reaction to the dressing around my breasts and it caused a blistered wound.

This has been a horrible and traumatising time.
lrb_03
Member
7 years ago
How are going since the surgery? Well, I hope