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Smifette's avatar
Smifette
Member
11 years ago

33 y/o, diagnosed and feeling a bit angry

Hi, I am a newby to this posting but feel it is a good idea to share as all your posts have been helpful to me.  

Over the last 2 weeks I have spent everyday getting ultrasounds, Mammograms, Core Biopsy and then MRI.  With it being over Easter period the public holidays have caused a lot of waiting/thinking time.  I still held hope that I just have some unusual, firm Breast Tissue as all results before MRI were inconclusive.

Unfortunately the MRI has shown a large mass of DCIS 8cmx7cmx6cm so only option is a 'Simply Mastectomy' (still don't understand why it is called SIMPLE when removing my whole breast!).  Yet still there is no clear evidence whether or not there is any Invasive Cancer and this will not be known till the Breast Tissue has been analysed.

This all strated 4 months after i stopped Breast Feeding and my husband pointed out a large firm area of my left breast.  I had an ultrasound at the time but the conclusion was just changes in the breast due to the Breast Feeding, that was a year ago.  The area resently became more dense and I have been much more aware of it so I thought no harm in getting it checked out again.  So 2 weeks ago today I went for what I thought to be a routine check just to put my mind at ease and now here I am.

What a whirlwind, the doctors I have dealt with have been nothing but supportive and fast in getting action to find out what is going on and in 2 days time I am having my breast removed.  I consider myself to be too young to go without my breast but have decided to wait to have reconstruction in case I do need any Radiotherapy or Chemo (fingers crossed I don't).

I am currently feeling angry at the situation and the Cancer but as I have an amazing little 2 year old boy and a gorgeous & loving husband I will cut anything off if it means I can stay alive to be with them longer.

Sorry this was a bit long, it just felt really good to write about it.  Guess I will let you know how my journey goes.

Thanks

14 Replies

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  • Smifette's avatar
    Smifette
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thanks heaps.

    My family and friends are being so great but I thought it might be nice to talk to others in a similar position.

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, 33 is quite young. You won't regret coming on the website, it is so helpful for advice or even if you need to have a rant. I wish you well with your surgery and any treatment that follows, stay in touch and let us know how you go, big hugs to you, 

    Hazel xx

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago
    Unfortunately BC doesn't discriminate when it comes to age.I had a mastectomy last September and then chemo.I was scared witless about having my breast off. I had never had any sort of operation in my life. However I want to tell you, that a mastectomy is not at all painful,and apart from a painkiller in hospital the first night, I only needed panadol.Lots of others on here will tell you similar things I am sure.The most important thing to remember when you come home, is to do your exercises because it can get very tight and stiff.So even if it feels tight, DONT STOP the exercises.Be guided by your doctors, and use this network for any extra support you might need. This online blog is the best!!! Take care and let us know how u go. Cheers Robyn xxx
  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    11 years ago

    Hi Smifette,

    I just wanted to say hi - I'm glad you found your way here and have shared your experience. It sounds like it has been a tough 12 months already - but hopefully after your surgery you will have some more information and can make some informed decisions for the next steps.

    If you need a hand finding your way around just shout. In the mean time - it looks like you have seen there is a face-to-face/online support in Adelaide that you might want to connect in with ( http://www.bcna.org.au/group/9280 ).

    ~Daina