Scared about the side effects of treatment
Hello everyone, I'm 35 with two young girls- I was initially diagnosed with LCIS just after a routine scan- but after my mastectomy surgery 2 weeks ago, the pathology has come back that I have HER2+ estrogen and progesterone + Lobular carcinoma, but thankfully no spread. It was a real shock as I was not expecting this news, thinking I would only have to have the mastectomy and that would be it. I am starting chemo, immunotherapy and hormone therapy in a few weeks. After what I thought was going to be a relatively straight forward recovery after my mastectomy and 6 weeks off work the oncologist said I am now looking at 6+ months off due to the upcoming treatment. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and sacred about the effects of the upcoming treatment on my overall quality of life (and caring for 2 young children!). I will likely lose my hair with the chemo- the oncologist mentioned I could try the cold cap therapy- for those that have had it has it made a significant difference (the Dr said it takes a long time each chemo session to put on and off!)? I would also appreciate any insight into how to approach looking for some counselling support as well- would it be best to go through a GP or...? Thank you for reading, I'm so glad there is a support network like this available- I feel very alone so far. xx
16 Weeks Pregnant and diagnosed with aggressive hormonal breast cancer
As the title says, I am currently 16 weeks pregnant with my first child, I turn 32 in Feb and have no family history of breast cancer. My surgeon has said I will need a mastectomy in the next week or 2. To say overwhelmed and unsure about my future is a complete understatement. I have found limited people in the same position as me and really don't feel confident as much as everyone has told me to stay strong and positive. I know I'm very lucky to have the support I do have around me, but obviously it's such a different situation that no one knows how to approach.
Newly diagnosed
Hi everyone, so relieved I’ve found somewhere I can share with others who are living the same experience. I was diagnosed, 4 days ago. 33 years old. I had my CT and bone scan done Thursday and I was advised yesterday that there was no spread (despite it being an aggressive cancer) - a silver lining in what only can be described as the most traumatic experience. Visiting my breast surgeon again Monday, undoubtedly to discuss the plan moving forward and my ultrasound guided clip insertion Tuesday. Just needed somewhere to vent, meet people who are going through the same thing and hopefully find some comfort and support, as well as provide the same to you all x
Support with coping
I've just been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer NST, I haven't been told what stage or what kind yet. I'm 27 and this has come as a major shock to my family and I. I'm struggling with how to cope, major low feelings and significant worries about what the future brings, especially given my age. I'm hoping to be provided with some reassurance or advice or tips... or anything lol Thanks so much
New mum struggles just got more challenging
Hi everyone! It’s lovely to meet you all despite this being the location. I was officially diagnosed on Tuesday but I’ve suspected it was breast cancer for over a week since the mood at my biopsy seemed urgent (and extremely sympathetic). I’m 34 years old and first time mum to an awesome little 11 month old boy. I’ve been struggling being the default parent because of the surprisingly small amount of help my partner offers. I thought we’d be more of a team but I let him get away with doing the bare minimum early on and now it’s slipped into a pattern that isn’t sustainable. I struggle with resenting him and it’s definitely affecting our relationship. I feel especially snappy and reactive now. This diagnosis is extra troubling as I have almost lost all faith in him stepping up more. How did others navigate their parenthood and relationship/marriage challenges while dealing with their cancer journey?
What a Whirlwind!
Out of sheer luck I found a suspicious lump on my right breast in early June 2023. I didn’t think much of it, but thought I should have it looked at (as a friend of mine had breast cancer at 23). All I can say is thank god I did because after a mammogram, ultrasound and a painful biopsy I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This all happened 4 days after my 29th birthday and it was an absolute shock to me! My cancer was defined as hormone based, HER- and Grade 3. The days after my diagnosis were an absolute whirlwind! I had multiple tests, appointments and then a full mastectomy of my right breast. As my fiancé and I are yet to have children, I am currently in the process of fertility treatments so I can freeze my eggs. Once this is complete I am looking at 5 months of chemo. I am feeling nervous about chemo because of the side effects it may have on me. I am a primary school teacher and have taken term 3 off from work. I am hoping to return in term 4 on a part time basis, but this will depend on how hard the chemo is on my body and mind. I am hoping to reach out and connect with others (especially young people) with breast cancer near me 💕Feeling alone and scared
I’m 36 with two young kids, newly diagnosed with lobular carcinoma. Have had a single mastectomy with axillary clearance. Pathology report shows 120mm (12cm) tumour (clear margins) and 23 lymph nodes removed, 10 with cancer. Starting 20 weeks of chemo in a couple of weeks, then radio, then hormone therapy (10 years). Doctor and oncologist use the term ‘treating for a cure’ however I’m still afraid about what the lymph node involvement means for my future. Im looking for stories of people in a similar position and how you are looking at the situation and stories of inspiration of people who had lymph node involvement and how they are getting on down the track. Thanks.
Introduction...
hi there, Thought I'd say hi and introduce myself. I am 30 years old and have a 7 year old daughter. I was diagnosed on 27/11/2015. It all still feels very surreal and overwhelming. Doctors think I have Inflamatory Breast Cancer so are treating me for this diagnosis. My treatment plan is 6 rounds of chemo, surgery and then radiation. I meet with the oncologist in the next few days to learn more. I'm still trying to get my head around all the jargon, medical terms and medication names! I'm hoping I can find some support and answers to some of my questions here. Kylie
Young Mum
Hello everyone, I'm so grateful for this online community. It's been an overwhelming time for me. I was diagnosed on the 23/12/22 and had a really tough two weeks as I was unable to access any support just being to the time of year it was. I was breastfeeding my 20 month year old at the time, and didn't feel a lump, but just a weird sensation in my breast at random times during the day. I'm so grateful that my GP took it seriously enough to send me for an US. I have Grade 2 ER+ve, PR +ve 11mm x 4mm in my left breast. I'm 32 years old, and my Mum also has metastatic breast cancer (diagnosed at age 69, now she's 72). That wasn't a fun conversation telling her on Christmas Day. Reading through other people's experiences it seems that going public can be quite slow. I'm also finding that. It took about 5 weeks from me first going to the GP to getting my diagnosis, and I just found out today that my surgery has been pushed back from the 30th Jan to the 3rd of Feb. I understand things happen, but I had already organised childcare for my week post surgery and a friend was coming to stay to give me a hand. I do now get to drop off my son for his first day of kindy the day before surgery, so that's a bonus. I just want to get the treatment started so I can get past this part of life and back to being me. Does anyone have any advice over caring for 2 kids under 5 whilst on this journey? I'm so worried about not being able to be the Mum I want to be.Womanhood when you're diagnosed young
Hi everyone, I'm 34 and recently diagnosed. Last Friday I started chemo after a found of egg freezing. So far I've focused on survival and have been taking things one step at a time but now that treatment has started, I'm thinking about how life will change. Will I still be able to have biological children? And if not, how do I mourn that loss and would I want to adopt? What does this mean for love and sex when I just started a new relationship right before diagnosis? Is anyone else in the same boat? How are you doing?