Ladies in their 30s
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Michelle, don't worry about the Herceptin alone- it's a piece of cake as far as s/e's go- really none at all for myself or anyone I've talked to.
I totally understand the thing about looking at pictures from last year...
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I am 34 and I have just been diagnosed. I have an amazing husband and 3 children ages 7, 5 and 3. I haven't begun treatment yet and I am already so tired and naseous. I don't know how I am going to do it when I am actually in treatment.
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Hi Karebear! I'm so sorry you find yourself here. But many of us have found this site to be a God send, so come here often with questions and concerns. The beginning is the hardest...you are so overwhelmed with gathering information, making appointments, etc., so hang in there. It will get easier once you know exactly what you're dealing with and have a plan of attack put in place.
I was diagnosed (DX) at 38, and my kids were also 7 & 5. Trying to figure out how to tell them and what to tell them without excessivly scaring them was difficult, but we worked it out. Feel free to PM me (private message) with any questions. I'd love to help you if I can.
I'm sure there will be many other 30-somethings that will chime in to offer support.
Keep us posted! Hugs to you,
Sherrill
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Karebear, everything you're feeling is completely normal. Don't worry, it all settles down. It's wonderful that you have a great husband, that will be very important as you go through treatments. Some women don't have to do chemo- you may be one of the lucky ones. Even if you do, most of us didn't find it to be as awful as we thought it would be. Right now, take one day at a time and ask lots of questions. Read and become familiar with as much information as you can. You are your own best advocate!
Hope to hear from you again soon. (((Hugs!)))
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Karebear,
Just finished my chemo and I know how you are feeling - like most of us I am sure. I was diagnosed at 36 with a 3 and 5 year old. Crazy summer, lots of opinions and appointments. Glad to be finishing active chemo. Ask questions and try to make decisions that fit you and your life. It can be hard but once everything is in motion, it gets easier. It is nice to have a plan and feel like you are doing something about it. If you need to talk, feel free to PM me.
Hugs,
Michelle
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Thank you for all of your support. I am so glad I found this board. It has helped a lot already with the grieving process. Knowing and feeling that I am not alone in this fight will help me come thru stronger on the other side.
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Hello 30s gals sorry to have been such a stranger! My daughter and I have both been sick these last couple of weeks. Just wanted to drop in and say hello and let you know that my CT scan was clear clear! Just watching a small place on my lung but no biggie! I hope everyone is well. It's going to take me a while to catch up on all the post whew!!!!!
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Tiffany, Congratulations!! That's such great news!! What a relief- thanks for sharing
We had the bugs circulating around the house here for a few weeks too, thank goodness that's behind us. Finally everyone is well! Glad you're on the mend too.
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Tiffany! That is such great news!!!!! Congratulations!!
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Hi, I'm glad I finally found this thread. I'm Heather, 33, was diagnosed with Stage 2a ductal carcinoma, tumor was 4.5 cm, Grade 3 ER+ (10%) on July 23 of this year, Since September 2, I have been undergoing chemotherapy.... first four treatments were AC, have completed one treatment of Taxotere with severe side effects. 3 more to go, Now at home resting because my last doctor's appt I had a very low white blood cell count, so I have started antibiotics. Cant go back to work yet, not that I mind! Need some friends my age with cancer, everyone I encounter is much older.
I will be having a double masectomy and reconstruction after chemo is complete, my last treatment is January 27.
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Hi Heather, welcome to the club
! Sorry you're having a hard time with the Taxotere, that was tough on me too. My friend that did AC-T had such a hard time with it that she changed to weekly Taxol instead and it went much better for her after that. Just something to keep in the back of your mind if it continues to be severe. Yep, if you can't work you might as well be at home for the holidays, right?! Sorry you have to be feeling crappy right now though.
I had a Herceptin treatment yesterday and as I was looking around the infusin room I was thinking that the median age was about 65. It's nice to come here and gab with the girls, but I'm just waaaayyy too young to have c-a-n-c-e-r!!
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On another note, I'm so sad that Elizabeth Edwards passed away today. And I really hate that a**hole she was still married too. Wow, what incredible grace and class she carried herself with. Guess I'm a big b*tch- I would've given him and his gross girlfriend a piece of my mind.
I'd like to believe he feels like a world-class turd, but guys like that don't seem to have much remorse. He's probably happy to be able to go on with his life.
Elizabeth must have been purely thinking of her children since their father is now the only parent they have left. Poor kids.
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Usually i dont get scared of Bc and thats it happening to me. As i always think positive. But stories like this Elizabeth lady (dont know who she is and what she went through) but its scares me that it took her life away. What i dont understand is once your in the clear dont u get regular check ups to monitor trace cells growing elsewhere?
I actually cried yesterday and was thinking the worst, i prayed that i live till an old lady and see my grandkids. I dont want to die !!!!
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on another note, i was told yesterday that they rejected my proposal to have genetic testing done because theres is no family history!
how sad is that!!!
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(((HUGS))) redninrah. I am sorry they denied the genetic testing. We need to stay strong and positive. As soon as those bad thoughts creep in and take over you are going to get weaker. The best thing you can do is lean on those around you, God and just take each moment at a time. Stay positive dear lady. We will beat this!!
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Lady M - I was very sad to read about Elizabeth Edwards. I'm so sad for her children. I was putting my daughter to bed last night and thinking about all the children in the world that are going to bed that have lost a mother to this disease. So much money spent on research . . . .
Redinrah - Can you do an appeal for genetic testing? I "thought" that if you are under 40 diagnosed with BC that it qualifies you for genetic testing. To answer your question about trace cells - there are tumor marker tests that do check for cells, but those tests are often unreliable. Scans are done with symptoms - I believe that is how Elizabeth Edwards mets were discovered - she had pain in her ribs a few years back.
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I'll join in, was diagnosed at 39 (now am 40, spent my 40th in chemo!)
Lady_Madonna,I like your style. In_cognito! Great to see you!
I really need the support of younger women. We have so many issues that are entirely specific to US. I am struggling tremendously with the chemopause, and hoping my cycle returns.
My hospital does not do tumor markers for early BC, as well as scans. They say it won't show anything early anyway. That's fine with me, since the scans seem to precipitate cancer, too. In_cognito has it 100% right--cancer is a devilishly elusive disease. It's why I take such offense to friends asking if I'm "all clear" or "cured". Cancer just doesn't work that way.
Regarding all the supplements et al, I'm sure you all saw the latest on Vitamin D, too. I believe the supplements are just like the allopathic meds. We were never meant to megadose on anything,and when we do, it has consequences. I'm keeping it simple. Will be doing D until my numbers are where I want them, fish oil, and perhaps iodine. I also don't want to be a walking medicine cabinet--the Tamox is going to cause enough trouble as is.
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MHP - So good to see you! What is the latest on Vitamin D now? I am behind the times . . .0
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Lady Madonna Thank you. I will keep in mind about the Taxol. I hope that the dose wil be much reduced next week. I go to local place that has many programs for all cancer patients (Stewarts Caring Place), and every time I attend a program, I most often the youngest in the room. It's hard to compare symptoms and treatments with someone who isn't your age.
Can someone tell me why I still get periods? I was looking forward to a break, and they end up being longer than before. I had been on birth control since I was 19, but had to quit becasue of BC. None of the other PMS symptoms though, so i cant complain. Now my husband will probably get a vesectomy ( he's a little gun shy, pun intended), but neither of us wants kids.
Another question, my ONC prescribed Majic mouthwash, but it still isnt cutting it with the mouth throat, esopahgus scars, any suggestions?
anyway, I'm back to work tomorrow for two days, then back next week through Wednesday, then treatment
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I keep seeing you all mention not having your period during chemo. Is that usually how it is??? I have my biopsy tomorrow afternoon. I am nervous about it to say the least. Then next week we should hear and the way my dr sounded, chemo will quickly follow.
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Redninrah, in_cognito had a good point about the genetic testing- when you're under 40 you have one "strike" for genetic testing. I think they usually look for a second one. So if they don't want to cover you, LIE. Tell them your sister-mother-aunt-grandmother was just diagnosed with breast cancer. They can't verify this because it's a violation of HIPPA. Now you have two "strikes" and they need to test you. I had to be tested because my dad is adopted and I know nothing about that side of the family, and on my mom's side my 41 year old cousin has breast cancer (diagnosed at 38, same age as me.) If for whatever reason you don't end up being tested take heart in the fact that it's highly unlikely that you're BRCA+. But I understand wanting to know- I certainly did. Sometimes I hate insurance companies.
MHP70, welcome and happy belated birthday! What a way to celebrate
I've been done with chemo for almost six months now and no sign of my period returning but I'm sure it will eventually. My husband is an OB/GYN and he assures me that it will. I'm in no hurry! Skydiamond, not sure why you're having periods all thru chemo but it's not unheard of. That stinks. Has your onc done estrogen level testing? Actually it probably doesn't matter- you're on a good, strong chemo. And then you'll have Tamox afterwards. Wish I had another suggestion for the mouth sores but the MM worked great for me. I only had trouble days 2-4 tho.
Oh ladies... I'm so glad we have each other to talk to, share with- maybe even laugh once in a while. This is a scary, wild, sometimes heart-breaking roller coaster we're on. Yes, every time a sister loses her battle it inevitably leads to "What if my cancer comes back? OMG- that could be me!" We've gotta stay positive- karebear/kerri is right! We really got dealt the crappy hand- we're not 60-70 and dealing with this...we're in the prime of our lives. We should only be thinking about blossing into the women we were meant to be, the ones who struggled thru their 20's and finally figured it out in their 30's (ok, I didn't exactly figure everything out...but I'm much happier in my 30's than my 20's!
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Hello. Just joined the conversation. I was recently diagnosed for the second time. Good news is that it is a second-primary, and not a recurrence. The first go-round was 10 years ago. I am only 39 now. So... I will have a SNB on Tuesday the 14th. A PET scan the next week, and should start chemo in Jan. It worked for me once, I'm sure it will again. I have a great husband and 3 boys that ok too. Number 3 is only 8 1/2. I did go through menopause... but obviously came out of it, and 5 months later..."SURPRIZE!!" He was healthy and so was I. The Drs. didn't know what to expect, but everything went off without a hitch. Now here we are 10 years cancer free... doing it again. Oh well...
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Lady_Madonna, that is good news from your husband. I really don't think it's good, even if it's more estrogenic, for us to be in menopause so young.
Today, I start my first Tamoxifen. Gals, I'm scared,there's no two ways about it. This has been a long and harrowing road. Didn't sleep much last night.
In_cognito, the latest reports are megadosing on Vitamin D may be dangerous, and they have no long-term studies on what taking high-doses could do. I can't say I'm surprised, but as a breast cancer patient, I'm pushing forward with higher D. There does seem to be a real cause and effect with that one. Mine was 17 at diagnosis.
Bonitamagic, your attitude is amazing. Congratulations on those ten years, and congrats it is a second primary! Life is such a mystery, both good and bad, and you really seem equipped to take this on with your family at your side.
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Lady Madonna- ya i will speak with my onc. Its been two weeks since ive done chemo, im still so weak. My bones hurt here and there............i start radiation in January. My hair is starting to grow back.
im just so tired still. My husband said i have started snoring since chemo, hahaha how do i stop!!!
ive been getting headaches since the last 4 days...........
Life hey!!!
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I am headed in for my biopsy today at 1. I am very nervous. It is the fear of the unknown.
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Kerri- Good luck with your biopsy. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I remember this time just like it was yesterday. My heart aches for you. Just know that once you have your full diagnosis you can put a plan in place and it really does get better. There's something about knowing exactly what you're dealing with and being able to hit it head on that's comforting. We'll all be there with you in spirit. Think of all the sisters there surrounding you and stay strong.
(((Hugs)))
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bonitamagic, what a bummer to be going thru this again. What a relief that it's a new primary. Chemo again...ugh. I'm so sorry. How wonderful that you have a healthy little boy after treatment. So many on here are hopeful- they will be happy to hear this!
You have a great attitude for round #2. Will you have to have a mastectomy now? How does a new primary change their approach? You can't do rads again. And you're still so young. Crap. Did you take Tamox? Sorry for all the questions. You know, it's just so frustrating to see young sisters like you going thru this again after treatment.
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Hey Lady M,
No on the mastectomy. This time it is actually in the other breast. It's just as if this were my first bout with the big C. So chance of recurrence is 50/50 if I have conservation or mastectomy. Yes on the radiation. (other boob) Did not do Tamox last time, markers were -,-,-. This time they are +,+,(still cooking). We should know tomorrow about the HER2. I don't mind questions at all. (Ask me ANYTHING.) We actually did the math and if we are correct I am 1 in 2.5 million. To have breast cancer before the age of 30 is VERY rare. To have it before 40 is uncommon. To have it before 30, then AGAIN (10 years later with a second primary) is almost unheard of. Chances of it happening to me are 100% (now.) But we're ready to deal with it. : ))
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Hey karebear,
I hope it went well today. As far as Menopause goes my Dr. told me that about 1/2 the women under 40, do go through it. And about half of them stay there. I was lucky... I went through it, came out, and had a baby shortly after. (That is not advisable, due to the extra increase in hormones.) We were totally shocked!!! We were lucky that there were no complications with me or the baby. That was almost 9 years ago, and he is a perfect specimen of a human being. (no medical or mental problems) (personality is another story LOL) Good Luck!!!!
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Bonita- Now I'm even more impressed! You beat the big TN!! 1 in 2.5 million- wow, you hit the lotto!!! LOL!
You're attitude is great. I've managed to stay (mostly) positive. This last week has been tough. Rock on!!!
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