Hi everyone. I’m 32 and on the 18th August I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma with cancer cells in my lymph nodes. ER positive and PR positive, HER2 negative. Currently waiting for CT results to see if it’s spread and my mammogram results to check the other breast. I’m due to got back on the 2nd September for the results and the next steps. Every pain I feel has me terrified that it’s cancer. Not helped by the fact my sisters mother in law died in January from the exact same breast cancer I have (hers was stage 4 by the time they found it and had spread to her lungs)
My oncologist is confident that if it hasn’t spread they can cure me but I’m so scared of the future. Potentially losing my breasts and my fertility as I’m going to have to go on hormone blockers. I’ve read that they can cause early menopause. I always wanted to wait to have kids until I was older and more mature and now that choice may be taken away from me.
I’m also a full time carer for my disabled partner and currently feel useless, and so scared about what happens to her if something happens to me. I’m so drained all the time the smallest tasks take it out of me. My cleaning is being neglected and I have nobody to help me with household chores. My partner does what she can but limited mobility restricts her.
I just keep being told I’m so young to have breast cancer, has any one of a similar age been through it?
Hi Jasmin
I am sorry you are going through this. It’s a lot to process especially at an age where you weren’t expecting this. Please do talk to your oncologist about how best to preserve your fertility. It’s not a given that you will need chemo and I would hope that hormone treatment can be tailored around your needs.
I think when you have a diagnosis like this, your brain becomes very good at identifying little things and thinking the worst. Once you have confirmation it hadn’t spread, you will probably feel better. Your story isn’t hour sister’s MIL’s story.
Don’t worry about the chores, they can wait until you have a bit more energy. I can’t tell you it will be ok - but most people are successfully treated and return to a full life.
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I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
