Hi I'm new to MacMillan. I was just diagnosed with cancer and it's completely turned my word upside down. I just feel numb and not really sure what to say or do.
I'm only 21 but I've just been diagnosed with stage 3c breast cancer, unusual for my age the oncologist said but becoming a more frequent occurrence in recent years. The cancer diagnosis just blew my mind. When I first noticed my symptoms cancer was furthest from my mind. I never thought it would be that. I've always associated it with weight loss and tiredness.
I'm waiting to hear what happens next and what my treatment plan will be. It's an aggressive cancer so they're thinking chemo and then surgery if it's effective, and immunotherapy if it doesn't respond like they're hoping for. I should hear from the specialist soon about all the details what the treatment plan is. I'm terrified about that as I've heard how gruelling treatment is for a lot of people but I'm keeping my fingers crossed it will be ok. They said I have youth on my side and it will help me with the treatment.
I do have hope at least and I'm clinging on to it for dear life.
I hope I haven't said too much here. I just wasn't sure where else I could really go to talk about everything. It's so much all at once to take in and try to understand and I have given myself a headache a few times trying to make sense of it all.I'm hoping being here will help me come to terms with what's happening and give me a better understanding of what's going to happen over the next couple of months.
Hi Princesss and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Breast Cancer support groups. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the groups click on these links 
Breast cancer for the under-50s
…… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page and putting
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
