Breast cancer twice at 36

Hi,

Of course it is OK to ask for some positivity right now. Full disclosure, I have not had a bc diagnosis but I just want you to know that you aren't alone. This pandemic is such an unsettling time - with or without cancer. 

Keep talking to everyone and hug your babies tight. There is so much good in this world, it is just so hard to see it sometimes.

xx

Hi

Firstly you are certainly not alone in this. This forum has a wealth of knowledge and ladies with lots of  different experiences. I know there are at least 2 others on this forum that are around your age and have young children, hopefully they will see your post and respond.

I recently had a mascetomy,  no other choice. But you will get through this . Take one day at a time and  be positive. This forum is available 24/7 and there is usually some night owl to speak to. Alternatively you can ring the Macmillan help line. I have had lots of support in the few weeks since I joined.

Be strong. Available anytime for a chat

Linda x

Hi,

Its a very lonely time at present and you were right to reach out to this wonderful site, and will be well supported by people. 

I had BC 20 months ago and had a Mastectomy, I'm much older than you but, I'm just letting you know a lady I worked with has over the last couple of weeks been diagnosed with a 2nd BC after 3 years, and has undergone a Mastectomy this time for the same breast, she is early 40's.  I think their are a few on here who have had a 2nd diagnosis.  Hopefully you will get some responses from younger ladies. 

I feel for you with such young children, its an awful worry.  You could always ring Macmillan they are wonderful and so patient, I rang a couple of times in the early days as I was so worried.  Also, is your Breast Care Nurse supportive, could you speak to her?

Sending Love. xx

Hello, 

I just read your post, I’m 33 I was diagnosed by TNBC 2019 (Oct ) I’m currently half way through my chemo, I have a weekly treatment of chemo which means having to go through chemo in midst of corona pandemic isn’t helping but to be honest I don’t know which one is worse, but I trust God and I know this too shall pass. We all are going come out of this, please do not worry.

loads of love and hugs 

fellow cancer sufferer xxx 

Hi Syudbx

Just wanted to drop you a note to say you are not alone. I had my first diagnosis at 21, and twenty years later have just received my third. 

There is nothing about this journey that isn't hard, but they will do absolutely everything they can for you. Appreciate what you can, take one step at a time. Stay strong xx

Hey Syudbx, 

So sorry to hear you're having to go through this for a second time! Seems really unfair I'm 33, and was diagnosed with an invasive, grade 3, her2+, oestrogen and progesterone + breast cancer the week before lock down.  Was an almighty shock to the system! Just had my second surgery yesterday to remove some more of the margins on one side and have a portacath fitted. I was a total mess for surgery 1 (very nice anaesthetist had to hold my hand) although slightly redeemed myself yesterday - no hand holding required!

Not started any chemo or radiotherapy although I have been promised it's coming my way soon. I've had genetic testing done to see if BRCA 1 or 2 are involved but thankfully not. I must admit it's playing on my mind that if I've had this bout of cancer this early will I get it again in the future??? 

Sorry, I know you asked for positivity. I've not said much that is positive here but I just wanted to reach out in case it was useful. I don't have kids just two fur babies who hate the smell of the disinfectant when I come home from the hospital and won't give me a hug.  Little traitors. ..

Oh gosh , you’ve been through it too then. Thanks for reaching out.  I hope you’re doing ok - and managing to get treatment etc among the pandemic. 

Did you do genetic testing? I did on my first and it was negative, but it seems so odd to have two primaries in two years and not have a genetic issue. I just want an explanation - do I blame genetics, food, make up... etc!! 

Have each of your diagnosis been separate primaries? Sending positive vibes your way x 

Hi   Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It sucks so much! But, so much positivity out there and so many long term survivors for us to look to!! 

we will probably be going through our chemo at the same time - I’ve not had mine yet but like you, been promised it’s coming!! I didn’t have to have it first time, so I’m slightly petrified! 

Fur babies are up there with the best of them, I have one myself ️x

Thanks, Syudbx.

Yes, three separate primaries. Because of annual monitoring, the last two were caught at the 7mm-ish stage, so felt quite lucky - well, until they announced that after three and because I can't have more radiotherapy it's "definitely time" for a mastectomy. I'm... conflicted, naturally! Probably corona virus did me a favour in giving me more time to think about it - had a lumpectomy last month, so currently in the clear (hurrah!), but with the horrible decision re further surgery 'in a few months' (or, when pandemic dies down, I'm guessing?). 

No family history, so not expecting anything back from the genetics (although I'm pretty sure they did that last time to no result, but humouring them!). 

If anything, I blame stress. Each of mine has followed a hugely stressful event. But, all circumstantial.

Whatever happens, we'll survive it!

Hey Bookish, 

That's really interesting that you say each of your primaries were after stressful events. I've recently had a horrendous time at work where I nearly left due to stress,  (managed to get that sorted out) then had an inspection to deal with where half the staff were crying due to the upset it caused. 

I was beginning to wonder if there was any connection...