26 years old diagnosed 10th March

Oh bless you. I am so sorry about your diagnosis, and to read how young you are. Yes, it is very scary, and the waiting is horrid. Sometimes it can help to link up with people who are in a similar position as you, and who you can relate to. I remember when I was diagnosed in 2021 (I’m a lot older than you) I joined online groups with a charity called ‘Look Good, Feel Better’. They are a fantastic charity, and I remember there being several young women on the sessions (they are online). This won’t make it less scary, but you might feel less alone. I didn’t have HER2+ breast cancer, but I have two friends who did. They are both clear now - one had lymph node involvement. The treatments have advanced considerably in recent years. I’m sure that others will come on with supportive comments. Xx 

I am so sorry you find yourself here. It will become easier once you have a treatment plan. Looking at your name, I am guessing you enjoy sea swimming. My big tip would be to request a portacath for your chemo at the first opportunity you get. They sit under the skin, hence once healed, you can swim. Vital for mental health. Otherwise they will probably schedule you for an PICC line, which you can’t get wet.  All the best. 

Hi seaswimmer321 and another warm welcome to the forum. Sorry you find yourself here, but hopefully you’ll find it a great place for support and shared experiences. It’s a horrible stage, waiting for results and to know what your treatment plan will be, truly tortuous. Somehow you have to get through these long days and get to the point where you at least know what’s ahead. Good advice already from the lovely folk here.
I didn’t have chemo so can’t advise re that plus had a different type of cancer, but wanted to share the story of a lovely friend of mine (she’s not on this forum so can’t tag her.). She had the same type of breast cancer as you and also had lymph node involvement. She had chemo, surgery and radiotherapy over 15 years ago and is still clear. And treatments are advancing all the time. Wishing you well and sending a big virtual hug your way, HFxx

Hi there really sorry you have to find yourself here but I've had her2 positive with a lymph node involved too I had 7 rounds of chemo first then surgery now awaiting radiotherapy and on hormone blocker letrozole the most important thing is to stay positive take someone with you on appointments as its hard to take all the info in you will  breast care nurses are amazing always take your medication even if you think your ok its really important especially when on chemo and keep a diary of how you feel each time you go so you can look back and you can see if you felt like that and also you can talk it over with oncology and the team when you see them you will come out the other side I know everything is daunting and scary I'm still here I started my journey July 22 I've got rid of my tumour and  just got radiotherapy take care wishing you the best care xx

Hello seaswimmer321 

I had her2 positive,  diagnosed in Oct 2019. I had 2 lumps and lymph nodes involved.  I'm still here thriving and living life. I was petrified too, totally beside myself.  I'll help you if you want me to. The treatment is there to help you get better .Julie x 

( I'm older than you, diagnosed at 54)

Hi. Thank you for responding. I am currently awaiting my oncology appointment on 4th. Just feels awful being stuck in limbo. They did say they will probably go chemo first then surgery. Xx

Hi Seaswimmer

My name is Jemma I am 32 and I was diagnosed on the 13 febuary with triple negative breast cancer, stage 1 grade 3. 

I am 3 weeks into a 12 week treatment of paclitaxel, carboplatin and immunotherapy pembrolizumab. I am also having ovarian suppression and will experience the menopause. 

Then I think have 4 cycles of EC before surgery more immunotherapy plus or minus radiotherapy. 

I felt much better once I knew what my treatment plan was and your oncologist will go through all of this with you.

I agree with other comments. Explore your options for a portacath so that you can continue your hobbies. 

It's a long treatment process but there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

Everyone I have spoken to have quite varied treatment plans. We are all on our own journey and will all experience things differently. 

I am feeling very determined and have so far only had minor manageable side effects from my treatment. I am aware this may change. 

I haven't met many other women my age so if you would like to chat more I would be very happy to. 

I wish you all the very best of luck

Jem

Hi seaswimmer321

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  It's perfectly understandable that you are scared but know that breast cancer is very treatable these days.  I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer over two years ago and after having chemo, surgery and radiotherapy I am now in remission for the last two years.

There is a breast cancer forum for the under 50's if you'd like to join that also.  Here's the link: (+) Breast cancer for the under-50s forum - Macmillan Online Community.

Wishing you the best of luck with your treatment when it starts

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hello, seaswimmer321 

Yes, they did chemo first for me. Often the chemo kills all the cancer and they will have a good idea how it's worked if the do chemo first. Look after yourself,  sleep as much as you can and drink lots of water after each chemo session and let it do its job.

J xxx