Diagnosed as a younger woman

Hi party_fairy  (great name!)

Sorry that you find yourself here. It's good news that you have been checked frequently and that the routine mammogram picked up the DCIS - although you never wanted it, it's definitely better to know isn't it?

One of the best things is that it is DCIS which is stage 0, so although you have it and I am sure, you will have treatment, it's fantastic news that it's not developed into cancer.

I saw on the news on TV the other day about a new drug being made available for ladies with BRCA gene, which if you do have this gene mutation, it is another positive.  Things have developed in the world of breast cancer since your Grandmother first had it and, as you say, your Mother is still fighting fit. 

It's awful to be told that you have cancer and I do feel for you.  At any age it's a massive shock, but especially when you're still young. (I was diagnosed at 51 and my oncologist called me young then - I could have kissed him, lol). The emotions you are feeling are pretty normal for any woman being diagnosed at any age, so don't beat yourself up for feeling them.  Are you able to talk to your mother about how you are feeling as I expect she went through the same feelings herself.  If you'd rather not, then this forum is a great place to vent and get advice from other ladies.

There is a group for the under 50's (stay on this one too as it's obviously not as busy).  Here's the link to the under 50's group.

Kindest Wishes, Lesley

I was 49 when I found symptoms and just 50 when I was diagnosed, so 10 year being you. Saying that, I still felt really cheated and went through all sorts of emotions including whether I had somehow caused it myself! It's really tough, but you've caught it early which is great news. Treatment is also very doable and I'm now fitter and lighter at 51 than I was at 41, so not all bad.

Take care xxx

*behind, not being ;-)

Hi,

So sorry this has happened to you. Must have been so awful finding out attourfirst mammogram.  Just goes to show how important it is that they do them younger for people with a family history.  I was diagnosed at 34 so completely relate to how much of a shock it is to find something like this out at a younger age.  I did a younger women together 4 week online course with breast cancer now.  If you go on their website you may be able to find it. I found that and also the someone like me service where a volunteer with a similar situation to you calls you, very helpful. 

X

I was diagnosed in 2021 aged 35 so I can relate to how you're feeling, especially being cheated by life! When I was first diagnosed I would go for walks and look at people enjoying their 'normal' lives and felt sad that I would never be as care free as them again. Time does make it better and now I don't have any of that sadness anymore and I'm very happy with my 'new normal' life. While it is really awful to have cancer affect you and so many people in your family and to overcome this great shock at such a young age, hopefully having proof that your mum is fit and healthy after her diagnosis gives a lot of hope that there is a normal life after. I'm sure she will be a great support to you too and it will be nice to have someone close who 'gets' what you're going through.

I was diagnosed as having a BRCA1 mutation last year, and as such, when I finished chemo and radiotherapy treatment, I started on olaparib/Lynparza which is a targeted therapy (4 tablets a day for a year, I'm due to stop in the next few weeks) and this has helped me to feel more confident that cancer will not be part of my future! I live in France, so the drug was approved here last year, but it's just been approved in the UK for early stage breast cancer patients with HER2 negative tumours and BRCA1/2 mutations (this is the one that Lesley was referring to). Depending on your tumour type and genetic results, it could potentially be suitable for you.

Having been in a similar situation myself, if I can help in anyway don't hesitate to get in touch!

Wishing you the best of luck with your journey ahead and there's no reason why you cannot still achieve all your life and careers plans. There might be a little detour along the way, but all being well, you'll soon be back on track ;)

Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to comment and share their positive stories, I have so many big feelings still at the moment but your comments are all so helpful and supportive x