Hi everyone, I’m new to this forum just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully get some positive reassurance.
I’m 27 years old and was diagnosed on the 19th June. I was initially diagnosed with aggressive TNBC but after further tests on the biopsy’s I’ve been told it’s 1-10% ER+ , they say this is a good thing as they can use hormone treatment after, chemo, surgery and radio. However they’re still treating me as TNBC.
I had my genetics results within a week of diagnosis and they came back BRCA2 positive.
I’ve just had chemo number 8/16 and all being well I should be having my last on the 21st November with double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery hopefully before Christmas.
I started chemo within 3 weeks of diagnosis so I did not have the opportunity to do anything fertility wise, my oncologist strongly advised that I was to start chemotherapy straight away, and since fertility would have taken 4-5 weeks for even one cycle I had no choice in the matter
The only thing I was offered was Zoladex, so hoping that it is going to help in some way…
The question i wanted to ask was if anyone here has been or is in, a similar situation and if so have you had a positive outcome fertility wise? I’m concerned that since I wasn’t able to salvage any of my eggs before chemo that I have no chance after all of this…
I am so sorry to hear you have cancer at such a young age. My heart goes out to you sister.
Its positive, you have Er + and they know your genetics. There are so many treatments now for TNBC and catching it early is fantastic. Just take one day at a time.
I was diagnosed at 49 stage 4-de nova unfortunately spread into my bones and liver and lung. I treat it as a chronic illness, i am on my 2nd clinical trial now as i have a certain mutation pik3ca.
I am sorry i cant give you the advice on fertility, hopefully someone on here could give you some information. Trust your medical team as they have it in hand, but never be afraid to ask questions and write down notes. I know its hard not to worry, if you can just try a gentle walk even if its 5 minutes, eat healthy, but make sure you treat yourself too. Self care is important.
I was on zoledex for a year, but then i opted for an oophorectomy because of my age. I never got any side effects from zoledex very tolerable.
Be strong lovely as much as you can, its ok though to screem and shout, if you need to talk i am hear to listen. I am from the UK but i live in Australia. This site is amazing and so much support. I hope someone can answer more of your questions, but i am here for moral support 🩷🩷xx
Hi dear, I’m sorry you and we are in this situation I am with you wholeheartedly and wish you an easy course with treatment. Stay positive and think of beautiful things you have in the current day, and thanks for the day that has passed, after day by day it will be better. All my best and don’t hesitate to write here whatever you have at the moment, I’m sure the girls here will show support and understanding.
Hey @michaela1, I’m 29 and was diagnosed in May. So sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but I hope treatment is going well and it sounds like your oncologist has a good plan. I didn’t have IVF before starting chemo, I was very anxious to get started as quickly as possible. My oncologist said Zoladex protects the ovaries from the harsh effects of chemo for many women, especially women who are younger. I also have a family friend who was diagnosed at 30, didn’t have IVF but had Zoladex injections throughout chemo and 3 years after chemo has given birth to a lovely healthy baby boy. There are no guarantees in life, but focus on taking things day by day and try not to think too far into the future at the moment. Make sure you treat yourself and look after yourself during this process xxx
I was diagnosed last April at 24. ER PR + with 2 of 3 node postive for cancer.
I decided to have a right mastectomy which found my lymphnode involvement. I had signed most of the documents for egg freezing when I found out I had 2 nodes postive for cancer and like yourself was going to be 3-4 weeks before we could start so I started chemo in the July.
I was put onto Zodalex and Tamoxifen in the June to help protect my ovaries. Im due to finish the zodalex next June 2024 and its all just a waiting game to see if my periods come back and will be able to have children.
Its all alot to take in and deal with.
Im now 26, Ive Have had my left breast removed for preventive measures although no gene, also I’m living flat as I decided agaisnt reconstruction due to all my healing issues just from the surgeries.
Have you tried using the search option to read other threads? Just having a look theres a few and might be of some help to you.
Also when I shared my diagnosis last year an old school friend who had ovarian cancer reached out. If she had listened to her oncologist about removing her ovaries she wouldnt have her beautiful little girl who last month turned 1! So there is always hope!!!
Hi Michaela,
sorry to hear of your diagnosis and wish you well going through all of your treatments.
A family member of mine had a similar diagnosis to yourself at age 32, she underwent lumpectomy chemo and radiotherapy and I’m happy to say that now only three years on she has a healthy baby! I know everyone and every case is so individual but I hope this gives you some comfort to know that it is possible!
I send you all good wishes for the future xx
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis, my daughter is 26 and they believe there could be a genetic risk, I’m awaiting tests. She has already seen a breast surgeon before I was diagnosed and they said she was ok and the symptoms she was getting was normal. Not sure how you were treated but it was as if they don’t believe young women get cancer.
Kris Hallenga started Coppa Feel charity to encourage young women to get checked if they have symptoms as she was diagnosed at the age of 23.
I wish you all the best with your treatment, just take it a day at a time. I’m 54 and have bi lateral invasive breast cancer Er+ and HER+, had bi lateral lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, now having 12 weeks Paclitaxel with 3 weekly Herceptin, moving forward Tamoxifen or letrozole and Zolendrinc acid infusions for bone marrow. It can be over whelming but if you do a day at a time it helps.
Please look at these charities for help, support and some freebies.
https://pennybrohn.org.uk/ They will pay your subscription for Headspace app (mindfulness) if you do the trial. I’ve found it helpful with daily tasks and good when I have insomnia.
I had breast cancer 23 yrs ago was given zoladex injections and tamoxifen.
At 49 I had many yrs before had endometriosis operation removed 1 and 31/4 of the other ovary .
After my chemo he said you probably won’t see another period again .finished treatment and periods were back .
Wishing you all the luck in the world .
I had breast cancer in 2009 when I was 37. I’d just had a round of IVF with no eggs saved so I couldn’t have fertility treatment. I went on to have three rounds of IVF 2 years after my cancer treatment - in 2011 and gave birth to a healthy baby boy in 2012. The IVF was due to my husband’s fertility issues, I’ve heard of others getting pregnant naturally. My son is now 11. I had zoladex treatments and was ER+,PR+, HEr2+ and had chemo, surgery, radio, a year of herceptin and 10 years tamoxifen. I stopped the tamoxifen for a year or so to try to get pregnant. The tests I had at the fertility clinic suggested I was unlikely to respond to IVF post chemo. I was ten years older than you, all indications were poor but I had a successful pregnancy. It can happen and your age is in your favour. I started this post on an American breast cancer help site (I felt in the minority so thought the USA would have more women in my situation Coming off tamoxifen early to have a baby — Breastcancer.org) it’s been going about 14 years now and may be helpful. Wishing you luck as you go through this. Take care, sending you a big hug Lisa xx
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for that, followed the thread you sent, very reassuring to hear positive stories on there. Really appreciate it and glad you sent me it on
Hello Michaela
I’m sorry you find yourself in this position, but there are many positive stories of successful pregnancies after chemo for breast cancer. I’m not sure if you’re aware of the Facebook support group for younger women diagnosed with cancer? There is a special fertility sub-group with others in a similar situation Everyone within the groups is so understanding - as they are in this forum. I can send you details on how to join if you want to pm me?
