I’m 32 and I was just diagnosed with triple positive, grade 2 IDC. I just got a PET/CT which showed that I likely have 2 metastases on my spine. Is there any hope for me? I can’t believe this is happening. I feel like my life just started. They just posted my results online without having anyone to talk to about it.
You are not alone in this and I’m so sorry you got this news on-line instead of in person. I wish I knew of something to write that would take this away from you. But you will get to speak with someone soon, probably tomorrow, and that person will be able to answer your questions. And yes, there’s real hope because a treatment plan is coming up. All this testing is to get you to the best treatment plan possible. All my thoughts and well wishes are your’s tonight but before this diagnosis you felt strong and you felt healthy, and you are young. Those aren’t lies your body is telling you. You are more than whatever this cancer is.
Wait until you have further tests before assuming anything. These scans are not 100% accurate and need to be confirmed with other evidence. These tests can be painful so find out all you can about them and ask for suitable pain relief.
If you do find you have cancer in other areas there are treatments available to help people live better for longer. I read a book years ago by Jane Tomlinson who first was diagnosed aged 26 with two children. She had treatment, had another child, and was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. She concentrated on being as healthy and pain free as she could, continued to work as a radiographer working with children. She was someone who I ended up admiring a lot after thinking how irritatingly saintly she appeared to be. It’s grim to be 32 and diagnosed with breast cancer of any type, but I believe you can only live one day at a time, and don’t put off living the best life you can, do it now. Tell the medics off for giving you this information in such an unthinking way, it will help other patients. Keep feeding back on what is good and what is bad about the way they give information to you. All the best Seagulls.