I have been diagnosed at 29 with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Suppose it’s all still sinking in. With 2 young children would be good to talk to anyone who has been through the process or embarking on it. I’ll be starting chemo 6-8 cycles, radiation and then surgery. I have a good support but really am unsure how it’s going to be. Any advice welcome xxxx
Hi Alexandra!
I am older than you but have the same cancer!
I have had a lumpectomy but have to go back into hospital on Wednesday as a small trace was found on sentinel node so I am going to have lymph nodes removed!
I am probably going to have chemo and definitely radio and tamoxifen!
It’s all a shock when it happens but it is treatable and curable!
Just a blip!
Sandra x
Welcome to the forum, Alexandra, but sorry to see you here.
Diagnosis is always such a shock, but there is loads of support here from those of us who are where you are now or further down the road.
I didn’t need chemo, but there are many others, including younger women like yourself who are going through the same, who will be along shortly.
Also, if you haven’t already, do look at the ‘going through treatment’ board where you’ll see the ‘chemotherapy’ thread as well as the ‘monthly chemo threads’ where you can chat to others going through what you are, as well as those further on with treatment.
take care
ann x
Hi Alexandra, I also have stage 2 IDC. I am quite a bit older than you at 44. My tumour was Grade 2, ER+. I had a lumpectomy in February and the tumour was 21mm when removed and I had clear margins. However some cancer cells were found in 2 out of the 3 lymph nodes removed so chemotherapy was recommended. I have already had 3 x FEC chemos and have 3 x Docetaxol chemos still to go. I’ve had some side effects but it is do-able and I’ve managed to still keep working. My daughter is 20 though so completely independent. After chemo I will be having radiotherapy to both breast and armpit, then Tamoxifen for 10 years. The early days are the worst but once you have a treatment plan in place it does get easier. Good luck with your treatment xx
Hi Alex, all of us on here have been where you are now, so lots of help and advice for you when needed.
I am a great deal older than you, but have had a lumpectomy and total lymph node exision as 50% of them showed signs of cancer. I’m looking at six lots of chemo over five months, plus 22 radiotherapy sessions. We are all different, and the treatment is tailored by our medical teams to help us beat the nasties to death!
I’m sure you will get responses from those members who are doing the treatment in your order. I guess your Mr. Nasty is large, so it needs to be shrunk to ensure the minimal amount of breast tissue is removed?
When you feel a bit more organised you may think of more specific things you want to know. Just ask on here and everyone will help. It’s a wonderful forum. Please do not Google , this is the place for facts and help. Good luck. X
Hi Alexandra, sorry to hear of your diagnosis and welcome to our club which no one wants to be in but we support each other really nicely here. I am 48 with “kids” in University and have stage 2 invasive locally advanced bc including 4 local nodes. The tumour is too large for surgery and has diffuse margins and also because of lymph node involvement I have to have 8 rounds of chemo first. I had my first chemo on Thursday, so today is day 3. I have been really well and haven’t been sick. I took all of the anti sickness pills as instructed, drank plenty of water and ate little, healthy and often and have managed to dodge side effects. I just had a light headed/spaced out feeling and some tenderness in my bladder, so the water is important to flush out the bladder and kidneys.
Its hard when you’re just diagnosed (like being hit by a truck) and waiting for all of the scan results is a very anxious time. I distracted myself with nutrition to get healthy for treatment helped and coming on this forum has been really, really helpful. The first two weeks, I made myself ill with anxiety and then realised that being positive was better for my health.
hope this helps you to feel less alone and do take care. Xx
Yes the tumour is 5cm and can honestly say it came up during my period. In her2 positive. I have my Mri on wedneaday. Considering the news I’m doing good. It’s strange to say I was at a good point in my life and feeling the best I’ve felt and then along came the nasty to put a hurdle in my journey. My mother in law was diagnosed 3 months ago and is 50. Her treatment is slightly different also and also her cancer is not ductal. At the moment my nodes look good from the ultrasound but I’m sure the Mri will show the extent of the cancer fully. I’m prepared for a heavy treatment and also prepared to have my full breast removed. I know people deal differently and it’s very new but I’m doing good. Obviously I’ve had a few tears with the why me and why now etc. In glad I found it and I’m glad I went and got it Checked out. It’s great you are dealing with the chemo well. I’m hoping I will also be able to get through it with the positivity you have. Nice to know I’m not alone whatever the age we still have to go through the treatments . I’m fortunate I have a good family and 2 beautiful daughters. I just want the process to be easy on them as I do worry how it will be with then around. X