I am 25 years old and I recently had screening for a lump in my left breast which doctors etc originally believed to be a Fibroadenoma. Unfortunately I was called into hospital a week early to be told that the ultrasound and the pathology results from my core biopsy were very concerning and that they were shocked due to my age.
Suddenly it felt like the whole day was just running away from me. I had to have further biopsies and a metal coil placed inside of my breast so that the areas can be checked witha mammogram. Considering I hadn’t healed from the first lot and with all of the information being thrown at me at the time from different people in hospital I found it so painful. Even though it was last Thursday I still feel in pain! They did tell me whilst I was having my biopsy that this is probably cancer which is why they are in such a rush to do so many tests in such a short time and they also found another lump in my armpit.
I haven’t been able to sleep and im sick with worry with all of the facts and the things they have said. There is too much for me to take in. I feel guilty for not being able to handle going into work and I’m so worried about what is going to happen. I had thought that if I go intoday I can keep my mind off of things but I couldnt take more than a few hours in the office. Tomorrow I have to go for the results of last Thursday’s tests.I hope this gets easier…
You are in the very worst place at the moment. The two outcomes will be that it is nothing sinister (fingers crossed for that one!) but if it is bad news then do remember that the majority of breast cancers are cured and you will feel much, much better and more in control when you know exactly what you’re dealing with and your treatment plan.
I was 33 when diagnosed last year, but there are other girls in their 20s on here who will be a good support network SHOULD you need it (again, fingers crossed for good results!).
Sorry you are here with us. I am older than you but was diagnosed with BC in december so the initial feelings and shock are still with me.
I know other people offering advice can be annoying so skip this if you want but I would say:
don’t feel guilty if you cannot concentrate on work at this time. Do what you need to do for you, and if that means taking time out then do so.
try and take someone with you when you go for your appointment. It helps because they can listen and take notes. It is really hard to take eveything in at once. If you have questions you want to ask either write them down or make sure the person with you knows what they are (but do be sure you want to know the answer before you ask).
if you have questions or need support, ask here. everyone is very willing to help.
yes it honestly does get easier once you know what is happening and what the treatment plan is.
finally try to take one step at a time. everything can be dealt with in stages, and it honestly is easier if you do. Don’t rush ahead in your mind, and DON’T GOOGLE. There is loads of outdated info on google and if you try and read it all you will find it impossible to work out what is right and wrong, won’t be able to take it all in and scare yourself silly (we have all been there).
I’m sorry to read you are having a such a tough time at the moment. As well as the support you are receiving on here if you want to talk to someone please do give the BCC helpline a call.
The helpline staff will offer you a listening ear and are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 600 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 to 2.00.
I am not sure if I should start another topic in the ‘Diagnosed’ section but I was told yesterday that I definitely do have cancer. It is part grade 1 part/grade 2 and that it is only stage 2 (I hadn’t realised there was a difference between the two.
I was told that I will need an operation and a lymph node removed. I will have radiotherapy for sure and possibly chemotherapy (more than likely) with 5 years of Tamoxifen.
I am hopefully going to be referred to a Fertility specialist… Just waiting to get all of this on track.
Oh, Janck, so, so sorry to hear it is cancer. You will get through it. And if you have to have chemo, it’s not even nearly as bad as you think it will be.
Maybe post on, or have a look through posts in the Younger Women section.