But, I am still young...

Peglove, you will be OK because whatever happens with this cancer, you have a strong spirit and a supportive husband.  I wish I could promise you that with minimal treatment this cancer will go away and you'll never have to be concerned again, but no one can do that.  You'll probably have to wait to find out more about how aggressive this cancer is and what treatment you will need.  I can tell you that you will find the courage you need to do whatever needs to be done so that you can continue teaching 10th graders, travel with your husband and live a fulfilling life.

 

Although there are some risk factors that we can control when it comes to breast cancer, like not smoking, there are more that we cannot control.  Many women, like myself, are considered at low risk for breast cancer right up to the day they get their diagnosis.  You have done your best to stay healthy, and now you have this devastating disease.  It isn't fair.  

 

I have usually felt better about discouraging medical diagnoses once I had a treatment plan in place.  Right now you know you have breast cancer, but you don't know yet what you will need to do to get well, and the possibilities are terrifying.  Hang in there.  Stay in touch with others here at HealthCentral.  You might also be also want to check out the Young Survival Coalition because that is specifically for young women like yourself.

Cancer is a kick in the gut - 85% of us had no known risk factors when we were diagnosed. No family history, leading healthy lives, doing everything "right..." and BOOM. It's a crapshoot, a roll of the dice.

 

I am SO sorry this has happened to you. But you sound like a woman who's going to pick herself up and kick into gear. Cancer treatment has gotten so much better, it's simply not the devastating death sentence it was in the past. The great majority of women survive breast cancer - you can, too.

 

Phyllis' advice is right on. I'll try making that link to the Young Survivors' Coalition (hope it works). I think you'll find them a great resource for you. And please stay in touch here as you go through treatment; this is a great place to come when you want to vent, whine, ask questions, or just be in the company of women going through what you are, women who understand. I'm sending you good karma- PJH

Hiall, Thanks for the good iinfo and comments. I was up all night feeling it. Pushing it around and pissed at it. Now I am just so tired and worn out. My husband, Dylan is in PA. right now training for a new job. So all this happened while he's been gone. I have a MRI scan on Thursday, and I guess that's when I will meet with the oncologist and surgeon? She says (my doc) that we will know more once we see the scan. And see what is really going on. But the biopsy says it is a ductal invasive carcinoma. And I looked it up. Now I guess INVASIVE doesn't sound good. Everything is just WAIT WAIT WAIT.....I have never been so anxious to see the doc. THURSDAY...and eternity from now, and too much time to think. I know I won;t die. But the pain I will endure in the coming months ....I am so afraid of that. And I know it seems stupid, But will I look okay? Will I look lop-sided? Scarred? I feel so guilty about ever saying anything critical about my body. I have a beautiful body...I would never ever complain again if this thing goes away and I am healthy forever.