And the “Oh, you’re too young to have breast cancer, so let’s not test for it” response from the medical community that Natalia reports is chillingly familiar. Time and time again I’ve heard of young women whose treatment was delayed, with serious consequences, because their breast lumps weren’t taken seriously. “It must be a cyst.” Or “Your breasts are bound to change over the course of your menstrual cycle.” I’m not pointing a finger at doctors and nurses here; the GP you see for your everyday health issues isn’t an oncologist, and can’t be expected to diagnose breast cancer. But here’s a gentle reminder to all of us, doctor and patient alike: youth doesn’t protect you from breast cancer. It’s always a possibility. Think about it: There’s only a minuscule chance of you getting hit by a car when you cross the street, but you still look both ways when you cross, right? And when there’s a lump in a breast–even a 20-something breast–it needs to be assessed, not dismissed.

Natalia, we wish you well. Your online sisters are here for you. You’ve drawn the short straw, and by God you’re fighting back. Best of luck if you get to M.D. Anderson; it’s the #1 cancer treatment center in America. And in the meantime, please keep us updated. You’ve touched so many of us with your story. And the love we survivors have for one another is surely evident right here and right now, on this site.