35yrs old & I've just been diagnosed with DCIS...

By koimotif Sunday, December 07, 2008

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Hi beautiful ladies (and some men too!). I'm a 35 yr old unpartnered person still living in a sharehouse with no kids, and this feels so incredibly weird. So far I've read about people with husbands, who are older with kids. I currently live in a different city to my family and so having something like this web community is going to be a great resource. Is there anyone out there in a similar situation or age group?

At the moment I'm facing the possibility of mastectomy vs radiation. Any advice about this is also very welcome.

Comments (6) | Add comment

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

12/ 8/08 6:45pm

I'm sure it is especially scary to be facing cancer far away from family resources. You might want to make a list of the resources you do have to help you get through this. One really important resource I'm guessing you have developed is independence. Another you have demonstrated is the ability to research and consider options. Do you have friends, neighbors or coworkers who can help you right after your surgery? A wonderful resource for young women like yourself is the Young Survival Coalition for younger breast cancer survivors who often face different issues than older breast cancer patients.

There are many factors to weigh with the lumpectomy and radiation versus mastectomy question. If your doctors say your survival rate is equal either way, then consider both cosmetic results and time for recovery. Ask lots of questions and then go with what feels right for you.

sherreeb

12/11/08 2:53pm

Hi There,

Breast Cancer is such a trying and emotional situation to be in! Information is power so inform yourself. Find out if the hospital or cancer clinic you are with has a breast health nurse navigator or an oncology nurse navigator. That is someone who can really help you in terms of connecting you to resources, education and support. The young survivors coalition has been mentioned and then there is also the "I'm too young for this" group that is cancer survivors under 40. If you are not able to find a navigator, please feel free to contact me and I will help in any way that I can. Also, look for your local American Cancer Society office and local Susan G. Komen office as well.

Sherree

Catharine

12/11/08 2:58pm

Hi Beautiful Lady,

I have been lucky and I wish I could pass it on to you.

I can tell you that it would probably be a great thing if you told us what city you live in.

There are so many survivors all over the country who want to give back to newly diagnosed people, and people without a good support network--I'm sure you will get lots of email and friends without p osting your city name, but I am also sure there are women in your town who would love to communicate with you, with local suggestions, and maybe get together for coffee (it tasted bad to me for months)

or tea peppermint--- anyone?

I live in Seattle and I'm involved as much as I can with low income women and women without homes and women in transition

I also felt sort of odd, reading the articles about support--

my son is 32 and handled it ok, as far as I can tell

I had a hospital van ride to my chemo appts, so I didn't need help that way

In fact, my friends hav e no idea how much involvement I might have needed from them if I weren't so lucky

I don't say blessed--------that implies others might be cursed

I like the philosophy that every life has good and bad times,

we must wallow in and treasure the good times and memories,

and get whatever help we need during the bad times.

I live in Seattle, so you can email me if you like.

If you are in my area, I have lots of ideas for you, and coffee or tea too.

God bless you,

Catharine

12/11/08 3:05pm

My goodness, within a week or two of my diagnosis, I had 8 or 9 books on the subject--some from doctors and some from friends.

It was later that I found; and read and loved this book

Just Get Me Through This

It's easy to read, funny, full of details and good advice

You might be able to borrow it from your hospital--Swedish Med Ctr in Seattle has a lending library in their cancer resource center

or the library

or prob a cheap copy on line, which I still avoid because of the shipping fees

Hang in there, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Catharine

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/11/08 8:52pm

Hi - there are so many women who'd like to connect with you - now, how to find them? First, ask at the place you're being treated. Many hospitals and cancer centers have programs that connect survivors who've been through treatment with women who have similar diagnoses, and/or are in similar circumstances. Then, as you begin treatment, you may find yourself seeing the same women over and over in the waiting room. Striking up a conversaton is always an option - believe it or not, I've made some of my dearest friends this way. Then, this site is wonderful for building connections. You can rant, rave, whine, cry, be angry, sad, and never worry about hurting feelings, dragging anyone down... we've been there. The important thing is sharing this experience, because a burden shared is a burden lightened. Cancer is a rock in the path: step over it.the path will still be there. And you'll find all kinds of hands reaching out to help you climb over those rocks. Stay in touch, OK? PJH

Anonymous

12/16/08 11:43am

Hi, I am a 56 and have had children-I was diagnosed last October with DCIS-I had surgery and then radiation. My advice to you is to do the radiation. I was very worried about how it would effect me, but I have not had any Bad side effects. Check out TomoTherapy Treatment and see if they are right for you. It is less invasive. Mastectomy should be your last resort-the surgery is not that bad!

35yrs old & I've just been diagnosed with DCIS...

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