I read your posting. And I have to say, you look beautiful in your picture. 
Keep up the positive attitude it does make a big difference in your survival. I had breast cancer when I was 30 (wasn't common back then.) and that was 17 years ago! But it does make you look at life a lot differently. One of the other things that does help, is smiling, and humor!
I think you're amazing. I was only 32 when I was diagnosed and only had cancer in one breast and had both removed. I found my cancer on my own. My doctors said stop drinking soda in 2005. in 2006, I went to see a friend and had my first mammogram. I also had immediate reconstruction but I had problems and had to have the expanders removed, but now I have them back in and am getting them filled every week. Hopefully soon, they will be done and then I can have the permanent ones put in and then nipple reconstruction. There is an end to this. Stay positive and focused and before you'll look back and say where did time go. As far as the surgery, that's easy. It's the reality of a part of you is missing, but you're alive. So now you'll have better breasts then before. It's funny once I got diagnosed. My sister said you got your wish. I said what the hell are you talking about. I had extremely large breasts and a bad back. Growing up I always wanted them reduced. Now I can do that. I also used to say, can't stand my hair, it's too thin no body. Now after chemo, it's thick and wavy. Funny how things happen. But the fear is always with you, is it going to come back. For me, not sure. But I'm living my life to the fullest. God bless you. You are truly my inspiration.
Sally
Natalia,
Your story touches a special place in my heart, my wife was 25 when she received the scary words, but her fight ended just a year ago when she was 26 and only a couple days away from her 27th Birthday. You have a great attitude and I know some days how hard that can be to maintain, but stick with it. I wish you all the best in every passing day and you are right in saying life takes on a wole new meaning, but that doesn't mean you have to stop living it. Have fun, enjoy it all, and take time out for yourself. Thank you again for sharing with all of us and we are all here for you too if you ever need us.
Cheers,
Doug
Hi Natalie,
So sorry to read that at your young age you have run into such idiot
doctors. What type of breast cancer were you diagnosed with?
Who are you wanting to see at MD Anderson? Texas or Florida MD Anderson? Since your breast cancer is so aggressive, I was wondering if they had ruled out Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
You can go here: www.eraseibc.com and get details of this form of
misdiagnosed breast cancer.
Stay well young lady.
Hi again,
There is a group on the internet that you might want to hook up with.
It is called BC Mets and there are some awesome people there who can help you figure out the maze of what you are going through.
You can email the group at:
bcmets@bcmets.org
If I can help you in any way, give me a shout.
Patti
my wife went through the same as you . she was 34 and full of life. one day she felt a lump and everything changed. the dr. told her she had two weeks to put her afairs in order and go into surgery . she had one of her breast removed and cemo treatment after . for a young person it is surreal , to be mountain biking one day and be recoperating from a life ending sickness the next is unthinkable. since then she has had her other breast remove and more reconstruction . i knew my wife as a friend when she went through the first time , and we have been married 3 yr's and have gone through the opperations with her since. her mantra is " LIFE IS GOOD" and it really is . we are now trying to adopt a child and we plain on moving to Arizona in a few yr's . God has been good to us and we enjoy everyday together . we try not to take anything for granted and we never hord love , but look to give it to each other as much as possible and to others when we can . GOD BLESS YOU , and please , know you are in our prayers , dan mcnamara
Hi Natalia,
I read your story this weekend and was amazed by your courage throughout your diagnosis and treatment. And thank you for reaching out to younger women -- as you say, it's so important for them to start taking preventative measures as early as possible. Please keep us all posted on your remarkable recovery.
Warm regards,
Laura
Hi Natalia,
I am praying your surgery goes well and the cancer is on the way out.
Cancer is a horrible disease. A beautiful young woman like you shouldn't have to worry about something like this. You sound like a strong fighter and don't plan on letting this opponent win. You need that kind of attitude to win. Keep yourself informed, ask lots of questions, don't rely on the doctors to tell you everything, ask for particulars, like exactly what kind of breast cancer you have, there are many.
My daughter's story (Keri Haberstroh) is also on this page, she had your kind of strength and positive attitude.
Stay strong and never give up.
In my prayers,
Gary
You are a breath of fresh air, Natalia, and reading your post made me braver. Hope I can do something for you in return. I've had a mastectomy too. At first the very idea would freak me out and I was consumed and sick with worry every other second of the day. But this sentence in Exupery's The Little Prince cured me of my worry: "What is essential is invisible to the eye."
Hope that soothes you too, Natalia.
Hi Natalia,
You wrote you're story so beautifully. I was very sad at first to hear your news but I have a good feeling about you. I do think you are here on this earth to spead the word to other women & especially young girls. I hope all young women take their health seriously and get exams.
T hanks for sharing your story. I know you'll be here a long long time.
Joanne L.
Phoenix
Hi Natalia! Nice to meet you... I know Nora C.!! She actually forwarded me your post. I've been friends with Carolina for many years. It's unfortunate we have to meet this way - I also have breast cancer. I just turned 28 in December. I learned on Halloween that I had stage I breast cancer in the right breast. On November 26th, I had both breasts removed. It all happened so quickly that I don't think I'm even sure what stage I am/was technically at. I know that it was really aggressive, and that everyone is glad that we found it when we did cause it was spreading quickly. As a young woman, I was really worried about body image, and if I was going to feel less feminine without my breasts. For me the answer is no. I think I look kinda cute! They're just boobs, right? Yeah, so I can't wear low cut shirts anymore, or go nude sun bathing (or can I?). Hmm...that's something to think about.....
Anyway...I started Chemo. I actually have to go in for my 4th treatment tomorrow. (I think I have 4 more after that, then radiation, then reconstruction). So far, so good.
People are often surprised when they talk to me or when they see me because my spirit hasn't changed one bit. I don't know what they expect to see sometimes. Do they expect to see me somber because I have cancer? No way!! I have cancer, cancer doesn't have me. I'm so happy to have read your story and connected with you. It's comforting to see that you are also in good spirits! :-) I just joined the site, hope to talk to you soon. - Y
You are so so so amazing!!! Nora and Caro told me about you and from what they told me I know how strong you are! Its so important for us to stay strong, like you say and its sooooo true, WE HAVE CANCER, BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE US, we are in control of our emotions. And you can totally go topless who cares about boobs thats right their just boobs you have your life and have fun with your life, thats all that matters. Im so glad you joined the site because I feel so much better since I joined because I have met so many awesome people who are such survivors and they extend their love out and thats what we need!! Yes keep in touch im here for you anytime you need me and Im sure ill need you next week once I have my mastectomy and Ill have a million questions Im sure. Love you give my wonderful Crespo's a huge kiss for me.
Nat
Hi, Natalia
I was browsing online for breast cancer information, and happen to see your story, it really touch me. I was diagnosed this December with breast cancer, I am 50, and I can only imagine how you feel, but I know that you are strong, and that you will continue to fight and succeed. NO: 1, Hold on to God, he never lets us down, NO:2 Keep positive attitute. No:3 be strong., lots of love and hugs to you and your family.
Angie
Angie my heart goes out to you...it doesn't matter how old anyone is when they get this horrible disease, its heart breaking at any age. You have the perfect attitude so I know your going to do well. Thank you sooo much for your kind words and I will pray for you as well, were in this together and were in it to win it!! Let me know if you ever need me or have any questions for me.
With Love,
Natalia
Hey Teresa. Im so sorry for what your mom is going through. It is tough, but she has you by her side the whole way and that is so important for her and for you because it is like you are going through it as well. It is good for you to come here and stay informed and ask many questions to stay informed and you will be able to help her so much. You know I was pretty much in the hospital and they thought I wouldn't recover, I was so near death my tumor wasn't even measurable it had spread to so many different bones that I had lost hope. Stage four metastatic, and I recovered by my first chemo. My cancer stopped spreading and started getting smaller, it even got small enough to measure. Im so glad I was able to give you hope Teresa because I also thought that cancer meant death, but now that im still alive and kicking and oh my gosh something I never thought would happen my hair is growing back!! So have hope for her because I do...let me know if you need anything even or just to talk. My email is natenvy@hotmail.com just incase you need it.
Natalia
Wow!! Amazing...its incredible how much we can actually take that you never even knew you could. I also feel like im 100 especially when I walked with a cane...and when I get off the couch im hunched over for a good 5 minutes, it sucks. Im sorry your going through so much and im sorry about your daughter too. This is all going to be really tough, but I feel accomplished sometimes like most people I know especially most friends thats would probably not be able to do the things we have to do and especially give up all the things we give up. We are determined people and its awesome. Keep your head up your a soldier.
Natalia
I am so proud of you Natalia!!! You are so young to be experiencing the harsh realities of life, yet you seem to be handling this with much grace and courage. I am much older than you and have been the chemo/radiation route about 1 year ago. I have learned how important our mental attitude is in the face of this disease. I am luckily surrounded by a positive support system of family and friends - and with their help I have moved on to a more normal life. Yet, is there ever normal after this diagnosis? Maybe we create our own normal.
I wish you the very best and it sounds as though you are on your way back - what else is there? You go for it!
My thoughts and prayers are with you - continue to be strong. You are indeed an inspiration - I love your attitude. You are a beautiful young woman inside as well as outside!
you are very strong and a great encouragement i wish you all the knowledege the medical field has i know they will continue to cure you. i have a question about the spread of your cancer did you have only pain in the top of your back or did you also have it in your pelvic area and tailbone. also did you feel any tumors in this area or did you only feel the lump in you breast
i am not sure how to retreive your answer so my email is
thank you
laurai
not sure even what month but want to send my energies to you. this is one of the bravest and most forgiving histories of breast cancer I've ever been privileged to read. Me so much older thanb you would have been locked at the point where your first MD believed you were too young for breast ca. I certainly hope every medical school will listen and learn and pass on.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is so true that cancer sees no age. 7 months ago tomorrow I gave birth to our beautiful daughter at the age of 23. Once I started nursing I flet a small lump and asked my midwife. She said that it was only a clogged duct at my 2wk appt. and to nurse often and watch for mastitis. At my 6wk she said I was fortunate that I didn't have mastitis and if I did it would be bad as large as the clogged duct was now. I asked about cancer and she didn't think it was anything to worry about, even though my daugher who loved to nurse all of a sudden refused and fought me. I was young and it didn't feel like cancer to her.
Our little girl continued to fight me until I had to give up nursing at 6 months. The clogged duct never went away and only continues to grow? I made an appointment to see my GP, our midwife moved, and she is concerned. Tomorrow I have a mammogram and an ultrasound with the decision of sending me to the cancer center 5hrs from here on the line. I've read all I can and a non movable rock hard mass of about 3-4 inches doesn't sound too good. No matter what it will have to be removed my Dr says.
Thank you for sharing your story I keep reading and hearing young people don't get cancer. I think that there needs to be some education going on that young people do. I pray that I don't have cancer, but I have come to except that it may be. God gives us each a road to walk and lessons to learn. I hope that all goes well with you, as I pray that my husband and daughter will have a healthy wife and mother to care for them.
You are an amazing human! I was diagnosed at the age of 40 which is as you know is young for this diagnosis. Mostly 50+ is the norm but you are so right breast cancer has no prejudice in who it strikthis diagnosis. I was devastated at first but I have used this diagnosis to reach out to others.
I am now a member of a support group called beyond boobs, its a group for women diagnosed pre menopause, we just got a girl that was diagnosed and she is 26. Our website is www.beyondboobs.org or you can check out my personal blog at traceyzee.blogspot.com. I would LOVE to communicate with you. Your story has both inspired and encouraged me. Take Care, Tracey
Dear Natalia,
Thank you for posting this. Today my doctor felt a abdnormal lump in my right breast and I had felt it before but didn't think much of it as I am young and recently had a baby 6 months ago. I am scared because I am waiting for my ultrasound so we arent 100 for sure its cancerous yet. I hope not but If it is, it helps to read blogs like yours to give me strength. I am married with two children and I will fight for them and myself. You are a strong women and I admire you :)
Megan
i am 24 years old when i was reading your story i got scared cause i am facing almost the same thing i have notice a changes in my breast i went to my dr like a year ago and she said i am too young for this at the moment i can't describe the pain in my back and everytime i go to ER they give me painkillers as well i have an appointment on friday with my local GP i will ask to do another screening the problems is i have a tumor on both of my breast, i wanna hear about you more how do you feel now ....
take care
Norah
I am 21 years old and have found in a lump in my left breast. Luckily, I just found it a few days ago (I'm pretty aware of when things change so I'm confident I found it early on) and it's still very small. I'm going to my OBGYN tomorrow and I'm not going to settle for a "fibroid cells" diagnosis with no further testing because I must be "too young". My mom had breast cancer when she was in her early 40's so I have that history. I'm scared.
But, you've helped me realize that I have to push for the doctor to treat me properly. To look further into it and not just assume I'm too young. Thank you for that.
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Hello, Natalia. I'm honored to welcome you to our community. Thanks for sharing all you have with us.
Your story is so very important. Breast cancer awareness and prevention -- even for young women -- must be shouted out loud, and it's women like you that can have an incredible impact. Attacking breast cancer when it strikes is critical, yes, but it's when we reach out to others that makes all the difference.
To hear that you "love" going to your treatments is very moving. You've reached a precious point in your life. Deeply connecting with and truly wanting to help others is indeed the ultimate gift. How wonderful. You are a beautiful young woman, inside and out.
Be sure to keep us posted on how things are going for you. Write again soon.
Best,
Maria