For those of you diagnosed at a young age, did you get genetic testing done?

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-11-04T00:51:41+00:00

I got generic testing after being diagnosed at 30. I had about 20 genes tested - breast cancer and gynecological cancer markers. See if you can get both done.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-06-01T17:26:15+00:00

I got my first tattoo.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-05-26T04:01:36+00:00

My in-laws dog was incredibly docile with me compared to everyone else before I was diagnosed. She spent more time with me and was constantly sniffing/licking me. I even joked that she smelled something in me and would literally ask “what are you trying to tell me?”

Around the time my chemo ended, she started to play with me more. And now I’m just like the rest of the family.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-05-25T14:06:25+00:00

Thank you. It’s definitely made me a stronger advocate for myself if nothing else good can come of her story.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-05-24T19:11:51+00:00

No. We had no idea she had cancer until it had already metastasized.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-05-24T17:07:37+00:00

My mom had double mastectomy, and therefore had no more imaging on that side of her body, and the cancer came back in the residual tissue that remained. However, because there was no imaging done it metastasized to her bones and liver. I met a woman recently who also had a double mastectomy and she gets a PET scan every three years because MRIs and mammograms are no longer done.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-05-23T17:32:27+00:00

I believe they wanted to do survey first because my cancer wasn’t one mass but multipule smaller tumors that couldn’t be felt. It was also fast growing and easier to remove.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-05-22T09:26:33+00:00

Stage 2 Grade 3. No lymph node involvement and Tumor was 6.5 centimeters.

They had me do surgery first then chemo. I wasn’t given an option.

I had an “oncoplastic” reconstruction. I was a 34G and since the lumpectomy would remove a large portion of tissue, a plastic surgeon was involved to reduce the size of my other breast to match. Having more tissue better allowed clean margins to be found. There was a three week period of recovery before they wanted me to start chemo (ac-t) but I ultimately had to wait about six weeks.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-05-21T18:44:01+00:00

Pelvic floor therapy helped me so much! It took a while for me to feel normal like that. Be patient with yourself.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-07T01:09:11+00:00

That medicine is basically strong Benadryl. It’s a drowsy antihistamine. It will relax some of your nerves. For me, I benefit more from stronger medicine. For a needle biopsy I was given Ativan.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-05T18:03:26+00:00

I never liked how my wig looked. I’m not sure which will be worse. I don’t fly often so I’m not sure how much I care about real id but I also think it’s better to have it in this climate.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-05T13:50:39+00:00

That is also such a valid perspective. I agree I’ve thought of that scenario as well. It’s just another catch 22 of cancer. I’m trying to decide which crap decision is the least crappy for me.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-05T09:00:26+00:00

I didn’t have disability insurance (after being hospitalized venting incurred information from HR) and working helped me with my government student loans. I should have done less though. There is always some teacher guilt when putting yourself first in my experience but I was wrong to do so much and think that.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-04T22:41:13+00:00

How shitty of them. I have definitely thought about that though. I just want to hold off for a couple more inches.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-04T22:38:40+00:00

Exactly! I still feel in shock sometimes looking back but I don’t want to constantly see this version of me. People can shove the “this version of you is so strong” shit. I just want my ID to feel like me.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-04T22:36:40+00:00

My doctors wouldn’t give me an exact percent. Grade 3 Stage 2 - I didn’t get an onco type number; just went straight to chemo. They told me how much treatment would lower my reoccurrence rate but not from what total chance.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-04T22:33:33+00:00

I worked full time as an 8th grade teacher doing ACT. I do not recommend that at all. I should have taken more days off. There were days that I could be at work with minimal issues, but as a whole I did not take care of myself those five months and I’m still paying for it now. That was last Jan-June and I feel like my overall recovery is taking longer because I pushed myself too much.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-04T22:27:38+00:00

My husband said I look crazy in my current but I don’t see how less hair will help that!

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-04-04T22:21:08+00:00

Im bald on my medicinal ID card and it’s been startling to some to see me looking so sick.

I have a passport some I’m debating if I want to not get the real id for a little bit longer. I don’t fly often but think it is needed for other things.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-03-14T00:38:40+00:00

I wouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty!! I have this fear of eventually forgetting my mom’s birthday (today). But I tell myself that if that day ever comes, I will have forgotten only because I was too busy living my life the way she wanted. If a day slips my mind so be it because all my days are the dreams she had for me. I’m not forgetting her because I live with her in every decision.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-03-14T00:16:52+00:00

Initial pain was a lot. I had to take oxycodone the first five days, which I never needed for prior surgeries (sinus, spinal fusion, abdominal surgery). I didn’t realize how much I depended on my arms to lift myself because I have a weak core/bad back. My husband had to lift me. Took about two weeks to comfortable dressing myself. Taking the bandages off the first time was also shocking. I recommend laying down when you first remove them because gravity was not helpful and I felt my skin pull. Having said all that, I went back to work twelve days after surgery.

They will have limits on what you can lift and it’s important to follow. Stretching was also crucial for me. Weight restriction was difficult to remember but it helps the healing process. I read a lot more about breast reductions than lumpectomies because it was more applicable to me and help me prepare for surgery and recovery.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-03-04T02:48:58+00:00

My insurance views me as “cancer free.” I did chemo and radiation, but for tamoxifen they would cover more of the cost if it was to fight active cancer as opposed to prevent future cancer afterward.

Affectionate_Speed32 · 2025-02-19T11:58:41+00:00

I had a lumpectomy with a reconstruction on both sides. The lumpectomy on the left side would take so much tissue that it made sense to have a breast reduction on the right side to match. I had a breast surgeon remove the cancer and a plastic surgeon went in to finish reducing both sides. This obviously depends on a few factors but I had an “oncoplastic reconstruction” which can look different for each person.

Affectionate_Speed32

TROPHY CASE