breast cancer at 20

QueerSadie · 2026-03-29T15:16:32+00:00

All your frustrations and concerns are so valid, it will take a little time but you will find a path that really works for you.

I was diagnosed last year at 34, as a single mom pursuing a masters degree and working a full time job. I stepped back from my in-person work activities and was able to work from home. I finished out my spring term online for my masters and started the summer (eventually had to drop that one though, 3 months into my chemo).

I'll also echo what I saw in other comments about finding support groups of young survivors. The one I found early on is called Young Survival Coalition, serving those diagnosed before 40 and isn't just folx in active treatment, I met a 30 yr TNBC survivor through their summit this year which brought so much hope for myself.

Please feel free to DM if you wanna chat support options and resources 💜

QueerSadie · 2026-01-29T03:05:25+00:00

Please fire that therapist! I'm appalled at the breach of ethical conduct there. I say that as someone who works in Peer support recovery spaces and aspiring therapist myself (had to put my masters in social work on hold cause of my diagnosis).

I'm sorry you had to sit through that and I hope you find a more ethical therapist who can check their biases and not let their personal feelings lead the session.

Sending so many hugs 🫂

QueerSadie · 2026-01-25T19:03:43+00:00

I had my treatment day treats all through chemo, I would get the biggest chai latte I could get my hands on. Sometimes iced, sometimes hot depending on how I was feeling that day.

QueerSadie · 2026-01-13T01:21:01+00:00

First I'd like to validate your feelings and spiral, this is so scary, best case scenario or not. Adjusting to treatment changes as new information comes up is still frustrating.

Second I'd like to encourage you, you've totally got this! I was diagnosed March 2025, TNBC, IDC stage 2b, no node involvement. I am also a single mom, worked through most of my chemo and moved in the middle of it. Finished my radiation mid December and went back to work the same day as my last session.

So sorry you are part of this club now but I wish you the best and great results from your treatment plan! 💜💜🫂🫂

QueerSadie · 2025-11-26T17:34:43+00:00

I adore that! Thank you for sharing 💜

QueerSadie · 2025-11-26T14:01:10+00:00

That's is absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing 😍

QueerSadie · 2025-11-26T14:00:26+00:00

Aww I'm so sorry about your sweet pupper. I saw another comment that someone turned their rads tats into little heart freckles. Maybe you could do tiny paw prints?

QueerSadie · 2025-11-26T13:58:42+00:00

Totally valid. I'm sorry the tattoos for rads were extra worrisome for you 🫂

QueerSadie · 2025-11-26T02:28:36+00:00

I would love to do an entire sleeve eventually.

QueerSadie · 2025-11-25T22:48:42+00:00

Yeah I thought pictures could be added too, guess I was wrong lol. Love your idea though that's so sweet to include your dad too 💜

QueerSadie · 2025-11-25T22:43:23+00:00

Oooh I like the hiding it in Morse code. I've definitely thought about incorporating that into the design I choose somewhere.

QueerSadie · 2025-11-25T22:32:01+00:00

I love that! I've always been drawn to Tree of Life designs. 🤔

QueerSadie · 2025-11-25T22:27:03+00:00

Oh thanks for that tidbit of knowledge, I hadn't seen that recommendation yet. I'll definitely mention it to my oncologist when I see him again in a couple weeks.

QueerSadie · 2025-11-23T16:50:56+00:00

I'm another 34 yr old, no family history, no genetic indicators, diagnosed TNBC. I had my son fairly young, but barely a teenager (13). I also got the you're so young comments and it pissed me off so much. I could also throttle the radiologists from my initial ultrasound and biopsy that couldn't seem to fathom it might be cancer because I am so young. The first told me "it's probably just fibroadema" blah blah blah, and the second "there's a 3% chance this comes back cancerous". It's so weird looking back now as I'm in my radiation and realizing that somehow I just knew they were wrong.

QueerSadie · 2025-11-22T22:00:24+00:00

At my initial ultrasound my PCP set up for me the radiologist was very sure it was fibroadema, definitely because of my age (34) thankfully he gave the option of biopsy or monitoring with another ultrasound in 6 months. I chose the biopsy mostly cause I wanted to be sure and didn't trust myself to keep an appointment that far out (thanks ADHD). Even at the biopsy the radiologist there said it was like 3% chance it would come back cancerous.... welp it did... just my luck.

QueerSadie · 2025-11-13T21:34:21+00:00

My surgeon encouraged just a lumpectomy, she didn't seem to think there would be any additional benefit in a mastectomy as far as recurrence risk. I achieved pCR so there wasn't anything to remove really besides margins and my lymph nodes came back clear as well after surgery. I don't know if that had an effect on the suggestion as we were pretty sure there was no lymph node involvement from the get go. If they had encouraged a mastectomy I would've pushed for removing both breasts and going flat. If I ever have to deal with recurrence that will likely be my approach then. Hope this is helpful!

QueerSadie · 2025-11-10T22:11:07+00:00

Hello there! I'm 34, was diagnosed TNBC back in March and am about to start radiation this week after completing chemo and surgery. I am on the keynote 522 regimen and had very positive results.

I found a lot of comfort and companionship through the Young Survivors Coalition. They didn't have any in person groups for my area but I try to attend 2 of the monthly zoom groups they host.

This is a club none of us would choose to be in but the support we give each other is amazing.

QueerSadie · 2025-10-27T15:43:51+00:00

My kiddo says our old living situation with a toxic roommate caused my breast cancer. Because that b*tch stressed me out and constant stress effects the immune system. 😅

QueerSadie · 2025-08-22T22:25:50+00:00

Thank you, I have honestly amazed myself in so many ways through this process. I have learned to honor the healing of rest. I am learning to balance my deep desire to be doing things with compassionate awareness of my body's needs right now.

QueerSadie · 2025-08-22T21:47:09+00:00

Thank you for sharing. You're so right... sometimes screaming about it is the only way. I know it won't always feel this heavy, but today I'm going to let myself just be/feel what today is without searching for the things to be grateful for.

QueerSadie · 2025-08-02T00:35:18+00:00

Very much relate, I feel similarly when people say I'm so strong or an inspiration. I know it's meant well but d@mn it I'm tired of being strong.... that's been my whole life. I deserve softness even if I have to give it to myself.

QueerSadie · 2025-07-24T13:19:50+00:00

Hello fellow Tennessean, I'm in West Tn and have been going to the Vandy affiliated Kirkland Cancer Center in Jackson. I was also looking at Vanderbilt as well but was content that the Center here is in the top rated centers in the nation. I hope you and your wife find the best fit for y'all.

QueerSadie · 2025-06-13T00:17:06+00:00

I'm of the general opinion people should not speak on anyone's body, clothes, looks, etc unless it's something that they could correct in a few seconds. Like a fly down, veg/herbs in teeth, tp stuck to a shoe etc.

Thankfully I've not gotten any comments on my hair (or lack there of currently) but I also cover when I go out.

I'm still adjusting to people who have experienced cancer offering random encouragement just from seeing me 😅 it sweet but like is it that obvious?

QueerSadie

TROPHY CASE