Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/5/2008

Question
29 years old, Breast cancer and no family history back 3-4 generations.

I am 29 years old, turning 30 years old on July 13, married to the same person that I dated since I was 15 going on16 and we have one child, he is 9 years old. I was informed today,07.03.08 after going into a radiology clinic for a mamo, ultrasound and then biopsy on Tuesday,07.01.08 that I have invasive breast cancer/very large mass and have to locate an oncologist to start chemo and have to meet with a breast surgeon on Tuesday,07.08.08.  
What a shock this was, only 29 years old, never thought I would have breast cancer and no family history back 3-4 generations on both sides of my family.
I now have to wait almost 5 days to know what stage I am at, what's happening with me, what my next steps are, what specific type of breast cancer I have, all of the little details meanwhile I have my left breast that is all bruised since the biopsy of blues, purples, lavenders, yellows, etc.  Everyone said to me, you are too young to have breast cancer, it's going to be a cyst. You are only 29 years old, no family history back 3-4 generations, you are going to be a fine. I continued to say I have that feeling though, this  lump is a huge bump that I can cup with my hand.   They continued to say -oh it's calcium deposits, etc.  Over the weekend , it started to hurt. Then everyone said -  no way, it won't hurt if it is breast cancer . I said , I can be that 1% of people where it  does hurt, I just have that feeling.
So many people including myself were in shock when we were informed it is very large mass , it is invasive cancer and your appointment with your breast surgeon will be on 07.08.08 @ 12:30 p.m.
I have a 9 year old son home from school because it is summer that I wish and never expected for him to have to see this at such a young age.
I went to an obgyn about 1 year ago, told the dr that I did in fact feel a few lumps. Her question was is it usually before and after menstrual. I said, yes , usually. She felt them and said - calcium deposits, you are too young for anything else.
I am now 29 years old, turning 30 years old in 1 week. Have not been pregnant since our son was born in 1998.
Odd part is, my friend that is approx 51 years old, 7 years ago had stage 3 or 4 breast cancer, had chemo and then also had mastec.  Approx 1 month ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer again, I believe stage 2. Surgery, reconst. is scheduled for 07.09.08. She will then find out if radiation and chemo is needed. We have worked together right next to each other in a nice office using the computer and phones for approx. 10 years and we are both full time employees. This is a nice office area, office building, no construction, engines, etc. All offices. She is about 51 years old now. Approx 6 days before her surgery, I am only 29 years old and diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, possibly in both breasts. I wish there was somewhere I could just walk in to and everyone is knowledgeable about this , everyone can help, possibly help with even research (my friend and I), and probably get fast answers too. I just said to my husband, I would rent a car, drive there right now if they could tell me what stage I am out, what I am going to have to do next, rate of success as far as living, etc, start it, rather than having to wait over the holiday, another 5 days.  It's too bad places like this do not exist.  I know when this is all over my friend , my family, myself will start joining , placing 200% effort toward the research of breast cancer, what a team we will be, specifically my friend who has breast cancer and surgery scheduled for this wed and myself who is meeting with the breast surgeon for the breast cancer this Tue.   My friend and I plan to involve ourselves in research,  join all breast cancer research organizations, clubs, support groups, etc.  Once thing we are great is talking to people about things we know, helping people because we both have huge hearts...We are going to be there for people with this disease and providing support to help find the cure.

I would love to hear from anyone about anything . Anyone that just found out , gone through etc...Anyone that is going to start chemo as I will too, etc...Lets all come together, why not start now....I am still in shock, don't even know what to do next but know that what my friend of breast cancer for the 2nd time told me to keep saying these words to myself....I  AM  STRONG!......YOU ARE ALL STRONG TOO!!!

What is invasive 1?
Melanie
melsbargainemp@aol.com  

Answer
I'm sorry to hear of your problem! The youngest breast cancer patient I have seen was 23! That was more than 30 years ago. As far as I can remember she did not have any family history either. With regards to your friend it is a fact that if you have had a breast cancer you do have a somewhat higher risk of getting a new one. If needle biopsies were more common in the U.S. and in general use there the risk of coming late with something like this would probably be smaller. To evaluate your stage requires several tests and examinations so that can only be done by your drs. Invasive means that a cancer grows into surrounding tissues. If you want a more detailed description I need to read your biopsy pathology report as well as any other (mammography, ultrasound etc.) reports. Good luck!