breast cancer victims, questions/answers? - Cancer: Breast Message Board

bluesnowflake · 10-11-2003, 01:33 AM

hello everyone, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last week. I had read some interesting information, (only one study has been done on it though) linking breast cancer to thyroid cancer. It basically reads that if you received a radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer, your risk for breast cancer is much higher. This supposedly occurs in younger women, ages 20-45. I am 21, the threat of cancer is enourmous for me. Besides the fact that I have a very curable cancer, it runs like a mad horse throughout my entire family. I am the first to have thyroid cancer (that we know of) but we have had 25-90 year olds die of various cancers- ranging from prostate, cervical, liver, breast...you name it. I would like to start a survey on people that have cancer-
-at what age did you recieve the diagnosis,
-what type of cancer,
-how many others in the family have had this cancer(age and outcome please too),
-your thoughts on your longevity because of the family history

Thank you so much, I am suddenly inspired to figure out this group of us who have this terrible disease- and how we can prevent it for our future children.
Thanks again.

Kalie · 10-14-2003, 10:03 AM

Hi there bluesnowflake,

I am a 26yo breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed at 25. There is no history of breast cancer in my family. My grandmother died of stomach cancer when she was only 52, and there is a slight chance that her primary cancer was actually ovarian, but we don't know. Even so, because there are so many other women in my family who do not have cancer, it's unlikely that my cancer is related to my grandmother's.

My thoughts on longevity? I think I'll probably live into my senior years! The advancements in treatment and follow-up care especially give me great hope that I can fend of a recurrence, or beat it if one occurs.

How do you feel? How are you coping with your diagnosis? I hope you have plenty of support around you -- family and friends can make things so much better. As a survivor, I'm proof it can be done! Research your own care, and take care of yourself (mentally as well as physically).

((hug))

karen1966 · 10-22-2003, 03:20 PM

Hi,
hope things re getting better with you.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35. I had surgery, chemo, and radiation. I finished my treatment over a year ago. My hair is back YEA! No one else in my family has had breast cancer that I can find. 2 uncles and an aunt died of lung cancer. 1 aunt died of brain? cancer. My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer last year just before he died. Other health problems contributed to his death.

Cancer is a disease that is hard to understand. At least they have come a long way with treatments.

Good luck.

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