u/Annual-Position6758

Hi new family, I really thought I’d never need to post here.

I just turned 30 and was just diagnosed with Stage 3 hormone-positive breast cancer that has spread to my lymph nodes (all gulf ball size masses). My doctors are recommending aggressive chemo because of the size/spread and said I’m close to no longer being curable once it leaves those nodes.

I’m terrified.

I already have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, chronic pain, and honestly my body has felt physically fragile for months even before this diagnosis. I’ve been short of breath, my heart has been tachycardic, I struggle walking. Oncology wants to move hard and fast, getting me in a port next week & having cardiology clear me. He said waiting two weeks isn’t ideal but I really tried to emphasize I’m not a young & healthy 30 y/o doe.

I’ve landed in the ER twice THIS WEEK alone from panic attacks, dehydration, and basically not functioning. I’m barely eating. I keep thinking, “If I already feel this weak before treatment… how am I supposed to survive the strongest chemo possible?” In the ER they gave me an anti nausea that closed my throat up, so now I’m petrified of discovering new allergies.

I know people do this every day. I know treatment saves lives. But right now I am so scared chemo is going to push my body over the edge. And if it doesn’t, I’ll be gone by 32?

I’m also trying to cold cap because I have hair down to my butt and with EDS my hair grows like grass in a desert lol. Losing my hair feels like the last shred of me this monster will take away. Oncologist said it might not work, nurse says you never know since I have a lot. I guess $3000 down the drain feels desensitized when you’re staring in the mirror.

Sorry this post is all over the place. It’s 4am and I’m laying here crying while trying to process how my life changed this fast. I guess I just needed to say hi and hear from people who have been here before. I don’t feel very brave right now.

💗🌸

Hi. In January I noticed a large lymph node, I thought was infection or reactive lymph node.

I’ve been getting so dizzy and more tired than I ever have. A wayward visit to urgent care led me to the ER and oncology.

It turns out it was two lymph nodes 2.5 & 3.5 AND a 4+ cm in my breast. I don’t know how I didn’t feel it, I’m a B cup at best.

I have a pet scan tomorrow & biopsies of both lymph and breast next week. Mammogram gave me a score of B-RADS 5.

I can’t breathe, I’ve already fought for so much during my life, I don’t know how I can take more. I just turned 30. I have so much chronic pain and I’m tied all the time anyway because of Ehlers Danlos, I can’t imagine doing any worse.