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newgirl77 · Nov 28, 2007, 02:03 PM

I'm 23 years old and might have breast cancer. I'm waiting on my mammogram right now. I know I might now have it, but I just keep imagining myself with my breast cut off and crying. I was dating this guy and he said he didn't think he could be with me if I didn't have a boob. So I broke up with him, what a jerk! But, it got me thinking that if I have to have it removed, will I be without it for life? I make six bucks and hour, pay 75 dollars a week rent, no kids, live alone, no car, no bank account. In short, Im dirt poor. I don't want to be single forever because I don't have a boob. I know Im getting ahead of myself with all this, I don't even have a diagnosis yet. But, I'm pretty sure it is cancer, so if so, will anyone help me reconstruct it? Im really scared. I have no family to borrow money from.

450donn · Nov 28, 2007, 02:27 PM

Whoa, hold up there. Brest cancer does not mean that you automatically lob off your breast any more. There are many options today including lumpectomy and radiation treatment. That was what my wife choose and after 6 years she is free from cancer. I would recommend that you go to the book store and plunk down the 15 dollars for the book "the complete breast book by Dr. Susan Love. She spells out all the options in plane language. We have given this book to several people who have had cancer and it has helped them to make informed decisions about their bodies. Speak with your doctor and read all you can about the disease before you make any decisions. The American Cancer Society has a lot of information and will gladly help you in the decision making process you now have to face.

newgirl77 · Nov 28, 2007, 02:37 PM

Thank you for your answer. I have already spoken to my doctor and the American Cancer Society. The ACS told me that they were unaware of charities that paid for reconstruction. There are programs that pay for the reconstruction if you sign up before your diagnosis. However, they checked and I don't qualify for them. I can't really afford to buy a book right now, but I will check at the library. They probably have it and it sounds like a good one. Glad your wife is OK now. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, Im just scared and there are several lumps all over my breast so they don't know what is going on. The nurse said if all the lumps were cancer that they might have to remove the wh ole breast. Sorry, I didn't mention the multiple lumps I guess. I really was interested if there were charities who helped with the reconstruction. I would like to get some names and look them up, if there are any. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but I want to be prepared for when I get the results back.

J_9 · Nov 28, 2007, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by 450donn

Whoa, hold up there. Brest cancer does not mean that you automatically lob off your breast any more. There are many options today including lumpectomy and radiation treatment.

However, there are those of us who would much rather choose the mastectomy over the lumpectomy. I speak from experience. I had breast cancer almost 11 years ago, while I had the option of a lumpectomy of the right side (the cancerous side) I chose a bilateral mastectomy for prophylactic treatment.

Mastectomy and lumpectomy are usually a matter of personal choice these days.

Now, as far as charities... Hun do you belong to a church?

Here are a few charities that may very well help you.

American Breast Cancer Foundation

And

American Cancer Society :: Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Prostate, Lung and Other Forms

Also, hun, remember that reconstruction can be done at any time. It does not have to be done immediately when the mastectomy is done. There are bras that have prosthesis in them that can be worn until reconstruction is possible.

newgirl77 · Nov 28, 2007, 03:14 PM

Thanks. I feel better knowing that. It just hurt me so much when my ex told me there was no way he would stay with me if I had to have a mastectomy. I started getting scared that I would never find a guy who didn't care if I had a breast removed. If I do have cancer, I would rather get the whole thing removed. There are so many lumps already. By the time they go in and remove all them, I doubt I would have much boob left anyway. I am an A cup. At least if I have it removed, I will have a better shot at not getting breast cancer again.

J_9 · Nov 28, 2007, 03:18 PM

Girl, you did the right thing by breaking up with him. There are many men who love women without breasts. My father-in-law for one (my MIL had breast cancer also and had one breast removed and never had reconstruction), my brother-in-law for another (his wife had both removed and never reconstructed), and my husband. My reconstruction was my choice and mine alone. My darling husband said though that I never better get booty cancer as he prefers the looks of the rump better than the looks on the front. LOL

newgirl77 · Nov 28, 2007, 04:09 PM

Thanks! I needed to hear that. I know that, worst case, if I do have to have them removed, I can find a good guy who will love me anyway. I'm just soooooo upset at him right now. What a jerk! Your hubby sounds cool. I'm glad he is a nice guy. I feel so much better after talking to everyone on here.

Fr_Chuck · Nov 28, 2007, 05:37 PM

For the last few years I worked with a medical supply company that fited ladies with prosthesis. We had young girls in their teens at time. For various medical reasons.

And if you find someone who is really in love with you, it will never make a difference

newgirl77 · Nov 29, 2007, 01:32 PM

Thank you Fr_Chuck. It is good to know that are people that can help me cope with whatever might happen.

myhopechest · Nov 6, 2010, 11:31 AM

I know this thread is old, but if someone in the same situation happens to fin it please check out www.myhopechest.org. They help women without insurance afford reconstructive surgery.