[Ruth]

Kristin ~
I noticed your post and wanted to share with you that I was one of the under 40 ladies (36). I was nursing my youngest and when I started to wean her I noticed a lump that didn't go away. No-one including myself thought for a second that it was cancer. I had trouble with the same breast nursing my older boys (mastitis) so I thought that it probably had something to do with that. I went to GP and lactation specialist who didn't think cancer but as soon as I went and saw my Gyno I was in a surgeon's office within an hour getting a needle biopsy. He had felt the mass under my arm in the lymph node area and "knew" exactly what it was so all being said I was starting chemo within a week of that needle biopsy.
I was able to keep all the planned chemotherapy sessions with no lapse. I don't know if it had anything to do with my age but more or less that my blood counts stayed fairly high. Everyone's body reacts differently to all these drugs. I personally believe that my choices to juice, not eat red meat, sugar, dairy & trans fats helped me keep my energy up. I took supplements that I had researched that I felt helped with synergy of the drugs. I did so much back then.
My fertility came back with a bam. I didn't have a period for over two years...pregnancy, nursing and then straight into chemotherapy. We were not sure it would come back but it has and the surprising part is I am totally regular now. I was NEVER regular before. If we had chosen to have more children I was told I could. I didn't plan on having more before being diagnosed so I was probably in a different place than you may be. I do know of other younger women who have successfully had children after cancer.
I have had problems with the radiated area since 2004. At times it acts up and my skin reacts. It's slower to heal but I am so thankful for everything that I'm OK to deal with that and anything else. My veins are forever shot but as long as I notify anyone who attempts a needle in me first it's ok.
I think anyone can attempt aggressive treatments as long as they don't have any other underlying problems with the heart, circulation, lung function etc that could affect it. I guess younger women should be less likely to have these health issues. I think that it tends to be more aggressive and advanced in younger women when found. We are not scheduled for yearly mamo's so it's unlikely to show its face early.
Good luck with everything. I wish the best for you!
Hugs ~ Ruth