#YWBC Profile: Paige

Name: Paige

Occupation: Stay at Home Mom

Age when diagnosed with breast cancer: 41

Breast cancer type: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma T2 N1 MO Breast cancer stage: 2B

Treatment: FEC/D Chemotherapy, double mastectomy, radiation

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that has nothing to do with cancer: I used to have a major obsession with unicorns when I was a kid and I still secretly love them.

What’s your go-to pick-me-up song? Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake

How did you discover your breast cancer? Routine MRI screening due to my BRCA1 positive status

What went through your head when you received your diagnosis? Because I am BRCA1 positive I knew I was very high risk so I wasn’t shocked, but I was disappointed because I hadn’t gotten to the preventive surgery in time. I immediately thought about my kids and how I was going to tell them and how they would take it. I was upset that they would have to deal with this at such a young age. What’s the craziest thing someone said to you after being diagnosed with breast cancer? I have been sent some crazy “cancer cures” including one that says if I eat whole frozen lemons, it will cure my cancer.

Who or what is/was your biggest source of support throughout your experience with cancer? My husband has been amazing. He truly has been my rock. I think in some ways this has made our relationship stronger even.

What is/was the most difficult part of being a young woman with breast cancer? The physical changes and worrying about being attractive to my husband after a double mastectomy and hair loss.

What’s something unexpected you learned about yourself as a result of having breast cancer? I have been more brave than I thought in some aspects and less brave in others, which surprised me.

In one sentence, what words of wisdom would you pass on to another young woman who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer? It is a difficult process both emotionally and physically but your body is an amazing thing and even when it doesn’t seem like you’ll ever feel better, you will. Patience is your friend.

For more on what it means to be young and have breast cancer click here.