Triple negative Breast cancer- metastatic

Hi everyone , I'm 59 years old and  I've got the Brca 1gene which I discovered after genetic testing 5 years after my first diagnosis in 2012, I made the decision to have a preventative double Maste omy in 2019 when they again discovered cancer,  this time in my right side,  I  underwent chemotherapy for the 2nd time but was grateful it had been discovered, however  the week before Christmas I und another lump underneath my right breast,  I've been in a state of panic ever since.  After biopsies the day after boxing day which confirmed grade 3 triple negative cancer to going for a ct scan  that shows it is now metastatic as it's in my chest wall.  I'm struggling to try and find some positivity as the consultant said it can be treated but not cured and to top it all it seems like they're in no rush for the oncologist to see me as the appointment isn't until the 16th of February.   I feel so frightened and afraid of the not knowing,  I've even been looking at alternative supplements and trying to change my diet,  does anyone have any advice x

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, Rufusblue.

    I'm sorry to hear about your situation.

    The waiting period until your oncologist appointment can undoubtedly be emotionally taxing. We have many members here who will understand what you're going through and I hope some of them will stop by soon to offer support and advice.

    It's great that you're proactive in exploring lifestyle changes that may have a positive impact but while doing so, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare team to ensure that these measures align with your overall treatment plan.

    The other thing I wanted to add is that  if you feel that speaking to someone with a medical background might help, please know our team of nurses are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on this freephone 0808 800 4040.

    All the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you,  that's comforting to know 

  • Hi Rufusblue,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hear that you have had such a challenging time since 2012. I was diagnosed in 2010 and had a second bout in 2011. I had a lumpectomy, followed by a double mastectomy. I know how devastated I felt at the time, so I can only imagine how you feel.  There are a number of ladies on this site at the moment, who are battling triple negative breast cancer. Some of them have been deemed terminal for quite some time and there are discussions on how they cope with their emotions, which I hope you will find helpful. Just enter the key words in the "search forum" box at the top of this page to find these.

    One positive from all this is that your cancer is still treatable. When my mum had metastases, there was nothing that they could do for her. How times, have changed. We only get one life and, we need to make the most of it, despite the challenges that life throws our way. Have you attended a Moving Forward course, since your surgery and treatment? This can help to give you a better perspective on your recent news. There are also meetings held throughout the country for people with secondary cancer. It is helpful to talk to others in a similar position. There is almost always a wait to see the oncologist, which can be a challenge, but it's only another 2 weeks and will soon be here.

    As our moderator, Renata said, please let your care team know about any alternative supplements, as some tend to react with cancer treatments an should be avoided.

    Please keep in touch and let us know know how your oncology appointment goes.. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Jolomine, thank you so much for your reply,  I haven't seen anyone at all since my treatment finished in 2019 and probably had a false sense of security after having a prophylactic Mastectomy,  it's good to be able to connect with people on here and not feel so alone with it all,  you have given me some hope thank you xx