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new to forum, just been diagnosed with triple negative

Rusk
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My regular mammogram in late February showed some growths in my left breast and so was called for further tests and core biopsy, which then showed I had 3 growths in the left breast 32mm, 22mm, and 11mm. The largest one had bad cells and was diagnosed as triple negative grade 3.
I had surgery last week to remove the 2 larger lumps and 3 nodes. That evening I had lot of swell8ng and so back to theatre next day to remove the heamtoma, which reduced the swelling, though both breasts badly bruised, bloodshot. After 3 days there is pain only on touching, but I feel weak and my bowel has not settled and I am always bloated which is very uncomfortable. Would Anybody out there want to share their experience and any advice. The more I read about triple negative, the more disheartened I get. In 2 days I shall see the consultant and get further results on the samples and what they show.

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    Hi there Rusk. Sorry I won't be any help with the experience and advice as I only got diagnosed today and don't even have biopsy results yet to know the type, but just wanted to respond so you knew someone had seen your post.

    While I'm new to this too we've been through breast cancer twice with my mum.  Once when she was 39 and again in her 60s.  Two completely different types of cancer but both very aggressive and with both she was given a year to live.  She's just had her 10-year all clear (yes, for the second time!)  She had an easier time with the first cancer than the second, I know the second was HER2 positive and she didn't have the easiest time by any stretch of the imagination, but she's great now and thoroughly enjoying life.

    Please stay positive as best you can.  Have you got a good support system?

    LJx

  • Offline in reply to TwinTwo

    Thanks LJx, great to know someone read my post. Would have responded earlier but thought it would be better once I have had my follow up to get further news good or bad.

    i saw my consultant this afternoon. Nodes were clear, only one mass out of the two taken out was cancerous. But I have to have a third op next Thursday to remove further area to ensure no malignant cells are left. So, will be again going through the op routine. Only after that will I know what shall be further follow up treatment radiotherapy or chemo or both. The cancerous mass was only 22mm but gade 3, triple negative, which is quite aggressive, so could have just grown over the last 3 years since my last screening in 2015 was clear.

    Wounds are healing well at present, just little discomfort. I am trying not to brood and think about it too much as it spoils everything and I become very low. Just trying to keep busy. 

    My mum too had breast cancer and had one breast removed and lived 30 years after that but then ovarian cancer took her away from us. But every time I mentioned to medical personnel, they said one person in the family does not increase your chances which now I feel was not good advice. Now my daughter and my granddaughters need to be careful. 

    I am quite positive and hope for the best.

    let me know when you get your results. Will be thinking about you. All the best.

    By the way except my immediate family which is my two children and my 4 grand daughters from 5-8 Yr olds we have not told anyone else.

    prefer not to bother the extended family, but now feel need to tell someone. Still not sure what to say as my aunts are over 80 yrs old, and feel it will shock them.

    bye

    Rusk

  • Offline in reply to Rusk

    I was diagnosed in sept 2017 with triple negative breast cancer stage 2. I had 4 sessions of chemotherapy, ended up in hospital after each session because of side effects,then a mri scan to find my lump had reduced from 25mm to 12mm. I had a lumpectomy in Jan then in April started radiotherapy. I finish my treatment on the 11th May. A week to go. It’s been hard and a big struggle. Wanted to give up a few times. I can now see an end in sight.. Cancer  hasn’t won this time. 

    Good luck with your treatment and hope everything goes ok.xxx

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    Your replies are giving me strength. Thanks all.

    Although my immediate family, my children and grand children know; we have not informed any body from the extended family. I feel I do not want to worry the elders especially my aunts who are over 80 years old. AS I am to be operated again next Thursday to remove the remnants, to ensure no bad tissue is left, I may take the courage to let my brother know after that.

    I just feel, why bother anyone when no one can really do anything, and it will just open the gates for phone call after phone call as everyone is abroad, and that will keep reminding n3 and I shall have to keep repeating the whole story numerous times.

    i mostly feel numb, and am not sleeping well.

    I pray to God to give me strength to overcome this health issue.

  • Offline in reply to Shirl3

    I had my follow up appt. from last weeks op, and the surgeon said that all edges taken out were clear of cancer which was good news.

    hiwever, he has referred me to ONC for further discussion fir radi/chemo treatment I may need, including the gene tests in view of my mum having had breast and ovarian cancer.

    Do not know how they decide what treatment will be given, as I read there are many different medicines for these treatments.

    By the way, would anyone know if I should be getting the pathology reports? I have only been told verbally.

    Thanks 

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