Hi Kem,

This is an amazing story, thank you so much for sharing. I myself have just been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, stage 1 grade 3. Im 32 with a 2 year old daughter so did not see this coming! Its been a few days now since diagnosis, and i have a treatment plan in place. Whilst we are still in some degree of shock, we are bloody determined on fighting this! Well I don’t have a choice, my daughter needs her mama! Its stories like yours that give me so much encouragement, positivity is going to get us through this. So thank you for sharing your story.

MHi Kem

I have Just been diagnosed with triple negative grade 3 breast cancer 57mm! So big and aggressive . I start chemotherapy next week for a total of 24 weeks ! I’ve read some posts of other ladies having similar . They’ve said although the lymph nodes they’ve biopsied clear

scans have shown a suspicious node they’ve maybe missed on biopsy . They’ve also found 3 internal mammary nodes ? Wondered if anyone else has had a similar diagnosis . Long road ahead as they’ve said mastectomy plus radiotherapy post op once 24 wks of chemo finished . 

I just wanted to say Kem your post was inspirational and has lifted my spirits so much as someone on the beginning of this journey , my little girl is 6 years old and I’ve been utterly terrified but you have given me strength today to beat this disease . 

Love and sunshine 

Nic 

Hi Nicnac 19,

I am happy to hear my story helped.  I am sure you are still in shock...it definitely blindsides you!!  I understand you have a treatment plan in place.  Just a couple things I wanted to say...

Sometimes those plans can change as you progress through the tests they should be giving you prior to moving forward with treatment.  Don't let any changes or setback discourage you!!

If they haven't given you any additional tests after diagnosis, please ask about them.  I was given an MRI for more clarity on the breast tissue and lump as well as a MUGA test (idk what it stands for anymore) but it was to check the strength of my heart prior to being given chemo.

If you haven't gotten a second opinion on your treatment plan, I would recommend you do so if you are at all unsure.  I met with 3 oncologists before I made my chose. One was so cold and would not even look at my husband when he asked a question...she was out instantly!  One was the author of a book I had been reading about breast cancer in people under 40.  He was a very well-known, wildly in demand and I had to send my diagnosis records to him before he would even agree to see me!  Ultimately, I felt I didn't need to take his expertise away from someone who was in much worse shape than me...I was going to be fine...positive thoughts ;)!!!  I also felt I would get more personalized care from the Dr. I chose in the end. But my point here is, each had basically the same treatment plan.  But I needed to hear that myself...confirm that my initial Dr. was correct in her treatment plan. So it came down to a personal, but educated choice, and I was quite pleased in the end.  Just be sure you are comfortable with and have confidence in your doctor...it will alleviate a lot of stress during the coarse of your treatment.  

Finally, if you are offered a port or a picc line, it will make chemo much easier on your veins.  I had a port way back then.  Technology has come so much further since and I think they use picc lines now instead of a port.

When I started this reply, I had no intention of discussing all these things but it just came out so I went with it.  I truly wish you the easiest possible battle with this BEATABLE disease!  You got this!!  It is possible!  Reach out at anytime if you need a boost and keep us posted on your progress!

Peace n Light - kem

Thanks so much for your advice. So kind . 

I’m actually a ward manager of a paediatric ward Caring for very sick children who have transplants etc some have bone marrow transplants so I’m familiar with lots of different venous access/ lines  etc . Never thought I’d need to think about it for myself thought !! I’ve worked in the Nhs for 20 years and have great faith . I agree with you about needing to feel confident with relevant dr etc . I’m really pleased with the team so far . 

After many years of supporting children and their parents i’m Now on the other side of the fence ! 

Thanks so much for your advice . You’ve certainly proven your a tough lady beating this nasty disease ! Positive thinking so important I keep pushing the dark thoughts out xx

Hi patrice, hope all is going well with chemo. I’m starting chemo this week so nervous bye it had to be done.

Hi Liz55,

I’ve hopefully just come to the end of my treatment for triple negative breast cancer. I was diagnosed last  November. It completely blind-sided me, as I had just gone for s mammogram and possible biopsy and they’d said 7 days for the results and the consultant called me instraight away and said”you’ve got cancer”. Like you it came back as triple negative, and me being the kind of person I am googled it so I could find out what I was dealing with, then immediately wished I hadn’t. I had about a quarter of my breast removed in December (there were three different tumours) and chemotherapy from January to June. I then had 4 weeks of radiotherapy which finished in August. I had many times (and I’m still having them) when I thought what if? I found several different things helped. Telling others was good because I realised it was normal to think that. When Icaught myself thinking what if, I’d acknowledge the thought tell myself it was normal then say “but what if it doesn’t?”. I also thought about it along the lines of the national lottery. I put money on every week thinking what if...imagine if you had as much chance of winning the jackpot as you do of beating breast cancer.....I’d be putting a heck of a lot more on each week than I do now! Cancer treatments are also coming on in leaps and bounds, if I can survive 5 years before it comes back, who knows what treatments they will have then? If I can survive ten...well they may have a cure for every type of cancer. If it comes back before then at least I’ve had some more time to Spend with my daughter and watch her grow up. I guess what I’m trying to say is how you’re feeling is normal, and natural, and about as bad as you can feel because as time goes on you will find ways to get yourself through this and to deal with these thoughts. Just try to remember you have more chance of a full recovery than not. Good luck with your journey.

Hi, I have just finished treatment, after a long year, I'm 29, got diagnosed at the end of last year with triple neagative stage 2, grade 3. I too have 3 young children. My treatment kept changing throughout the year, as I had many side effects, but believe me, you will get through this, try to keep positive, even on bad days, I was an emotional mess on and off, the hardest thing for me was loosing my hair, I felt like I'd lost my identity, but believe me when I say, it does come back! mines growing really fast now. I tried wigs but didn't get on with them, so ordered some chemo headscarf's, and have wore them since January, I say to myself, at least I'll save money on hair products,, It is such a shock in the beginning, and your mind runs away with you, but having your family around you, will make you stronger and more determined than ever. sending hugs xx

Hi Ellie1989, 

That's amazing, thank you for that lovely message! I really appreciate your encouragement! It was such a shock but you are right, family makes me determined to fight this and come out the other side even stronger! Keep up the positivity! xxx