Iv also got tripple negative breast cancer . Start chemo next thur. Don't know what I'm having until I go Friday to sign for it. Is tripple negative the worst cancer. I am so mashed with it all I don't know what im actually doing. 

Hi Zoelee

I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Triple Negative last May, and I also got the shock of my life. It's not the best but it is treatable. I'm guessing your treatment will be similar to mine. You'll have various scans throughout your treatment. I had chemo first to shrink the tumour, mine was 2.6cm and there were micro traces in my lymph nodes. I had 16 weeks of chemo, to which I had complete response. Triple Negative is very sensitive to chemo. Chemo is not great but it's very doable. I had a 12 weeks of a treatment called Paclitaxel. I just felt tired the afternoon after treatment then the next day I felt absolutely fine. Then I had 4 2 weekly sessions of EC chemo which was a bit tougher but I got through it. I also used the scalp cooling cap throughout my chemo to try and keep my hair. It's not pleasant, a bit uncomfortable for the first few minutes but you get used to it. I did lose quite a bit and had to cut my hair short but I still had a full head of hair so it worked for me if you're thinking about it

A month later I had surgery to remove what was left of the tumour, surrounding tissue and full lymph node clearance under my arm. A few weeks later after I'd recovered from surgery I had 20 sessions of radiotherapy which was probably the easiest part even though you have to go everyday.

So the cancer has now gone, but as there are no hormone therapy treatments to take for Triple Negative, I'm taking chemo tablets for the next 18 weeks which is all just preventative. I still have a way to go but I'm on the other side and I feel good.

I know it's all very daunting when you get a diagnosis but you will get through this. I found this forum very helpful when I was going through it. There are lots of ladies going through the same or have been through it, with lots of helpful advice.

Sorry if I've bombarded you with info. I just had so many questions when I got my diagnosis I wanted to know everything! If you need to chat more, I'm here.

Just stay positive, you've got this.

X

This is so helpful. Diagnosis today of triple negative. Massive shock but tryinh to focus on job ahead. Will see consultant next week, then MRI to see if its travelled then 5 months chemo or thereabouts. But I think much depends on the MRI. 
 

Apprehensive about the chemo and side effects.  Thinking I might cut hair short to own the look! 

Hi 

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I'm glad you found the info helpful. There'll be so many questions going through your head. If it helps write them down and when you see your Breast Care Nurse or Oncologist ask them. Just take one step at a time. I was always wanting to know what was next and looking ahead instead of dealing with what was in front of me. Just think after every appointment/scan etc that's another step forward.

If you feel you want to cut your hair short then go for it! You'll look fab whatever you decide.

If you need to chat just give me a shout.

You've got this. Take care.

x

Thanks so much.  Its fairly awful and feels like I'm on some kind of movie set and its not happening to me.  
 

i'm trying to stay practical like dentist visit, healthy food, lots of water.  No idea if it counts but mentally perhaps. Consultant next week, I imagine scans and then treatment plan, they indicated chemo in 5 weeks.  
 

yikes. 

Hi

I know exactly how you feel. It is awful but you will get through it, one step at a time.

Yes healthy food and water does help. Lots of vegetables and red fruits are supposed to be good .

At least when you see your Consultant next week you'll have treatment plan in place which will help. You know exactly what you're dealing with. 

Yes I had scans & a biopsy first then chemo, which was every week for 16 weeks. It's doable. I had very little side effects for the first 12 weeks. Just a little tired after chemo then the next day I felt absolutely fine. Don't worry, you can do it.

Let me know how it goes.

Take care. x

 

I really appreciate you responding. It makes a huge difference to have people who experienced this.  I've learnt so far that if kindness beat cancer it wouldn't stand a chance! 
 

i'll report back after the consultant. 

No problem at all. I'm glad I can help. I found this forum helpful when I was diagnosed. It's good to ask questions and talk to people who have first hand experience.

Look forward to hearing from you. 

Take care. x