Diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer

Hi.

I have recently been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and am about to embark on a fairly aggressive chemo/immunotherapy treatment plan.  Although the consultant I met with yesterday was lovely, it was a bit doomsday with all the possible side effects.  I'd love to chat with anyone who's been through anything similar?  Current plan is 12 weeks of weekly chemo/immunotherapy sessions followed by sessions every 3 weeks for a further 12 weeks.  All support gratefully received. 

Parents
  • Hi carol im 38 and was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer just over a week ago, my oestrogen and HER2 are negative just awaiting the last one to confirm triple negative, I have my MRI booked for Tuesday and my insert fitted Wednesday for 12 weekly chemo sessions, I’m dreading chemo was hoping it would be a last resort. I hope your keeping ok xx

  • So sorry to hear what all of you lovelies are going through at the moment.  I am of a similar age (40 in the next week) and just wondered what your symptoms were if you don’t mind me asking? Were you told they think it’s C at the end of your scans etc or did you not have a clue and only found out when receiving biopsy results?

    im just awaiting my results.  Xx

  • Hi Lofty22,

    sorry you also find yourself in this situation and the waiting is the worst.

    I found a lump on my leafy breast, I left it a few weeks incase it went away it was maybe hormonal, during this time I noticed when looking in the mirror once that when I clenched my fist my breast caved in on that area (puckering). So I seen my GP and she also felt the lump straight away, I was put on the 2WW and had my appointment a week later.

    they done an ultrasound first where they found a solid lump, then sent me for a mammogram and biopsy, they did tell me it looked very suspicious and didn’t look good, but said they had to wait for my biopsy results to confirm, the consultant I seen at the end mention how good care I would receive so I think they were already prepping me for bad news.

    I have stage 2 IDC and it’s triple negative, I had my first chemo on Friday and it was ok tbh, feel tired and a bit achy but waiting for the storm to hit lol.

    I have my fingers crossed for you hopefully it will all be fine and nothing to worry about. 

    what were your Symptoms if you don’t mind me asking? Xx

  • Hi Lofty22

    I found a lump in my breast that was a little bit tender to touch, I contacted doctor pretty much straight away.  I was sent for mammogram and biobsy within 2weeks.

    I was told that it looked suspicious, and that it was not only the lump that I could feel, but also a bigger area that required another biobsy and more involved mamogram. Also sent for a MRI to get a more detailed picture. I was informed that it was triple negative and will require surgery to remove. First they are trying to shrink whats there with 6months of chemo. Which I only started one week ago, its going to be a long journey. So far just tired and headaches. It is not easy when waiting to get results, but I can't fault the care I have received so far. 

    Hope you have results soon.x 

  • Hi Lofty22

    I found my lump when I had an itch!  As I scratched it, it felt a bit tender so I had a little prod around and felt a lump.  I went to my GP and she referred me for tests which included ultrasound and biopsy.  When I returned for my results about a week later, unfortunately they came back positive as cancer which was a total shock to me.  They didn't give any indication of possible outcome at the time of the tests.  A later MRI confirmed the size and location of the lump and a treatment plan was put in place.  Unfortunately I had a significant adverse reaction to the Paclitaxel on first treatment day so it had to be halted.  Am going back to my consultant on Wednesday to hopefully have a new treatment plan. 

    On a positive note though, I did try to cold cap and found it absolutely fine.  No denying it's cold, but I didn't find it painful.  I was quite chilled (literally lol) when it came to chemo administration time and was happily settled and munching on my NHS cheese sandwich but then it all went a bit pete tong.  My body is extremely sensitive to any new drug so please don't let me put you off.  There were 4 other people in the room having the same treatment and they were all absolutely fine.  I just like to test the emergency treatment protocols! 

Reply
  • Hi Lofty22

    I found my lump when I had an itch!  As I scratched it, it felt a bit tender so I had a little prod around and felt a lump.  I went to my GP and she referred me for tests which included ultrasound and biopsy.  When I returned for my results about a week later, unfortunately they came back positive as cancer which was a total shock to me.  They didn't give any indication of possible outcome at the time of the tests.  A later MRI confirmed the size and location of the lump and a treatment plan was put in place.  Unfortunately I had a significant adverse reaction to the Paclitaxel on first treatment day so it had to be halted.  Am going back to my consultant on Wednesday to hopefully have a new treatment plan. 

    On a positive note though, I did try to cold cap and found it absolutely fine.  No denying it's cold, but I didn't find it painful.  I was quite chilled (literally lol) when it came to chemo administration time and was happily settled and munching on my NHS cheese sandwich but then it all went a bit pete tong.  My body is extremely sensitive to any new drug so please don't let me put you off.  There were 4 other people in the room having the same treatment and they were all absolutely fine.  I just like to test the emergency treatment protocols! 

Children
  • Blimey Carol. Sounds eventful. As if having a positive result wasn’t bad enough. You’ve been through the wringer. 

    I hope you’re meeting with your consultant is positive and a new plan is put in place for you and I hope everything is ok for you in the long run. 

    sending hugs xx

  • Thanks Lofty

    I've been to have my bloods done today, goodness they were testing for a lot!  Hopefully it will help them decide the next steps for me. 

    Am thinking of you and really hope Thursday turns out to be a good day for you.  Big hugs. xx

  • Good morning everyone.  How's everyone doing? 

    I had the week from hell last week but seem to be on the up now.  My treatment plan has changed from weekly to every 3 weeks, so I feel better about that.  Gives my poor body time to recover from each session. 

    I hope you're all well.   Been thinking of you all. 

  • Hi Carol,

    sorry to hear you had a bad week. Glad to hear you’ve finally got your treatment plan sorted, good to know you’ll have a longer recovery time.

    I’ve been ok, 3 chemo sessions down now, but I have had a really bad cold for the last 9 days and just can’t seem to shake it off, fed up of it now.

    hope everyone is ok xx

  • Hi Lebell. 

    So sorry to hear you've had a really bad cold.  I guess we're all a little more prone to it than usual with everything that's going on.  I passed out on Wednesday so was taken to A&E by ambulance and they kept me in overnight for observation.  My heart rate is constantly elevated and if I move too fast my body gets out of synch and it's "lights out" for a few seconds.  It scared the hell out of me, so am taking things much more slowly now.  I am definitely feeling much better than I did this time last week!  I'm hoping that's not going to be a regular occurrence after every treatment ... Oh and to add insult to injury, I also have neuropathy.  My body is not a happy bunny! 

    Hope you feel better soon xx

  • Hi Carol. I also have triple negative, stage 3...I am on same plan as you at the beginning. Had my first chemotherapy and immunotherapy last Wednesday..wasn't to bad..but then fatigue and sickness kicked in. But then got a uti and when I went for bloods yesterday, could not get any..passed out in the doctors and vomited for the rest of the day, so totally freaked out..had to.go hospital to have bloods done under ultrasound, so will see if all OK fir chemo tomorrow.....so I can totally understand how you feel. 

    Nice to know we are not alone and see the messages...

    I must admit I'm struggling with not being able to look after.everybody like usual. I'm 55 in 2 weeks. 

    Hope you feel better soon and they get your treatment back on track xxx

  • Hi Tib

    Sorry to hear your having a ruff time, 

    I have my 4th chemo cocktail tomorrow and although I haven't had too many side effects so far.  Headaches,  tired, and hair is all gone. I am really worried about tomorrow's treatment and  not sure y but I just can't sleep

    Hope everyone is OK 

  • Hi Julles63.  I hope you managed to get a few hours sleep. Its a rollercoaster of emotions. I hope your treatment goes well, and you are back home before you know it.  I feel anxious with every appointment, it's awful. Got 2nd chemo today, so will be thinking about you. 

    Hi to all the other ladies, Hope you don't mind me joining your chat. Hope you are all OK 

    Xx

  • Hi Tib 

    Goodness sounds like you're having as rough a time as me!   I was really hoping to be one of those people who breezed through treatment, but I should have known better.  My body was never going to take this lying down.  My next treatment is on the 16th so I have a bit more time to recover.  I was feeling pretty good yesterday, but today seem to have taken a bit of a step backwards with my heart rate very elevated for some reason.  Trying to get it back under control.  

    I only have my dog to look after but I know how frustrating it is not being able to do the things you're used to doing, but it's their turn to look after you now.  You need to be your priority.  I'm having to rely heavily on friends and neighbours to keep me going and they're being amazing. 

    I hope you were able to get your treatment today (Weds) and you're feeling a bit better.  As much as I hate that you're suffering the way you are, I don't feel quite so alone now. 

    Look after yourself.

    Carol xx

  • Hi Julles

    Well done at getting through 3 chemo sessions so far.  That's amazing.  That's a quarter of the way there.  

    Sometimes we worry about things and we've no idea why.  Don't beat yourself up about it.  You're allowed to worry.  What we're all going through is major and will take it's toll on us both physically and mentally, and some days will be better than others.  Give yourself a round of applause for battling on and being determined to beat this.  Go have some fun wig shopping.  If you can, have a 'you' day. 

    I hope chemo goes well for you tomorrow.  Thinking of you all. xx