I have Triple Negative started on Chemo, I am just finding it difficult because with Triple Negative we can.t get rid of the Lump until the Chemo or Immuno can shrink it.  I have been told it a long haul but they will get it. Fingers crossed  Yes can thoroughly relate. 

Thank goodness you found me, I was beginning to think there was nobody else with triple negative on here. I was only diagnosed yesterday so it’s all still pretty raw. They told me it’s a 2.5cm lump at grade 3 (I think that refers to the size) and like you, want to get me started on chemo asap. How are you finding the chemo sessions? I don’t really know what to expect and anything I read just terrifies me at the moment x

Your pretty much same as me., TBH the Chemo sessions are brilliant, not what your expecting to hear is it? I get mine weekly only had 2 so far, Just wear leggings that are elasticated, Please do not read anything on GOOGLE, all those articles are old and they have started using Immuno a year ago that is supposedly a game changer. 

I was going to ask you how frequently you had them - they’ve told me once every 3 weeks for 4 months but I could have heard that incorrectly (it was hard to concentrate). I don’t know what the usual time frame is but I suppose it’s different for everyone. Did you need a breast MRI at any point before your chemo? X

Yes had one, before I started Chemo as well as a Kidney function test,, my chemo is split into 2 parts i need Paclitaxel every week and carboplatin every 3 weeks, if that makes sense. 

Yes had one, before I started Chemo as well as a Kidney function test,, my chemo is split into 2 parts i need Paclitaxel every week and carboplatin every 3 weeks, if that makes sense. 

Can I ask you how old you are? I am 60 so too old to be tested for Braca gene. 

Ah, okay. Yes, they took blood yesterday and said it was to check kidney function and I’m booked in for an MRI in a week or so - I’m not entirely sure what that’s for, perhaps to see if there’s any spread? X

I’m 42 x

Its because the MRI is to detect if there is any more activity. It does give a better image than the scan you have already have. 

My Oncologist sort of told me I am wrong age, wrong Colour, and TNBC is just plain bad luck. I feel blessed. 

Hi bumble-bee, sorry you have found yourself here. I’m not triple negative but I am grade 3 and young like you (I’m 35). I start chemo on Thursday. I had an mri just before surgery, it gives an extra clear view of both breasts and surrounding tissue, younger women apparently have denser breast tissue so it’s just to make sure they haven’t missed anything xx

Hey Em24ma,

everything is still sinking in for me so I find myself asking people the same questions over and over again because I’m just not retaining any info very well at the moment! I’m just a little worried about the mri in case they find even more going on in there or that it’s spread somewhere further. The advice I got from the breast clinic was to focus on the here and now and not the “what ifs” but it’s so hard not to let your mind wander all over the place. How are you feeling about your first chemo session? Xx

Totally understand, I felt exactly the same about the mri I was sure they would find something else and it would be much worse than they originally thought. The doctor told me it was only about 1 in 10 people that they would find something else on their mri and even then it was often something benign like a cyst. And this should be the last hurdle before u start treatment so you should start to feel a bit better after this. Have they given you an idea of stage yet? 
I feel ok actually, I’ve kind of accepted it now, ready to get on with it I suppose but it definitely sucks, I don’t want to lose my hair. I’m going to try the cold cap but not holding out much hope xx

Hi Lynne

I am also 60, have triple negative breast cancer and was tested for the Braca gene!  Not sure why they told you you were too old.  I'd definitely question that.  Thankfully my test came back negative on the genetics, but that means they couldn't give me an answer as to why I got the cancer in the first place unfortunately.