Hi, I don't even know where to begin, I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis this year was the hardest year of my life; it was meant to be special and exciting but it turned out to be a nightmare.

At the start of the lockdown in March I found out I was pregnant with my second child everything was great I was over the moon my partner and my daughter were so excited, then a few months down the line I felt a lump on my right breast.

I booked an appointment done some test and got diagnosed with TNBC in July whilst 5 months pregnant at 30. I didn't enjoy the end of my pregnancy at all 

I started chemo 3 weeks later, at first I was scared because I didn't know if the treatment would harm the baby, but the doctor's assured me that my baby would be safe. I think because my hormones were all over the place I used to cry non stop... I thank God every day for my partner he's been my rock through out this horror movie.

I started chemo in August I would have treatment every 3 weeks but unfortunately my tumor was not shrinking. The my treatment was changed in October, I had to go in every week for 3 weeks and then stop a month before I was induced.

I was induced on the 11th of November 2020 and my princess was born on the 14th of November she was born 2 weeks early. 

For that moment I forgot I had breast cancer I  went home the same day because I had a natural birth and the doctors gave me the all clear.

On the 19th of November I had a mastectomy I'm still coming to terms with it, all I could say to myself was im doing it for my children. They took some lymph nodes to check the staging.

The surgery went well, my lymph nodes were clear and my ct scan was clear aswell. I due to start treatment again in a week.
 

We will beat this beast and it will never come back again. 

Hi, [@Angelbless]‍ 

Thanks for sharing your story.

How awful this year has been for you, and it must have all been so much harder with all of the lockdowns and uncertainties surrounding that. But congratulations on the birth of your daughter, I am glad she was able to be the light at the end of the tunnel for you.

How did you find chemo? Is that what you will be starting again next week? 

I just want to get going now lol.

yes, absolutely we will ! 

Hi guys. 

Thanks for the well wishes.

Sorry it's taken me a few days to update you all, it's been a bit of a tough week.

So unfortunately the surgery couldn't go ahead. I had an allergic reaction to the blue dye in theater. It's quite an unlikely event, about 1:400 my surgeon said (lucky me :laugh:). 

I was given adrenaline and steroids and had to stay in the hospital for 24hrs. Felt pretty rough for a few days. But the staff were amazing and really looked after me.

I'm expecting a call to rebook to surgery early this week so I'm hoping it will be soon. Obviously the lymph biopsies will be taken without the use of dye. My surgeon is totally on the ball and she's going to make sure I get tested for the cause of the allergy. All in all, a bit rubbish but it's nobodies fault so we just plod on. 

​​​​​​Sorry you haven't felt great after you recent round of chemo. Have you tried those anti sickness bands too? I've read they are quite helpful. Lovely ideas. So much for us all to look forward to. 

@jolamine any results yet? 

hope your all well xx

Hi ladies

Sorry for gatecrashing but I have read through your posts and you are all giving me so much hope. 

I was officially diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer last month. I should be starting chemotherapy in the next couple of weeks.

Im 32, have 2 children (6 years and 2 years) and with no history of breast cancer in the family.

I found a lump in my right breast which was confirmed to be grade 1 breast cancer. As of yet no sign of it in lymph nodes. Had a MRI which showed lump is now 22mm, but they have found a second lump in same breast (6mm) and have concerns about my left breast (found small nodules on MRI). 

I've certainly had the "why me" days, broken down in masses of tears, and my mind is constantly going to the not so great places.

I have better times too but it is hard to stay positive sometimes. 

Your stories have given me a bit of a pick me up today, knowing you are all so strong and beating this horrid situation gives me a bit of hope that I might be able to beat this (fingers and toes crossed).

Amy x

hi amy 

im 54 and triple positive have you started chemo yet

had third chemo phil im trying to find women who have her2 for there opnions on the chemo

Hi Ruth

I haven't started yet. I have my treatment plan......6 sessions of chemotherapy, 1st 3 will be with 2 drugs and the 2nd 3 will be with Herceptin to treat the HER2 protein. My oncologist told me I should be starting within the next 2 weeks sometime.

After that if chemo has done its job I'll have surgery and hormone therapy. But I will be on Herceptin for about a year. 

Having more tests done on Monday as they found abnormalities in my other breast. 

How are you coping with it all? Have you started your chemotherapy yet? 

Amy x

hi amy

yes ive done three of 18 cycles its awful i cant believe its hers 2 found out xmas set in chemo cahir on 13/01/21 what have they said to you about it ? my lump measures 37cm and three nodes affected i keep googling which isant good and going on the predict website

My oncologist just said the generic things, what side effects to expect etc. Im obviously not looking forward to the side effects but just need to get started on it so I can try to beat this ASAP. But who knows, if my test on Monday show anything bad on my left breast it might change the treatment plan. 

Im getting them to recheck my lymph nodes on both sides as I've been feeling a bit of discomfort there, almost feels like my armpits are bruised.

What side effects have you experienced with your treatment so far? 

Amy x

mostly tiredness and diahorea and some hair loss im totally *** off with it all 

Horrid side effects but just have to remember it's not forever and it's all to get better by the end of it all. 

I was told by my oncologist that the last 3 sessions will be a lot worse than the 1st 3 because of the Herceptin.

Are you using a cold cap to see if it helps will hair loss? 

Hi [@Phili1]‍ , I’ve just read the thread right through, having contributed early on, I was so sorry to hear that your surgery was delayed due to the dye allergy, having psyched yourself up on the day it must have been a huge disappointment. Out of interest I went to the nuclear department for the blue dye to be injected on the morning of surgery last week and the isotope delivery had been delayed in traffic, it delayed things by an hour, I was already scheduled for surgery late morning, it was 10.30am at that time, so the surgeon who was in theatre on another patient was contacted and decided to go ahead with just the isotope injection and forgo the blue dye (as you know  the dye takes time to go round your system so would have meant more time lost) I think it was done to keep the surgeries on track that day. The sentinel and others were removed without dye or any issues at all, so I just thought i’d let you know in case it’s bothering you. All the very best for your upcoming surgery. Lyn.

Hi [@Phili1]‍ , I’ve just read the thread right through, having contributed early on, I was so sorry to hear that your surgery was delayed due to the dye allergy, having psyched yourself up on the day it must have been a huge disappointment. Out of interest I went to the nuclear department for the blue dye to be injected on the morning of surgery last week and the isotope delivery had been delayed in traffic, it delayed things by an hour, I was already scheduled for surgery late morning, it was 10.30am at that time, so the surgeon who was in theatre on another patient was contacted and decided to go ahead with just the isotope injection and forgo the blue dye (as you know  the dye takes time to go round your system so would have meant more time lost) I think it was done to keep the surgeries on track that day. The sentinel and others were removed without dye or any issues at all, so I just thought i’d let you know in case it’s bothering you. All the very best for your upcoming surgery. Lyn.

[@yorkiegal]‍  oh thank you for your mention. 

I wasn't sure how difficult it would be for them to do it without so I really appreciate you taking the time to write that. I've got a new date for surgery Feb 18th . Apparently they are using a different SNB dye? So hopefully it will all be ok this time. That's hubbys birthday so I'm hoping to be in an out to not ruin it completely! Bless him. 

How's everyone doing? 

Hi [@Phili1]‍ , I’m so pleased you have a new surgery date re-scheduled, I will be thinking of you on the 18th for sure, good luck with the different dye, a bit of a shame it’s hubbys birthday though . So here I am two weeks and a day after surgery, 2nd drain out 2 days ago  (the other came out 5 days ago, incidentally the lymph drain came out first) dressings also off at the same time as the 2nd drain came out, thrilled with the surgery. After having the bad dip with pain (mentioned earlier in this chat) I felt like a different woman on Monday, SLN pain in the pit bearly noticeable, but a bit of pain and a sunburn type of heat on the back of the upper arm, all in all totally manageable and it hardly has my attention at all, maybe only a handful of times a day. Hopefully SLN result on friday. Good luck Phili, you’ll be fine, we are all in the most amazing hands, please report back when you feel up to it, i’d love to hear how you’re doing. Lyn.

[@yorkiegal]‍ thanks Lyn. 

Good to hear you are coping well now.  I'm having a therapeutic mammoplasty too. I feel so lucky to have such a skilled surgeon. 

Did they discuss drains with you prior to surgery?. Just curious as they haven't mentioned anything to me. To be honest I'm totally naive and don't know what they are for. 

I really hope you get some good results on Friday please keep us updated . 

So I'm having a bit of a freak out tonight, cant sleep as I've got pain in my armpit. Now I don't know if it's real or all in my head but annoying none the less. 

How are you sleeping? 

All the best ladies xx

[@Phili1]‍ Hi Phili, I was having a therapeutic mammoplasty, but sadly that changed when the 2nd tumour was spotted fairly early on, but after I originally posted on here. I had a lump almost on the surface which I found, and one deep behind with only 20mm between so it wasn’t as easy ‘doable’ with the margins needed, so I opted for a full mastectomy with reconstruction on the day, more for my peace of mind, and it made life less tricky surgery wise. A drain is a thin tube inserted into the wound site to drain away any fluid build up in the body around the wound, as I had the SLN and mammoplasty together there were 2 drains in, both coming out from the same place a few inches under the bust, a tip - take a smallish very lightweight cotton type shopper with you that fits over your shoulder comfortably to pop your drain/drains in, it makes life so much easier leaving hospital and later on as you can pop it over your chair arm when you’re sitting etc - it will give you two free hands! (Not that you’ll be doing much with the one on the surgery side). They irritated a wee bit at first, but nothing in the grand scheme of things. I suffer with insomnia anyway so tend to catch 3 hours here and there, I’m lucky I retired early (I’m 58) so am free to do as I please timewise which is a huge bonus i’ll be eternally grateful for, I really feel for all the lovelies that have that added pressure. Sleep is a problem as I have always been a left side sleeper and I have to now sleep on my back which is totally alien to me. If surgery is on your mind (how could it not be?), maybe it’s a phantom pain? I hope so. Will post back friday if the results are in, fingers crossed. You take care Phili. Lyn. X

[@yorkiegal]‍ did you get your results Hun. 

Aw thank you for taking the time to explain that. I really do appreciate it! 

Yeah I think it's all in my head to be honest! Typical monkey mind running riot. 

Covid swab tomorrow ... One step closer! 

Hope your well 

Phili xx

Hi [@Phili1]‍, Got the results this morning, lymph nodes are clear, but cancer size larger than first thought, so now grade 3, appt with onco in 3 weeks time. Glad it was of help to you. Good luck for thursday x Lyn. 

[@yorkiegal]‍  hi Lyn.

So pleased to hear your lymph nodes are clear! Must be a big relief. Your HR2+ aren't you? So chemo already on the cards? Mines grade 3 too. Nasty lumps! 

Thank you. I will let you know how I get on. Fingers crossed it's smooth sailing this time :laugh: 

take care of yourself xx

[@Phili1]‍ Hi Phili, It was a relief without a doubt. I am HER2-positive. Chemo was always on the cards, plus Herceptin which is a targeted therapy only for HER2-pos cancer that helps ‘up’ survival rates. But, as the cancer is now bigger than originally diagnosed I will be having radiotherapy at the very end of all the treatment. I will know more, length of treatment, exact type of chemo etc when I see the onc on 2nd march. I will be thinking of you tomorrow Phili, good luck with things - you’ll be fine. Lyn. x

Hi all 

I haven't commented for a while but have been following the thread and everyone's cancer journey. I had original surgery in December lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy.  Was called back a week early for results so knew something wasnt quite right however lymph nodes were clear so that was good.  Tumor turned out to be bigger than thought at 4.5cm so is now grade 3 invasive ductal cancer.  Margins were not clear so needed further surgery which was done on 28 Jan.  Again no pain after surgery.  Went back to clinic last week for results and unfortunately the margins are still not clear.  As I am a larger breasted woman I have been given the choice of two options.  Either a reduction so they remove a large amount of tissue with surgery to the other breast at a later date or masectomy with implant done at the same time.  Although the reduction cannot guarantee clear margins the delay in further treatment would not impact on my prognosis as they have removed the invasive cancer. They have said going straight for masectomy does not change my treatment plan either but some woman can't bear the thought of another surgery.  To be honest that doesn't phase me.  I think the consultant wouldn't suggest trying the reduction if medically my best option is masectomy.  They have been great and I am due back Friday to sign consent for surgery.

They are also doing an oncotype test to see if I will need chemo which won't be ba k for a few weeks. 

Although each time I've gone back it's not great news I am still positive. 

We have all got this stay strong everyone 

Sue xx

[@Sue49]‍, Hi sue, What a worrying time you’re having, I’m sorry to hear this. You are totally right, optimism is key to our overall well being. It’s hard not to stress, thankfully I am pragmatic and strongly feel what will be will be, i’ve learnt that things change, my original diagmosis was HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma some history - The lump I felt at 6 o’clock in my breast was thought to be 6mm, I then went for ultrasound immediately, having spoke to the consultant the same day, it was then two lumps thought to be 10mm and 6mm, biopsies taken and two clips were put in at the sites, I knew that wasn’t a good sign. I then got the grade 2 diagnosis. Surgery was swift, 3 weeks ago yesterday, I got the negative node test but the overall size was vastly different, 25mm and 18mm and grade 3. I didn’t get the stage yet, as the path lab is rechecking it all at the request of the surgeon. This puts me in radiotherapy territory now, at the end of all other treatment. My mastectomy choice was governed by the only 20mm space between the two tumours. I have a large breast 38e, though I acceot that these are small compared to some. It would have been tricky to get the margins. It was a no brainer for me, I wanted peace of mind. So I had a  mastetomy with recon on the day, and I now have an expander in 2/3 full, the new boob size should be a healthy C cup with which I’m thrilled, I will find it freeing, no more ‘sweaty summers’ under the boob, i’ve tried bras at £20 up to £90 but they don’t stop the droop and awful moisture under the breast in the heat, I lived in temperatures of up to 46 degrees living abroad for years, it was murder. My surgery looks amazing now it’s settling and the bruising is lessening, to say I’m thrilled would be sn understatement. So, we are all in a constant situation of ‘change’, the surgeon only has a best guess of cancer size until it’s out and on that lab table, that’s no ones fault. I am looking at chemo, then herceptin for a year, then radiotherapy. I’m not over the moon at what’s to come, but come it will, and we just have to get on and play the hand we’re dealt, to the best advantage we’re given. I see the onco in two weeks for a definitive treatment path. I hope your choice gives you that peace of mind Sue, please keep in touch, and keep that positivity, I know you will from what you’ve written. sending you a huge hug. Lyn. X