Triple negative breast cancer

Hi

The fear of recurrence is the worst feeling isn't it?  I didn't have chemo, but I do know that the after effects of it are pretty hard on your body.  I 'only' had lumpectomy and radiotherapy, but I was 100% convinced that it had come back when I had my first annual - it was a total shock to be told that everything was perfectly ok!

It could be anything causing the new aches as well as chemo - lying in a different position in bed for instance! Having finished chemo it is now important to try and control that fear to re-start living your life.  Naturally, so much easier said than done, but try and look as it as if it is pointless having gone through all that if you can't 'get your life back'.  It will be a 'new life' but it is important to live it as fully as you can instead of worrying.  I've had 2 annuals now and I spend a week or 2 before it worrying about what if's, but after that I work on the principle that I have got a year off of worrying and ignore it - no matter what aches and pains I have.  Naturally, if there were any changes in my breast then I would see a doctor.... but as you've finished and they've signed you off from chemo, try and see it as your new start until your annual.  

If you have a wobble, distract yourself and do something nice as a treat and then most importantly remind yourself that the chemo got rid of the cancer.

Kindest wishes,

Hi Lesleyhelen thank you for your kind words . Your right I’m trying to be more positive some days it’s easier than others and as the aches are worse in the morning it could be how I’m lying . I’m sure as time passes it will get easier and I  do need to get my life back after a hard year . Best wishes for the future 6bunnies.

Hello 6bunnies,

I had triple negative cancer in 2015. I had a lumpectomy,  chemo and radiotherapy  but the surgeon always tells me to believe that on the day he removed the tumours, the cancer was gone. The rest was to prevent it reoccurring. 

Like you it's difficult with every twinge not to believe it has come back. And throughout the last four years I have had a lot of aches,twinges, and sharp pains.......

But I live in an area where I have regular check ups so I am quite sure at the moment all is still clear. The surgeon and the oncologist have both told me that the hard lump I can feel is internal scar tissue still healing. They say it takes much longer than you imagine which is why the aches continue. End of November will be my 4th mammogram since the lumpectomy.  With the previous ones, I have had aches in the breast for several weeks before. The mind goes into overdrive......

I wish you well on your recovery. Don't ignore the lumps and twinges.....make sure they are checked if you are not as lucky as me to have regular appointments but don't worry too much about the outcome. It is likely to be healing......and an active mind like mine.....but as triple negative is even more of a waiting game than other bc's.. ...we must get on and enjoy our lives, trusting the experts to recognise the difference between old aches and new problems.

I hope it helps you to know that you are not alone in your worries. I don't think anyone can honestly say they stop but what is interesting is that four years on, I still get the odd twinge to worry about! 

Have a nice weekend. Enjoy the warmth...

Love Karen

Oh!!!  i had chemotherapy, 2 lumpectomies, a mastectomy and radiotherapy (i shouted bingo when i was finished felt liked i'd had a full house) and i have days where i wonder if it has really all gone or if it has come back. Drives me to distraction if i let it.

I try to keep busy and not think about it too much, i have pain in my "new" boob and under my arm and always wonder if its back. You're not on your own but i have been told it does get easier the longer after treatment it gets.

I don't think it helps because while you're having treatment you feel safe?? but when its all over and life goes back to "normal" it plays on your mind. 

Ring your BCN if you have any concerns, i was told on a number of occasions that they are still there for us for at least 5 years after treatment has finished for anything you may need them for. I'm sure they get lots of people who feel like we do.