Struggling today

I am same struggling today & have just joined group like yourself for some positive energy - similar diagnosis Gd 3 Er & Pr + HER2 - I have had my surgery early July a double therapeutic mammoplasty & lymph node removal on left side where the breast ca lump was diagnosed early at 2cm 

you are so right when they give you the science information itt is a reality check but if any help I have come through surgery with all my clearances & they firmly believe they have removed all cancer & pre cancerous cells - I am for radiation treatment & awaiting chemo start date but I feel your struggle it is so difficult to always stay upbeat - I called the helpline today & if any use to you they can get a nurse to call you someone is calling me this week to discuss the chemo 

I hope that helps - it’s tough isn’t it when you feel like this 

Hi, I'm really sorry to hear that you have breast cancer. I think the waiting for and between treatments is the hardest thing. It is really positive that they have caught it early and they will keep a close eye on you. Just try to take it one day at a time and keep busy. 

Best wishes

Lumpy1

Hello,

Although not technically TNBC, the low score means the doctor will be thinking of treating it in a similar way which as you say means that hormone inhibitors can't work. At first this seems daunting because it appears to limit your treatment. The lumpectomy will remove the tumour. As it's small I guess you found it early and the doctor's positivity that your nodes are ok is great news. I suspect you may be offered both chemo and radiotherapy as precautions against reocurrence.

I actually had TNBC so like you I couldn't have any other treatment after radiotherapy.  However, the surgeon explained to me that the cancer had gone and regular check ups and yearly mammograms would keep a vigilant track on it returning. I had my diagnosis in October 2015. Last January the surgeon told me it is unlikely that that cancer will return.In my area I have an annual mammogram for the rest of my life and have been shown how to check carefully in case a new, different cancer develops but it may not.

I hope this will help you feel a little better about your situation. The internet often suggests that TNBC is more dangerous than positive cancers but statistics don't always tell the real picture. My surgeon explained that life expectancy with TNBC has changed very little over the years Some people may leave it a bit late in seeking treatment and the consequences are that treatment may not work. But it has always been so. The great news for BC recovery in general is that there is now better treatment for people with positive cancers. The new treatments are saving many lives so the statistics are now distorted against a negative cancer which probably hasn't changed in years! When my surgeon explained this......it made sense. Apart from using the NHS site to clarify the odd treatment and this site for the empathy and friendship, I don't google anything.

The 24th is not far away. Once the tumour is removed and finally analysed,  you will be on the way to recovery.  I hope all goes well but I am sure it will. Don't worry about off days. Even now six years on I have the odd ' what if' moment. I don't think anyone who says they don't occasionally worry is being honest..........but whilst worrying is normal, you have plenty to be hopeful for too.

It is very sad when someone high profile like Sarah Harding dies. It frightens people waiting for results and treatments. If it happened to her.....why not me? But Sarah has told her story. She didn't go straight to the doctor's when she noticed a lump and it was too advanced when found. It doesn't sound as if you left yours too late........your situation will be very diffetent.

I wish you well. Love Karen

Thank you Janie for telling your story, it does help and I’m glad to hear you are doing well after your operation. I will probably call Macmillan nurses tomorrow now that I’ve got this extra information.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for us xx

Yes do wishing you all the best hope you get some solace from your call 

Thank you Lumpy, so hard for us all isn’t it?  So easy to lose sight of that positivity after a few days but you have helped.  I hope to have a more upbeat day again tomorrow….and it’s one day nearer to the

Thank you Lacomtekp for explaining that so well as I really wasn’t sure what I was up against.  Yes, they have told me it’s been found early and I did ask if the wait for surgery would change anything and was told it wouldn’t.  So I really shouldn’t be feeling so low.  Thank you for taking the time to respond and make me feel better, your story is inspiring. 

….op! 

Welcome and don't apologise for reacting to what is a new and sometimes scary situation. Everyone reacts differently.  Yes the medics explain it all to us but its a lot to take in and its only afterwards that it can hit us as to what lies ahead especially if its not all explained. Click my name to read my tale. Mine was caught early and removed with surgery. Am halfway thru radiotherapy but finding this tougher than surgery as the driving, waiting ( they rarely run to the appointment time), fiddling on table is quite tiring and I'm struggling with getting a good night's sleep. 

It does depend where you are in country as to any delays but its not too far away till 24th and extra precautions due to covid has complicated things. Sending a virtual hug. Good luck x

Hi can I ask your advice pls. I am 5 weeks post op from having theraputic mammoplasty with reduction on the other side. It's been so gruelling waiting for results, hopefully by the end of the week I should have my results.  So far I know my area is around 11mm, grade 2 and  er 8/8 and pr 7/8 with a small area of dcis which is er 8/8. My scan on my lymph nodes was normal and they showed fine on my mri also.  I am concerned the delay in me getting my results might delay my next treatment. Is there a timescale that the next treatment has to start within. Today when I spoke with my bcn she advised my results have been deferred for the last 2 weeks in the mdt meeting, obviously there ran out of time to discuss mine. Just worried it may of delayed any further treatment.  Best wishes xx