triple negative breast cancer

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. (TNBC) in June 2021. 

My journey has been:-

• 4 sessions of chemotherapy every 3rd week (9th July to 26 Sept 2021)
• Lumpectomy & Lymph Nodes removed (20th Oct 2021)
• 20 sessions of Radiotherapy (9th Dec 2021 to 8th Jan 2022)

Having completed the main elements of treatment, I know there will be additional treatments together with annual check ups for next 5 years.

I have made fairly good progress, only downside has been the tiredness which is gradually improving.

I'm happy to chat about my experiences but If you have any medical questions, please talk to your Breast Care Team.

Stay safe & take great care of yourself.

Jen 

Hi Kerry

I have same diagnosis as you and had lumpectomy, currently having chemo and then on to a 5 days of intensive radiotherapy. It’s been a long haul but so far so good.

I was diagnosed in Dec 21, on 4 cycles of weekly paclitaxin/Carboplatin 3 weekly. Then have to have 4 2 weekly cycles of AC. Then I’ve opted for a bilateral mastectomy due to my BRAC1 positive status. Think every oncologist plans a different approach, but do get them to explain why they have chosen the treatment plan they have for you.
I’ve had 3 chemo sessions now & so far it’s not been half as bad as expected, plus I’ve used the cold cap & no hair loss - yet! 
Hope your treatment goes well xx 

Hi Kerry

I'm going through treatment at the moment. Diagnosed 8th Sep, started chemo 30th Sept. I had chemo every other week for 16 weeks. 4 EC then 4 paxitaxol. I know from forums and speaking to people that there are lots of different chemo plans and I initially panicked as everyone seemed to have weekly taxol so I spoke to my oncologist about it and she felt I would have the best response having dose dense treatment every other week. 

Due to have a lumpectomy and a sential node biopsy tomorrow and then will have radiation. If I have any active cancer left then I'll go on to have 6 cycles of oral chemo. 

Have you just been diagnosed? Do you have a treatment plan in place?

hi Jen about Thank you for the reply i started my chemo on the 11th sept 4 sessions of chemotherapy every 3rd week and then on the 1st dec i started having it every week for 12 weeks which is hard now im nearing the end 3 more sessions to go.

Then mastectony on my breast which im bit worried how i feel after it is removed.

And then radiotherapy how did you find that went 

Is there anything you take now to help keep the cancer away 

I glad to hear everything is going well for you 

Hi I am just going though my chemo at mo stared on 4 sessions every 3 weeks then on the 1st dec every week 3 sessions left can wait for it to end. I seem to be doing it different to everyone else with the chemo first then surgery.

Hope the radiotherapy isnt to bad for you im going to have that as well. It feels like it never going to end but fingers crossed it will all be worth it 

I started my treatment on the 11th sept just before my 50th birthday 4 sessions every 3 weeks and then every week for 12 weeks im near the end now 3 weeks left.I didnt find the 3 weekly ones to bad as well getting very tried now with the weekly ones its good you have not lost your hair so far My BRAC came back negative so just having the one breast removed as far as i know now 

Will you be having radiotherapy as well.

Hope everything keeps going well for you x

Hi yes i was diagnosed on the 5th August started chemo on the 11th sept had 4 session every 3 weeks then 1st dec started having it every week for 12 weeks i have 3 sessions left finding these last few really tiring now.

Im going to have surgery i had the BRCA test but luckily it came back negative so only one breast removed.Then radiation but not sure how much yet.

Its a long journey but i had a MRI scan after me 3 weekly sessions of chemo and the lump had nearly gone which was great news because it was 6cm in size.

I find talking to people everyone is different i hope everything goes really well for you x

Hello all,

I have read all your posts and see you are all well into your treatments and they seem to going well. Fatigue is a very common after effect so be prepared to rest if you need too.

However I also thought you would be encouraged to know that my TNBC was diagnosed in 2015. Despite a few complications from side effects, I have been clear of cancer for 6 years. Of course I am vigilant and had occasion to check out the odd hardness? ( scar tissue) or unusual ache? but that is also encouraged, so with the support of an annual mammogram ( prescribed in my area) I am hopeful for my future and think you can be too.

Hope all continues well for you all. Love Karen

Morning Karen 

I am so glad to hear how well you are doing and im so happy for you.

Its good to hear because at the moment that is what i keep thinking about having TNBC will it come back because theres not real after treatment like other cancers and i know i will be over thinking it.

Thank you for your message keep healthy and well 

love kerry x