Hi , I have been diagnosed with her2 triple nagative breast cancer in February and starting my chemo on Wednesday. I’m very anxious and can anyone give me advice
Everyone’s reaction to chemo is different , but the two main factors for me to cope Was positive attitude and a walk a day. Even when I didn’t feel well ,after a walk I always felt better
I managed to walk miles everyday, ride the horse and work but some people can’t do that and there is nothing wrong if you can’t. I took vitamin b to prevent neuropathy.
Do not Google as information on there can be scary ask on this forum and your medical team
don’t be scared to treat yourself whether that is a glass of wine or a meal out do it
I am sorry you had to find yourself here. Anxiety is quite normal....it's the fear of the unknown .....no matter what anyone tells you or how reassuring they try to be. However, there have been many improvements in chemo in recent years. I can't promise it won't be unpleasant at times but just make sure you discuss any symptoms with your bcn or oncologist. Doses can be tweaked and there are lots of medications which can help. If your unit hasn't already prescribed for you, I would make sure I had laxatives, immodium, non alcoholic mouthwash and paracetamol in the cupboard. I was advised to use the mouthwash from Day 1, twice daily. It may have been a coincidence but it wasn't difficult and I continued for eight months without mouth ulcers.
I hope all goes well for you. I too had triple negative bc. I had chemo and radiotherapy after a lumpectomy. That was in 2015. So far I have remained free from the cancer returning. Worrying though this stage in the treatment is, you will be starting the route to recovery which for so many is successful these days.
Hi karen, I am so worried about my diagnoses off triple negative as they never mentioned at first. Just have the fear off it not shrinking through chemo. I have been on google which has sent my anxiety levels through the roof. I’m so scared off the unknown . Thanks andrea
It’s natural to be anxious especially if you read the internet about tnbc, but all information on internet is outdated now and treatments moved on a example would be the introduction of immunotherapy treatment , diet control and trials such as the aspirin one which is showing positive outcomes. try to deal with your treatment in stages only think about the one you are on at the time. cancer support groups are beginning to meet in person again see if you have one in your local area
Ok, I will have a read about aspirin one. Iv been reading on the chat about the chemo Docetaxel and the after effects it has with stomach cramps and more. It’s all making me more worried . I am attending the maggie centre and trying yoga today and to try meet other girls for support .
do you know where to see the result (so far) of this aspirin trial? I have looked on cancer research and can see it says you can enter if tested for hormone receptors but it doesn’t state what the results of the test need to be- is it only suitable for tnbc?
I had my surgery first because the tnbc was only found in the tumour analysis. The tumours had been found by a mammogram and were small. But during my time on Macmillan I made friends with someone who was also tnbc but one year behind me. I know she won't mind if I tell you that at her five year check in 2021, she was also still clear of cancer. She did have chemo first. She had been booked for a mastectomy but the chemo shrank her tumour so in the end she only needed a lumpectomy. I hope this reassures a bit.
As for your response to treatment......if only we could predict. There are sometimes problems but there are also lots of people these days whose symptoms are slight. I couldn't have walked or worked during my chemo but I don't feel guilty about it. I know that this reaction sometimes happens but nowadays it's very infrequent. Oncologists have reduced doses, changed the drug combination, offer weekly instead of three weekly doses in certain circumstances so that the results are much easier to cope with. I think it might surprise you. Do not read on google. You will only read severe and outdated information. If you need to chat....try the Awake thread. The people who post there are very experienced. They will happily answer your questions or if it's just necessary for you to express your fears....they'll just virtually listen. Everyone understands how you are feeling. We have all shared your thoughts. I would be more concerned about someone who isn't bothered than someone waiting to start treatment who is worried.
I suspect that in a few weeks you will be confidently chatting to others offering your support and experience.
Thank you for taking time to comment, I’m just so over whelmed with it all. The more positive stories I hear makes me cope a bit better. Just so hard for me at the moment . Thank you
