Diagnosed on 22nd Dec with grade 3 triple negative breast cancer. Awaiting chemo :(

Oh gosh, so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I had chemo earlier this year, and whilst I was dreading it, I was pretty lucky and was able to manage the side effects quite well.  I did lose my hair, but took the opportunity to get a wig in a completely different style and I love it. In fact I am now growing back grey and wondering how I am going to cope without my blond wig     It's all quite overwhelming to begin with, isn't it?  Good luck with your upcoming appointments and I hope you have a clear plan soon x

Sorry to hear of your second diagnosis Flower41 that is tough.    I have the same TNBC diagnosis as you which I’ve slowly been coming  to terms with over the months. I’ve now had lumpectomy followed by one session of EC chemo which for me, hasn’t been too bad, I was sick a couple of times on day 2 despite anti sickness meds but I started  to feel better sooner than I had expected and by day 3 was feeling a lot better and continued to improve from then onwards.   I have tried the cold cap though my hair seems to be shedding fast now, but not falling out in clumps so I think I’ll try it again for my next one on 29th as my hair was quite thick to start with.  It might be worth giving it a try.  The first 10 mins aren’t pleasant but after that i almost forget I was wearing it!  I have a friend who gave it a go and it worked well for her.  
Can I ask why you didn’t have chemo the first time? I presume this new lump might be completely new and separate to the first as I understand chemo is normally offered for TNBC.  
Glad things are moving fast for you but it’s a lot to get your head round though you’ll get lots of support and advice here.  There is a TNBC group you can join on this site in addition to this group too.

Best wishes xx

thank -you. I'm sure it will be okay once it starts, its the unexpected that scares me. Feel like I'm wishing the days of Christmas away so I can get started x

Hello Wobbly1, I was told first time that chemo wasn't necessary just radiotherapy, guess I didn't really question it as that was the one thing I really wanted to avoid. The lump was in the same area which my consultant has said was very rare to reoccur so quickly, its all a blur tbh! I will take a look at that group too thank-you. I will definitely consider the cold cap, I have 3 children (13,13 and 11) and I think they will struggle also with the hair loss, I haven't actually told them yet as I really didn't want to dampen Christmas. This treatment I know will be so different to what they have seen me have so far and I do feel worried how they will cope with it. Hope your next treatment goes well xx

Hi there 

we don’t seem to have cold caps available here 

I did ask, but was told it could delay my treatment 

I haven’t seen anyone wearing one here , and I saw lots sat in chairs/ coming and going - so maybe in short supply, I was just grateful to get a cancellation for my first chemo to get it started asap , as once diagnosed felt like I was just sitting around waiting for the phonecall

 I have bought a wig pre chemo and also a couple of beanies and a scarf . If I was younger I would have got a few wigs! 

good luck x 

Hello Deb3112, 

I'm going to get some hats and scarves ready just incase. My mum has always told me I have a good hat face! I have my oncolgy appointment on the 30th to find out start dates, treatment plan etc. The nurse I spoke to on the day mentioned cold caps, like you say though it depends how many there are to go around. Thanks for your reply xx

Hi I to found a lump on the 18th Nov an recently been diagnosed with breast cancer an its in one of the lymph nodes I start chemo at the beginning of Jan and I'm scared like u about loosing my hair ive bought a couple of bandanna headband things from ebay as I'm scared of frightening my 3yr old son wen my hair does go we are stronger than we think x

Yes ladies Flower and Kel 

I have invasive ductal her2 which I believe is agressieve growing , that I wanted to shrink asap, so time was of the essence for me , to start the herceptin too, why I said I would take a cancellation, as one started I would have a 21 day schedule also.

my surgery will follow, so my response to the chemo combination was/ is ultimately more important than my hair loss , Altho I’m not enjoying it dropping out I must say 

I don’t have a partner to shave it , and don’t want to ask my young adult children 

good luck , I’ve heard mixed results for the cold cap and would have definitely tried it if I had had the opportunity 

xx

Hello Kel12 

I have only known for 5 days, but do feel I am getting my head around it a bit now. Think I feel more worried about the children and their reaction to me having no hair. I found it very hard Christmas day straightening my hair, which is very long, dark and thick, and applying make up with the thought that this will soon not be the same. Thinking I will be starting around the same time as you so please do keep me posted on how you get on xx

Hello Flower41, 

I'm 44 and have grade 3 idc and I'll be having chemo and radiotherapy after surgery axillary clearance and possible mastectomy.

We haven't told our kids yet until we know when surgery is. I've already pre-empted the hair loss by having my hair cut shorter. Which was much shorter than i actually wanted but maybe that's a blessing in disguise. The hardest bit for me will be when it grows back. I'm not ready to embrace the grey yet! I'm going to get a couple of funky beanies made (dinosaur print etc) and get them to help shave my head to feel part of the journey and to have a laugh at the same time. 

We've not told anyone except employers and schools as we didn't want to dampen Christmas and New year spirits and also I wanted to get it straight in my head what was happening first before we told them. 

The waiting and not knowing exactly what is next is rubbish and that is the worst but i think