Newly Diagnosed - Triple Negative

It would be worth questioning whether you do need to come off HRT - by definition triple negative cancers aren’t driven by oestrogen. 

I think the protocol is chemo first if the lump is larger than 2pms or there is suspicion of lymph node involvement.  Surgery first otherwise. Stage 2 sounds like chemo first. 

All the best. (I have metastatic TNBC spread to my liver). 

Hi there,

i have TBNB - diagnosed just before christmas. I came off HRT immediately following their recommendation (had been on it for 6 months), although as it’s not oestrogen driven I’m not sure how necessary it is - definitely worth you checking this out, especially if you were really struggling before going on it. To be honest I strangely didn’t notice any difference when I came off it.

My lump was 1.6mm stage 1 grade 3 and I had chemo first. I was given the choice but my breast surgeon felt chemo first was the best way forward as its’ a systemic treatment and it means the body is being treated wholly (just in case any rogue cells have shot off anywhere). She also said it gave the opportunity for the genetic testing (offered as under 60) to come back. She said this was important as would inform the surgery discussions.

I started my treatment early February and have two treatments left to go. Everyone is so different in the way they respond to the treatment but largely its been ok for me.

It’s good you are feeling calm at this stage - this is the stage where people often don’t so try and stay with that and also try not to fear/dread what may not happen with side effects etc. It’s all about a step at a time and getting through.

If you have a Maggies Centre attached to your hospital they are great for groups and general support - definitely recommend.

Happy to answer any questions.

Jan x

Thank you Jan, that's all really helpful, especially one step at a time, which is not my normal way of being / doing! That's my biggest fear, I think, not being good at slowing down, mentally and physically, or asking for help, as I recognise I'll need it, especially as I'll be living on my own; my friend I share with is moving away next week, though I do have other support.  I've just been made redundant, so have time to process it all which I'm extremely grateful for, otherwise I'd be being as busy as possible so as not to think about it!

The one step at a time is really important to stay with as you will find that you will get a treatment plan - but it may alter because of varying factors. For example you will have your bloods done weekly to check all your vital organs - if they tip out of balance treatment may have to be suspended for a week or so. This happened to me for one week and my friend has had this three times. They know what they are doing and they have got this with understanding the balance between giving treatment and your body being in the strongest place it can be to receive it. So you just have to go with the flow and expect these things to happen. If you don't they will overwhelm you and there is just no point in going down that road.

Take the rest you need when your body lets you know - I fought this one week and had an awful week - mostly because I was at war with myself. Once I realised I had to be my own best friend it all fell into place a bit more.

Always plenty of support on this forum from those of us on this journey with you.

Will you take someone with you when you get your treatment plan? It’s a good idea to - it’s a lot to take in on your own. I’m very independent but was really pleased i asked a close friend to come with me and soak up the information with me as it’s a lot to take in. Don’t brave it out on your own - this is the time to reach out and allow others to help you - and they will want to x x x