Newly diagnosed triple negative breast cancer

I have just replied to your other post if you wanted to go there and have a look. Best wishes. X

Hi Kiwi79

Welcome to the forum and i am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. What you are feeling is perfectly normal and is no doubt a reaction to finding out that you have cancer.  I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer just over 4 years ago with lymph node involvement.  I had scans to see if it had spread anywhere else and thankfully it hadn't, so hopefully you have the same outcome. I had chemo, surgery and radiotherapy and I made a full recovery and I am still cancer free.

The best thing you can do is keep yourself busy to help pass the time between scans and results and whatever you do don't google triple negative breast cancer as the information on google is years out of date.  Rely on sites like this one and Breast Cancer Now for your information.

Wishing you the best of luck with your scans and results and keep coming on here whenever you feel the need, we're a very friendly bunch.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thank you for your kind words. Hearing a positive outcome is great, I am glad you have done so well!

my armpit mass is more painful and I now have chest pain on the side my breast tumour is so I really worry about it being stage 4. 

How did you find the chemo? That is my biggest worry (other than it being stage 4!) as I don’t tolerate medicines very well! I know everyone is different but just some advice on it?

Thank you again!

I have metastatic TNBC, so yes, it’s classified as incurable, but I am a long way from being end of life. So even if you do find it has spread, it doesn’t automatically mean an instant death sentence. There are more treatments available now and a lot of the statistics on TNBC pre-date that. TNBC isn’t a homogeneous disease and some sub-types can be treated with immunotherapy, which can be an absolute game changer for some. I am such a case, in remission thanks to Pembrolizumab. It’s normal to be stressed but please keep some space for some hope. 

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I am glad to hear your positive story, it has certainly lifted my spirits.

I guess i presumed if stage 4 I will have no life, just be poorly and not be able to enjoy things and no more holidays etc but i presume this isnt the case?

How long has it been since your diagnosis? This is all so new to me so good to hear people going through it and keeping positive!

Thanks again!

I found it had metastasised in September 22. Originally diagnosed with my primary in Feb 22, it seemed to be early stage with no lymph node involvement. Met in my liver discovered by accident when I had a scan for another reason, probably there ‘de novo’ but didn’t know. 

Lots of people have relatively normal lives for extended periods of time. I have certainly had my challenges but they have been treatment related not cancer related. If you click on my username you can read my brief history and there’s also a link to the blog I have written at various points. 

Ah thank you. I’m very new to the forum and  still trying to navigate around! X

Hi Kiwi79

I found the chemo ok. I had one or two minor side effects, nothing I couldn't handle.  I was given anti-sickness meds when I needed to which wasn't very often.  Drink plenty of water everyday and try to get out for a walk everyday if if only for a short while as that helps with any side effects you may have.  I made up a solution of water and salt everyday and used it to wash out my mouth after every meal to help prevent mouth sores which worked.  Keep an eye on your temperature every day between treatments and report any temperature above 38 or 39 degrees as you could have an infection.  You'll be able to get a thermometer at any pharmacy.  Use the numbers they will give you if you feel really unwell.

Best of luck.

Daisy53

Thank you for your advice and tips! 
I suffer a lot from nausea and travel sickness and have read in the information sheets I have been given that this makes vomiting more likely on chemotherapy which I am dreading!

I will try and get out each day (I have 2 dogs to walk which should help my motivation). 

I love swimming and spa days and holidays though so feel my main passions are also being taken away from me. I have had to cancel my holiday next week and have another booked in June next year to celebrate an anniversary and I’m going to be so upset if I have to cancel that too.

Did you manage any breaks/holidays between rounds?

Thanks again for the advice and well wishes, I really appreciate it!

I managed to have a holiday before I started my treatment.