Hi… I’m a newby

Hi Maisie01 

Welcome to the forum!

I'm a fellow TNBC patient (details of my experience are in my bio if you're interested) and while it's not all been smooth sailing generally, I can say that the chemo so far has been doable. I've found taking it as it comes and not thinking too far ahead have been very important in doing the treatment plus also being sure to say something if I have any concerns. The support of others has been vital along my journey in general.

I hope all goes well with your treatment and if you have any questions you want to ask or just want to get it all out, this is a very supportive place to do so.  

Hi Maisie01 

First of all welcome to this forum. I am one of the Community Champions here. A lot of us (me included) have tnbc and there is also a dedicated triple negative forum you can join.

Triple negative breast cancer forum 

I don’t think anyone enjoys chemo, but it’s doable for most. You are unlikely to suffer all the side effects listed in the literature and you won’t feel under the weather all the time. Oncology will give you drugs to help with anything you are suffering from, they are very good at managing it. Drink lots of water before, during and after, and try to get a bit of fresh air and exercise each day. These things really help. It’s also helpful to keep a symptom diary so you know roughly what to expect when.

Cold capping didn’t work for me - I had major hair loss before the second cycle. I had hated it anyway - the discomfort, the time involved, not being able to keep your hair clean, so I’m not sure I would have continued anyway. 

wishing you all the best. 

Hi, same with coldcapping. Gave up during 3rd session. Had lost loads of hair, painful scalp and agree that it’s not worth the extra time and discomfort involved - we have enough to put up with! I’m triple positive, but it’s still chemo, surgery, radiotherapy. Coming to end of first cycle of chemo this week and it hasn’t been as bad as I thought in terms of side effects, so don’t read the list and think you’re going to get them all. But I think hair loss is almost guaranteed so prepare yourself for that, go bald, get a wig, whatever works for you. All the best to you