New diagnosis

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Hi like many if you this is a club you never anticipate joining. After browsing the site I finally plucked up the courage to join.

I am at hospital today for pre op assessment following a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer.I have been told I will have breast conserving surgery within 3 or 4 weeks followed by chemotherapy then radiotherapy. Whenever I talk about my diagnosis it is like I am talking about someone else and I feel okish then start crying for no reason what so ever. I kept my diagnosis quiet for a week as I wanted to tell my sons first in person ,they are both at university. After neg covid tests they were able to come home for the Easter weekend. Telling them was hard but glad I chose to tell them face to face.

I would welcome any advice on any aspect of what lies ahead I had never heard of triple negative BC before. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Beatthebreast over 4 years ago

I had a different diagnosis to you (hormone+) but ended up having chemo to shrink it, then lumpectomy then radiotherapy. The chemo was by far the worst, as you'd expect. In fact I'm just going through rads now and have been fine so far.

My recommendation is to keep a diary of symptoms during chemo, this really helped me in subsequent cycles. It is tough and you will have up and down days, both physically and mentally. I had 6 cycles and had a wobble after my third - half way there, but still only half way there! You get well looked after throughout and if you are suffering from side effects, let them know and they can help. I managed to work throughout all treatment, with just a few days off following the actual chemo. My 2nd drug (4th cycle) knocked me over and they ended up reducing dosage for the final 2. I was lucky to be able to actually know that it was having an effect as my chemo was before surgery and we knew it was shrinking - very well in the end, considering it was hormonal.

I also got a big wall calendar - it is a long journey through your treatment plan and there are so many appointments to go to. The wall calendar continues to keep me right! I found my lump in August and I am just finishing rads next week. Everything has been quick and on time - only 7 weeks from diagnosis to first chemo which included lots of diagnostic tests and various appointments with surgeon and oncology. Feel so lucky to have such an amazing NHS.

I found my MDT to be amazing and told me exactly what was coming up and when, which really helped me when everything feels out of control.

There will be tough days ahead and expect to put your life on hold but you will get through it.

Lot21 over 4 years ago in reply to Beatthebreast

Thank you for your reply and sharing your experience I hope you continue to be ok during your radiotherapy as you have already been through so much.I have been to the hospital today and having my op next Thursday.I am nervous about the whole process but glad that it is next week. I think writing things down is a good idea thank you for your advice.

Take care and thanks again for your supportive reply .

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