Tired and down

That’s so sad that your husband reacted that way . My partner is very supportive thankfully and I feel bad when I have times that make me snap at him . It can be a very lonely journey so am glad I found this place .   Hope you are doing ok now xxx

I wish I knew what stage this was , all I know is it is grade 3 TNBC .  I’m right in thinking that the stage it is at is the crucial thing in knowing how successful all the treatment will be . Xx

Hello Harleybear,

Yes we are not alone but we are doing well, we are still here getting support.

Dcis 2000, (50 yrs old)mastectomy...given all clear! Radiotherapy not given. Recurrence of same side so it wasn't all removec! invasive c ..2 nodes had c.total axillary clearance 1st sept.now 61. Tough and painful. Radiotherapy planning scan 4th oct unsuccessful as large fluid filled seroma around missing breast and underarm like a bullfrogs throat..lol...to be seen 15th oct again by oncologist..looks like fluid will need to be drained before I can start radiotherapy as fluid static, going to ask if I can start the chemotherapy prior...all on hold otherwise unless they drain and redrain fluid over 15 days of radiotherapy...they need to keep it flat so body contour consistent.

That's my journey so far, what about yours Harleybear?

Thanks for replying to me.x

So I found a lump in August . Saw GP who put in an urgent referral . went to breast clinic where they pretty much confirmed it was cancerous .   Got first biopsy results said it was EPC and I had caught it early but due to the size of the lump wanted a deeper biopsy .   Plan at that stage was surgery then radiotherapy all done and dusted by Xmas .  1 week later I got the devastating news that this is TNBC grade 3 .  Plan now is 6 cycles of chemo over 18 weeks , then surgery, then more chemo then radiotherapy.  This will take me into spring next year.   I have an MRI booked for Thursday to check it is not in the other breast too    They have also tested me for the BRACA gene . Xx

How does chemo work? Appointment with onco next week, terrified about starting but feel I just need to dive in the deep end. They think 6 rounds. Apparently one round every three weeks.

So what u mean about they didn't give you any this week?

Good on you for taking time out from work. I did think to work through but during wait for diagnosis I was in such a state I felt work needs to really halt for me as its added layer to my stress. I need to sleep better, that's my issue, any tips? 100% ME Right Now isn't a bad thing. 

You take care and keep sharing and sending you energy and healing vibes. 

C x

Hi Claud,

I have chemo every week for 12 weeks. Then as I understand it they will operate. Cycles have not been mentioned unless I've just missed it - possible, there's so much info to try to take in, so I'm going to ask for some clarification this week. I'm here positive don't know if that makes any difference to the way it's administered.

Apparently postponing for a week is quite common and just means it'll go on a week longer.

I don't have trouble sleeping but try a couple of paracetamol before bedtime it helps relax you I think. Someone mentioned using Nytol but I've never tried it. Perhaps a short walk might help.

Good luck with yours. 

Suh.xx

Hi Claud I am going to be doing one every 3 weeks for 6 cycles . 2 drugs for 3 cycles then changing for 2 different drugs for last 3 cycles .  My oncologist appointment was horrible .  The Consultant was lovely but it is a bit of a conveyor belt .  They are going to put in a picc line for mine , that came as bit of a shock so worth asking allow they will administer yours .  I  waiting start date now I think it will be after  MRI .  They may ask you if you want to use a cold cap as well . I said no as it would add 2 hours to a 5 hour session , but am reconsidering now.  Let us know how you get on , every hospital is different I just hate the one I have to go to xxx

I tried the cold cap and didn't like it at all.i didn't have a picc line either because I have a lump of a dog who might pull it out. So I just have a canula which is better as I don't have to go for it flushing out between treatments.

• Suh

Don't forget that even if you make a decision one way, if you change your mind that is OK. That's what my Breast Surgeon told me......however I was trying to persuade her not to remove lymph nodes but she over-rode me on that one. I think what they are really after is "buy-in" to the treatment. I was never rushed to have a certain treatment, all very flexible.

Hi can you explain the difference with a picc line and canula I know my oncologist will say but just to give me an idea xxx