just diagnosed and so scared

Sorry to hear that your Dad has been taken into hospital.  I hope he feels better soon.  How is your mother doing? xxxx

I was diagnosed with grade 3 triple negative and had a lumpectomy just over 6 weeks ago. I'm still fighting shy of going the chemo route and welcome advice. The margins and node removed were clear, but because of the cancer type, chemo has been suggested as an extra precaution. I have been given predict figures by the oncologist- of an extra 4% chance of survival over 10 years (over and above the 69% without it, through op' and radiotherapy alone) I'm an otherwise fit 64 year-old.

Its hard to know whether to take this big step as the risks are hard to balance against gains. Its all so individual how chemo may affect you. I know I need to make this decision- soon!! Any input welcomed, (and good luck to key82 and greyCats. and anyone else who finds themselves in the same boat.)

Mum is struggling to recover from her operation  she has had to care for Dad .  I have been trying to help but have pushed too hard and am exhausted xxx

Hi, I am a healthy 'yoyng' 66 year old!!      I was diagnosed with Triple negative Grade 3 on Tuesday, the tumour is 4cm, lymph nodes clear on ultrasound.  The consultant recommends chemo first hopefully to reduce the tumour then surgery then maybe bit more chemo before radiotherapy. I'm assuming your tumour is smaller. I was shocked when they mentioned triple negative and the fact the meds I've heard of eg tamoxefan are not suitable.

Initially I was under the impression they were removing the tumour but they've decided to try to reduce it first which leaves me a little nervous if it doesn't work and it grows instead.

It was explained to me that the chemo is whole body treatment that would wipe out any tiny 'bits' that may have travelled in the bloodstream.

I've got a breast MRI on Monday thst sounds very undignified, I hope it's a female staff member slotting me into position.

Hope you manage to make your decision.

Best wishes

Hi V , all decoration me up have been for a while has to do it between chemo bouts . Have you done yours yet ? 

Hi  like you I had tnbc  had a clear NHS mamogram  18 months ago  how how fast tnbc grows.  25mm lump removed clear margins and lymph nodes also. Oncologist recommended chemo as it can travel in your blood stream and this would mop it up.  3 EC  and 12 Paclitaxol no real problems just tired kept 70% of my hair as I cold capped. 1 week radio therapy and zometa infusion every 6 months for my bones.  Due to being like you 64 and fit and on no meds before my overall score is now 79%.  I pray this does not come back can't do anymore as other meds don't work for tnbc.  Good luck with your decision  xxx

Hi, I'm really interested in the cold cap but someone told me it was severe and they lasted just a few mins but I was hoping to give it a try. Any hints on how to tolerate it.  Thank you

Hi  Its cold but after 10 mins you don't notice it.  Just wrap up warm in a fleece thermal socks it was doable for me but we are all different.  Worth a try  good luck  xxx

Great thank you, I will definitely give it a try and will get my thermals ready when I start chemo in January. Many thanks

Hi I have TNBC stage 3 grade 3 . I am in the middle of chemo first to reduce the tumour before removal then maybe more chemo then radiotherapy.  The way they explained it to me was they wanted to do chemo first so they could see the impact chemo has on the tumour .  If they removed first they would not know how effective chemo is.  Especially as there are no other treatments available for TNBC .   I had an MRI which is not nice at all and also a body CT to check for spread .  I have had 3 cycles of EC chemo and am starting 12 weeks of PC chemo on 21st .   

You can get through this we are all here to support you xxxx