Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer

Hi Mags53 

I am sorry you are facing chemotherapy for TNBC. Is the 12 weeks of treatment Paclitaxel? Side effects vary a lot by person. For me, I had some tiredness and diarrhoea but I never had any nausea or sickness. It was weekly treatment so it felt a bit like a merry go round I couldn’t get off, but other than when I got infected diverticulitis, it was never too bad. Stay hydrated and try to get some fresh air each day. I found keeping a symptom diary helped. Symptoms do take effect very quickly. Hair loss takes 2-3 weeks to start. I don’t know whether you will need help. We have cleaners anyway and my husband was still well. I like cooking anyway so mostly carried on with that. Maybe rey to arrange something for the first few weeks and then see how you get on? 

I was diagnosed with stage 2 TNBC last year and l had 12 weeks of chemotherapy initially then 4 cycles of EC chemotherapy. Another 12 weeks. I thought the chemotherapy would make me sick, nauseated etc but seemed to manage the treatment very well. Watch out for any breathlessness and you may feel very fatigued and tired by the end of the 12 weeks. Hair loss came 2-3 weeks after starting treatment. You will be given anti sickness tablets to take home. Your cancer journal will give you help line numbers just in case you need to speak to someone. You may get neuropathy in your hands and feet.

once l completed chemo l then went through surgery - l was offered a lumpectomy with lymph node clearance and a breast reduction with the assurance that my other breast would be done at a later stage to balance me out l am now receiving immunotherapy 5 cycles once every 6 weeks and waiting to have radiotherapy in a few weeks time. Oncologist says l am cancer free! 10months after starting treatment.

apply for PIP that will give you some additional funds to help with getting a cleaner or some additional help at home. It does take a while for this to come through so apply for it now. It’s a huge application form to complete but it should help in case you need additional help and support.

 Be kind to yourself.

Jen

1. Thank you so much for your reply I have diverticulitis and been hospitalised twice within the past 10 months one with a perforated bowel hopefully I won't have a flare up I feel so helpless right now mainly the worry for my husband I am a very positive person I'm sure this will help me along with the support of the community xx

This makes me feel hopeful thank you  

Hi Jen

That's fabulous news ️reading your reply I will be commencing the same journey starting next week not looking forward to the neuropathy & sickness though   sure everyone feels the same it's strange I have lot's of questions but seem unable to just phone my cancer nurse I suppose joining a support group you can open up a little more. My mind has run away with me I was so shocked and only 10 daus prior my husband was told his cancer is inactive after nearly two years of a combination of treatments for two different cancers.  Thank you gor yoyr help I'll take a look at PIP 

Glad I have joined the community

Every person reacts differently, l didn’t get any nausea , no vomiting etc so l was grateful for that but there are some brilliant support groups out there. I don’t know which area you’re in but here in Lancashire there are some fabulous groups. One in Preston offers counselling, art classes, knit and natter , sewing group plus exercise classes and complimentary therapy too  - all free to those going through this journey. There is another support group l attend who meet once a month, again they offer info on nutrition, more complimentary therapies, meditation, healing etc - they have been a life line for me. These groups make you realise you are not alone that there are others going through the same journey. Try to take each day as it comes, break it down into small chunks. Pace yourself and listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right then talk to someone. Don’t push yourself if you feel your are not up to it.

l found it amazing how the time has flown by so before you know it 6 months will have gone by and you’ll be seeing the surgeon before you know it. 
Take care, you’ve got this.

Jen️

Thank you Jen

I remember my cancer nurse advised of the same..everyone reacts differently all cancers too I think my reaction has been due to being an active person not good at anyone having to help me although I'll milk that one more worried about my husband really. I am Greater Manchester so I'll have a look at some groups x