Just diagnosed with TNBC

Hi   

Warm welcome to the club no one wants to join :-/

The way you are feeling is totally normal, everyone here felt exactly the same way for the first few weeks. Nearly always the last thing you expected to be told.

Around 15% of breast cancers are TN and there are quite a few members here with the same type who will no doubt soon reply back to reassure you that you are far from alone.

Treatment is the same for most breast cancers, although chemo prior to surgery is more common for TN so do also join the Main Breast Group (link)  There is a regular monthly Chemo chat where those having or have had chemo help each other through it.

Nearly all TN ladies are members of both groups and the main group is a lot more active so you get quicker replies to questions and more of them.  Most use the TN Group for general chat and the main group for treatment topics.

The chemo assessment appt is where you are weighed and measured as whatever chemo dose will be based on your BMI and any further info is passed on like explaining this trial and chemo drug information.  You may also need an ECG and/or CT scan first, don't let this worry you it is standard practice before starting.

Hope this is of some help at a scary time, hugs, G n' J

Thank youbso much for the advice and reassuring reply. I really appreciate it x

Hiya 

You are more than welcome - When the cancer rock gets chucked into the lake the emotional ripples seem endless.

Please try not to use Dr Google; a lot of the info 'out there' is way out of date or worryingly misleading. Stick with sites like Macmillan, Breast Cancer Now and Cancer Research uk (CRUK) and NHS.

Keep posting messages / Ask whatever you like - The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked, we're all here to help if we can.

Take care, G n' J

Hi there...it's not surprising you are overwhelmed.  However, personally, I've appreciated the break from my stressful job and the support and help which people have generously offered (I don't have a partner).  Try to take people with you to your appointments (if possible the same person) or record the interaction on your phone because you may find it difficult to take in or remember what the consultants have said especially now when you are probably very worried.  You will probably have more questions after leaving your consultant's room.  You can contact him/her by email, or your allocated breast nurse.  

I'm 58 and also white with TNBC.  I've just finished 16 sessions of chemo and am waiting 6 weeks before surgery.  

I had a PICC line put in under local anaesthetic. They said this was to avoid any possible breakdown of veins in your arm due to chemo drugs.  This is a plastic tube which goes into your upper arm through which they can deliver the chemo drugs painlessly and also take blood (you'll need to have blood test before each chemo to check you are ready for it).  The downsides are: having to put a plastic sleeve (obtainable from large Boots) or clingfilm over your dressing while showering and having to have your dressing changed every week, but you can have this done at the same time as your blood test or chemo.  After all chemo finishes, the Picc line can be taken out without anaesthetic quickly and easily.  Another option is a port in your chest which requires general anaesthetic. 

https://youtu.be/lEfFXJQLj-g

I found this helpful and reassuring to watch before PICC line insertion.  A young woman with breast cancer who ended up regarding the Picc line as her friend.  

If you have a Maggie's Centre near you, I wholeheartedly recommend them for activities (eg. Tai chi, scarf tying, look good feel better (make up demo and freebies), relaxation etc. and ex-nurses and other patients you can have chat and coffee with).  My hospital also gave me 3 sessions of reflexology (which helped me relax before chemo started) and 6 sessions with a cancer psychologist which have been helpful. 

Talking to other patients can be very beneficial and inspiring (although if it becomes a litany of horror stories, you may want to end the conversation).  Most of the horror I've experienced has been in my own over-vivid imagination!

Yesterday I met someone who had chemo, surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer and she is still going strong 25 years later.  Focus on life and living - try to do things you enjoy, daily walking (even 10 minutes when you don't feel like it can improve mood), relaxation, seeing friends.  Don't let Cancerland take over but go with the flow.  Wishing you the best of luck.  x

Morning  

Noticed you recently joined the Chemotherapy Group ?

As you have TN you would get more specific support and advice from the Breast Group Chemo Club Chat discussion.

It covers the types of chemo specifically used for breast cancer where the other group covers all cancer types chemo.

All the other TN ladies post there so you won't be on your own.

Have you been given a starting date for chemo now ?

G n' J

Hello, thank you, yes I have, I start on 19th November, 12 weeks of one drug, concurrently with 4 cycles every 3,weeks of another drug followed by 3 cycles of another drug every 3 weeks (I can't remember all the names) I may also get a tablet, but that depends on wheter I am selected in the randomised trial, I'll find out about that this week. Thanks for pointing me to the chemo chat discussion, is that something that runs for the whole month, and then you start another one?

Hiya  

Yes, the chemo chat discussion in the breast group is a rolling monthly discussion. We started it about 5 years back as the many and varied BC chemo questions were all over the place 

Could be the 12x weekly one may be Paciltaxel aka Taxol (not to be confused with the 3 weekly Taxotere / docetaxel)  Then possibly EC which is two chemo drugs Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide 3 x weekly.

Sounds like you have a very full calendar to cope with :-/

If you check out the "Chemo Tips" link in the very first November Chemo Chat discussion - You will find a list of a few items it is worth buying before you start on the 19th.  You don't have to get everything lol  Just that some are more important than others....

Something for constipation and diarrhoea as one can change to the other ? Paracetamol and Ibuprofen (supermarket own brands are good enough) a digital oral thermometer, soft toothbrush, mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, ginger nut biscuits and a tin of pineapple chunks for the fridge... another tip is to pop frozen grapes into your mouth during paclitaxel as it can help lessen the risk of mouth ulcers.

Hope this helps a bit, G n' J

Hiya

I was diagnosed with TNBC when i was 47, i had chemotherapy first and it did a fantastic job. Just to put your mind at rest i am now cancer free. 

What chemo are you having?? Give me a shout if there is anything i can help you with xx

Hello Jo 

I am at the same stage as you just being diagnosed although post mastectomy & stage 3.Im seeing the oncologist next week to start chemo may be we could swap notes & give each other support I’m 59 & this has all been a complete bolt out of the blue following a routine mammogram 

Hello Robin

yes, it would be good to share experiences and swap notes, it does help if we give each other moral support

Jo