I’m 43 mum of 2 and was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, grade 3 (no sign of this in lymph nodes) in Dec 2019. I started x 3 EC chemo on 23 Dec and due my last session on 5 Feb before moving on to x 3 docetaxel. Good news following a check up ultrasound scan my tumour has reduced after 2 EC chemo session from 20mm x 21mm to 8mm x 10mm.
Last Friday I received my genetic tests results that show BRAC1 gene, so I now face a double mastectomy and removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes after chemo with reconstruction. I know that this will start the menopause so feeling anxious but will do everything to get rid of this!
I’m glad I’m responding well to treatment and luckily I’ve felt really well. Would love to hear if anyone else is going through this journey to find support.
We seem to be in a similar place. I am also 43 with 2 children aged 8 and 11. I was diagnosed TNBC (plus 1 positive lymph node) in october. Completed 4 x AC chemo (was tough but manageable), now on weekly Taxol and Carboplatin due to finish 6th march (very exhausting but better than AC). Waiting for genetic results to determine surgery type in April, not sure which way I will go if a few options are offered. I now live in the netherlands but came on here for english support.
I was diagnosed invasive TNBC at 39, 2 children aged 7 and 10. Mastectomy followed by 6xFEC chemo and rads. This was in October 2013 so really just wanted to say hang on in there. It’s not the best rollercoaster ride of all time but there are plenty of success stories.
So sorry to hear your also going this horrible rollercoaster of a journey. Not too much longer till you finish chemo so that’s one positive. Good luck with your results do let me know how you get on.
Thank you for replying it is so good to hear of success stories it really helps me focus on getting through this!
How did you find recovery after mastectomy? I just can’t Imagine what I’ll feel like physically or mentally afterwards but I know I need to have the surgery so just trying to get my head around it all.
I had my mastectomy first as mentally I could cope better that way. Recovery was about 5 weeks for me as that’s when my chemo began. At first arm movement was quite restricted, felt tight across my chest for a few days but I was given a set of exercises to do as they recommend you get your arm moving soon as it’s comfortable to do so. The one I remember the most was to put your hand on a wall and with your arm straight and hand sliding upwards on the wall walk as close to the wall as possible and hold for 30 seconds then release. I just saw each day as a day closer to getting well again. The op, chemo and radiotherapy were my weapons against the enemy ! Still have the dates on my calendar and have a little personal celebration on the anniversary dates for them when they come around.......just the way I cope ! My husband was a pillar of strength and my kids such a welcome distraction through it all. Wishing you all the best on you kick ass journey......you can do this ! X
Thank you Busymom, what a great idea about the celebrations I think I’ll do the same and maybe plans something as I feel it is important to have things to look forward to. thanks again and so pleased to hear this is all behind you x
