Treatment offered : TNBC & chemotherapy

Hi Sonja

i was only offered a mastectomy, no reconstruction and 4 sessions of chemo. I could not have radiotherapy because of a previous stroke. I think your question would best be answered by one of the Macmillan nurses who you could phone on Monday or you could contact one of the nurses on Breast cancer now . 
Another thing you could do is contact your oncologists secretary and ask for a further telephone appointment with your oncologist to get clarification of your situation 

I had to do this at one point and found it helped to write out my questions. It is a really worrying time but each persons plan and treatment is individual and depends of what is best for you in these circumstances but you need to know and understand why.

i wish you all the best and hope this helps 

Regards

Flora21

I have not had my op- I await the mri scan results. The doctor said it could be radiotherapy . What operation did you have and how was it? I am dreading it all.

vibraphone

Hi 

I had the whole breast removed but that was because my tutor was large and growing quickly. Luckily I did not have to have lymph nodes removed. It was not pleasant but also not dreadful. I’m still coming to terms with it all but I recovered from the surgery and did what they advised. Long term I may well ask for further cosmetic improvement as my left side is a little uncomfortable. The main issue after surgery is avoiding fluid build up and watching for swelling. I have been ok and doing the exercises helped. I also slept with extra pillows to support myself but I’m ok now. 

I agree that the waiting is the worst part as not knowing your mind races and I felt the same but in retrospect I would advise you to try not to worry and do your best to take each day as it comes which is easier said than done. 

Again if it gets too much the Macmillan nurses are great To talk to and can offer expert advice. 

Take care 

Flora21

Thank you.

Thank you Flora and Vibraphone for your replies.

I have had a lumpectomy and sentinel  lymph node biopsy last week. The lymph was clear following the rapid test.

At the moment I am doing my exercises very assiduously and I think I am ok.

I am waiting for my post op appointment : firstly to be sure that the healing process of the wounds is ok and to have a treatment plan.

I had the nurse over the phone and she had mentioned only radiotherapy. However, The morning  after my surgery, the surgeon said because is Triple negative, it is much likely I will have chemotherapy. 

The appointment was cancelled because they have not received my results. 

I was wondering if a TNBC can have only radiotherapy and no chemo.

I agree with your advise  Flora to take each day as it comes. I am trying to have this mindset.

Take care and I share my positive vibes with all.

Sandra

X

Hi Sandra,

I had my first session of chemo today and it all went well, not as bad as I had imagined, of course a I am expecting side effects but will have to wait  and see, the severity or maybe not lol.

my oncologist told me 5hat as I have triple negative Bc and one lymph was affected then chemotherapy was what I needed to be followed by radiotherapy, this gives me the best chance for 5he future.

so as much as I was terrified and didn’t want chemo when put like that I felt it was the right option for me.

you take care, stay safe and contact me any time.

mimi121

Hi Mimi!

I am glad to hear that your first session went well.

I believe we are all scared thinking of the possible side effects following  the treatment.Chemotherapy is still the unknown.

But if it is the only way to get well...

You will be fine and you too  please keep writing you experience it does help me/us.  Thank you very much.

And do not hesitate to contact me if needed,we are all in the same boat. And sometimes a bit of support is very welcome

Take good care of you and please stay safe.

Xx

Sandra

Thanks Sandra,

nothingbti report thus far, early days yet but day 1 nearly over,I hope to sleep a little better tonight no sleep last night nerves and steroids not a good combo.

stay safe

mimi