Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer

Hi there

I don't drive myself to treatment, my husband drops me off and then collects me later, due to Covid he is not allowed to be with me during the treatment which is hard but I spend my time listening to podcasts. I would find it difficult to drive home as the piriton in the pre-med makes me feel quite woozy. You may be able to drive if you waited a while, perhaps see how you go on your first session. I also have to have weekly blood tests the day before chemo, I drive myself to this.

Good luck for Thursday. x

Thank you for your reply,  it all feels a bit daunting at the moment, looks like many visits to the hospital, I'm  very lucky as I live quite close to the hospital. It will be worth it in the end though.

Take care

Pet xx

Hi

i was diagnosed with triple negative grade 3 last February subsequently had a lumpectomy at end of Feb and further surgery in end  of March, 

4 sessions of chemotherapy, 5 sessions radiotherapy and a 5 day boost, I am waiting for my first scan due some time early next year, my advice  would be to rest as much as you need, drink as much fluid as you can, and talk about any fears or worries you have.

take care and stay safe.

mimi121

Hi there Holly (can I skip the Cat?)

Yes, it was you, apologies, I look at these posts on my phone and it is almost impossible so I will do it properly and keep track!

I had to go back in to have a magseed put into the operation site today as the surgeon has decided that he wants to remove a bit more tissue.  He can't do that until after the chemo, so I will be having more surgery in the summer which isn't great and it extends my treatment period but I need to trust them.

I am going to have Paclitaxel every week for twelve weeks, and then AC which I understand is Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide (???) twice weekly for four sessions, so 20 weeks of chemo in all.  This sounds like a lot compared to other triple negative ladies on here - is your chemo journey similar?  I'll then have radiotherapy and a bit more surgery, and then will also have bisphosphonate every six months for three years.  Apparently it is all insurance and I have to trust the doctors, but I'm struggling with the magnitude of the treatment?  

You sound as if you are coping well and well done for getting out and walking still.  I've decided against the cold cap as I hate being cold!

We will all get through it, and hopefully by the time spring is in full force and Covid is (hopefully) under control we will also be emerging healthy and well!

Take care x

Hi Pet

Its difficult when they seem to change the diagnosis but as you say, you need to try and stay positive, take each day as it comes and put your trust in your team.  With regard to driving, they told me not to after chemo because of the pre-med drugs that make you dozy.  However, after the lumpectomy I was driving a week later, but I did heal really well and had full movement in my arm.  I was told that it is fine as long as you can safely and comfortably do an emergency stop!  Don't be afraid to ask for help - I've found that friends and family have been only too glad to try and help and do something?

I hope the surgery goes well on Thursday.  x

Hi 

It sounds like you have had a challenging time, I hope you are feeling okay. I've not had an operation yet but have had magseeds put into both my lump and one lymph gland.

I have a total of 21 weeks of chemotherapy, I have weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks, plus carboplatin every third week. Yesterday I started cycle 2 which meant both drugs and the oncologist has increased my dose of carboplatin. I had a horrible headache from the cold cap yesterday and will stop using it if I get that again. Today I'm feeling nauseous but it is manageable as I'm on lots of anti-sickness tablets, plus ginger tea is working well.

I find when I just have the paclitaxel I do much better, with fewer side effects, I hope it goes alright for you.

For the last 9 weeks, I am due to have FEC every 3 weeks.

After that, I will have surgery to remove what remains of the lump (they are noticeably shrinking already) and maybe radiotherapy. It does seem a long journey but as you say hopefully by Spring we will be emergin healthy and well.

I did have some good news this week, I don't have the BRCA gene mutation which is a big relief as I have two daughters.

Best wishes

Corrine

Hi Corinne, I sent a friend request because I couldn’t see your reply on the full site, but now it’s here on my phone - never mind!

I had my first paclitaxel yesterday and so far have been ok.  I feel slightly “heavy” and was dizzy this morning but it seems to have calmed down.  I worked this morning but have spent a lot of the afternoon on the sofa! I wanted to go for a walk but was a bit scared of the dizziness - hopefully I may get out tomorrow. 

I’m having twelve weekly sessions just with the paclitaxel then change to EC for four lots every fortnight - I think that’s the one that is a bit harder to tolerate.  It sounds like youre getting more side effects with the additional drugs now? Hope you manage ok! 

Wonderful news on the genetic testing.  That must be a relief.  I haven’t been offered it - have you got any family history? 

Take care of yourself

kerry x

Hi

I hope the dizziness settles soon, I get that a bit too. I went out for a short walk this afternoon which has helped a bit. I find I need to eat little and often to control nausea, I'm pretty sure it is the carboplatin causing it as I don't really get it with the paclitaxel.

I don't have a family history of breast cancer, but the oncologist said he was going to get a test done.

Have a restful weekend and well done on getting through your first chemo.

Corrine

Hi, well I had my op yesterday and it was fine. I'm scar free except for under my arm, that's the way she went in to get the lump and nymph nodes, I have to wait for the results from that. My surgeon very much believes in breast conserving apparently she is top of the range. I'm well impressed. I don't know yet when I start my chemo but I'm feeling good for now, I hope all is going well with you and that your feeling ok. How did your first day of Chemo go? 

Best wishes Per x

That’s good news, glad it went well and just having one scar is a real bonus! Only one lot of healing to do.....hope you recover well from the anaesthetic!  My oncologist was insistent that they start chemo within six weeks of surgery.  It took about two weeks for the results of the surgery biopsy to come back, so I suspect they all work to similar timescales?

My first chemo went well.  I have to confess that I was terrified but once it got going it was really relaxed and quite peaceful.  The nurses are so efficient and make it all feel very simple.  

today I’ve been reasonably ok - I feel a bit heavy, as if I’ve got a cold or similar - I’m a bit dizzy but otherwise fine.  I’m wondering whether tomorrow may be worse. 

congrats again on getting the surgery out the way - it’s a nice thought that it’s gone.  

Take care and keep us posted on your progress!

kerry