Newbie

Hello 

My name is julie. I was diagnosed in Nov 2019. Like you are now, I was utterly devastated, petrified beyond petrified. I had no idea I had breast cancer. It was detected on a mammogram. I'm older than you at 55 but as you say, I have children and 2 baby grandchildren and the thought of leaving them was terrible.

My cancer was her2 positive and like triple negative, equally as aggressive. I had 7 rounds of chemotherapy then surgery. It had spread to lymph nodes. The great thing about triple negative is it responds very well to treatment and will, in some women, disappear during treatment. I feel for you as I know how you feel. It's a hard time but you will be ok. It's not easy to feel like that at the moment but you will. Dont Google as its terrifying. I was on Google constantly and it made me very ill. I'm here if you need to ask questions.

Love julie x 

Thank you so much. How are you doing now?

I am just so tearful all the time. To make things worse there are three lumps all cancerous. I suppose I’m struggling to stay positive as I already feel really unlucky as everyone does I suppose.

How did you find the chemo and after affects?

Thank you for responding it means a lot xx

Hello

I'm happy to help you. 

I went for a routine mammogram in Oct 2019 and got recalled as they found a suspicious area and a suspicious lymph node in my armpit. To cut a long story short, I was diagnosed with 2 cancerous her2 positive lumps and an affected lymph node. 

I started FEC-t chemotherapy on Jan 7th 2020 and had 7 rounds. I then had surgery in June which showed a complete response which means the chemo had destroyed it. It will more likely destroy yours too. I then had radiotherapy. It was in 2 nodes but pathology showed the cancer had gone due to chemo. 

I was a mess like you. Thought I was going to die straight away. Was in a black hole. 

The fec part of the chemo made me very tired for about 3 or 4 days after and then I felt relatively normal until I had the next treatment. The t part, even though people told me was horrible, actually didnt affect me at all. I felt normal and even though we were in the March lockdown then, I carried on normally and went lots of walks etc. I ate well and drank as much water as I could. I hated losing my hair. It was long and I loved it but there is no option. My oncologist said it shows how well its working when your hair falls out. I'm happy to answer any questions and it's been a long year for me as her2 positive treatment is a long time. I am still having treatment until the end of January. I know you are frightened, so was I but you will be ok xxxx

Hello 

I am so sorry that you find yourself here lovely.

I am 43 + was diagnosed with TNBC in Nov which has spread to my lymph nodes but I am still waiting for the results of a  CT scan to determine how many/further spread.  I also have a 5-year-old little boy + the only thing that I could think when I was diagnosed was that I wasn't going to see him grow up   I started chemo on 30th Dec + will be having 3 rounds of EC + 12 rounds of Taxol so will be done end of May with chemo.  I will then have surgery + a full lymph node clearance + radiotherapy but I am positive that all will be ok.  I've heard that TNBC reacts very well to chemo despite being aggressive cancer so that is on our side   It is true though that you will feel more in control when you have a plan in place + treatment starts.  The waiting + unknown is the worst.

Stay away from Google as its all gloom, out of date + potentially not relevant to your case so you'll drive yourself crazy with worry.  Better to stick with trusted websites + this forum + all the wonderful ladies who know what you are going through + can offer real advice.  I also couldn't stop crying + still have very dark days but a positive mental attitude has got to help. Be kind to yourself - it is OKAY to fall apart + cry. 

Take each day at a time + breathe.  Reach out anytime.

Sending big love ️

Reading your post relates to me so much. I was diagnosed at the beginning of December after just turning 26 and I have an 18 month old little girl.

I have now had 2 rounds of chemo, will have 7 in total, followed by an op and radiotherapy. No history of BC but I am having a genetics test to see what that shows.

At the beginning I was super upset just thinking about all the what ifs but now in a much more positive frame of mind that I will beat this! Xx

Hello to you lovely ladies. I was also recently diagnosed with triple negative and have two lumps in one breast and possibly some small cells in lymph nodes that side. I will hve chemo very soon i have had my ct scan and just waiting for chemo start date. I too will have a mastectomy double and removal of the lymph nodes radiotherapy also. I have 2 young children so I know exactly how devastating and scared you all feel. I am feeling so much more positive now i have my treatment planned. Thinking of you all.