Triple negative shock

Hi I was also diagnosed with TNBC yesterday and feel rather shocked. I am  66 and  thought I would have ER+ I am facing 6 months chemo before surgery. I have been reassured about treatment efficacy but still very nervous about starting treatment and outcomes

Hi Lilacy  I was told that chemo before surgery is the usual approach to identify best treatment and shrink tumour before surgery  However I am also worried about this. Do you know anyone else with this kind of breast cancer who has completed treatment? Sherrill

Hi Sherrill

There are some ladies on here that are saying that chemotherapy is usually first with TNBC and all the literature seems to be saying this.I suppose you just have to go with what your told.I think I’m just in shock and need some time to come to terms with it all.I am waiting for an MRI scan and PET scan now to see if it has spread before the oncologist will decide on my chemotherapy.It’s all the waiting that’s getting to me as now.Please keep in touch and let me know how you’re getting on.

Hi Likacy

The waiting is awful I haven’t had any info about scans yet. I find walking helps but like you trying to find ways of dealing with it . Yes keep in touch as we seem to be about the same stage of treatment 

If I have any further info I’ll post it 

please keep in touch 

Sherrill

Hi I too have to have chemo before surgery, it was explained to me using chemo first then surgery then radiotherapy is the best way to treat my breast cancer as my cancer is aggressive too. I am to have chemo every 21 days for 6 months. I had my first chemo 2 weeks ago and also have to have injections for the following 7days. My advice so far is, make sure you have things in you will need : immodeum, laxido. co-codomol, benzydamine mouthwash, strepsill lozengures. Ice lollies & ice cream. Use and take what you need when you need it, eat what you want when you want and have plenty of rest. Keep a diary of your side effects as the Macmillan nurse advised it will help you to look back on to see what works for you as the side effects are a bit repetitive, but should get less side effects as the treatment goes on. Allow yourself to be ok with bad days and reach out for support from your Macmillan nurse when you need to, mine has been a god send to me, good luck on your journey and keep positive and stay safe….

Thanks Sherrill,I’ve had an awful night and I’ve tried to sleep again this morning but it’s not happening.I’m going to launch myself into household chores now and maybe a walk later.Hope you manage to keep yourself distracted today.I will check in with you soon.Take care

Hi Teresa

Thank you so much for your reply.It sounds like you have really taken charge of this thing.Your words are very encouraging and I hope I can get my head in gear to sort this out.I will take all your advice on board.Think I should get myself a big note book and get some stuff down on paper for me to focus on.

Hi Lilacy, you will take charge too, I was exactly the same as you when I was told I had this, I read up on everything and gave myself nightmares, I then went on this site and read other people’s experiences and how they were coping and dealing with it, it gave me the kick up the butt I needed to pick myself up and tell myself I have 2 choices, sit and just get through it feeling sorry for myself or take charge of what I can, and that is making the side effects as easy as possible by having all the tools ready. Please contact me when ever you like for a chat, we can swap tips have a moan or what ever ! 

Hello Lilacy

i am having a bit of a wobbly day .I have been told I am having an MRI so more nightmares  imagining all sorts of things. How long do we have to wait for the MRI have you any idea ? Hope u having a better day. 

Hi normally within 2 weeks and it is normal for them to do a mri it will be of your breasts and it gives them more accurate information about the lump than ultra sound.