Recent TN diagnosis

You'll smash it, 2012

Age 34 was my diagnosis. Lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy was my treatment. Took 7 months of treatments. And was not as bad as you imagine, not for me anyway. I was made redundant at the same time so I enrolled and started college course, went on to uni got a 1st class honours degree and now run a business with my husband. 

Treatment has come a long way in those 9 years too. Stay postive and use your husbands support to see you through. 

xxx

Thank you x

I only had my diagnosis confirmed yesterday and a friend who TNBC advised me to avoid Google but did recommend a book called Surviving TNBC by Pat Prijatel which I downloaded from amazon kindle and started to read last night, it is an easy read and explains things well. I wish you and everyone on here all the very best. It is a very scary time. 

Oh I look that up, thanks for sharing! I start chemo next week so need to build up my library :) 

Wishing you all the best too, we’re going to get through this! X

I agree, we are going to get through this! Do you mind me asking how soon after seeing your specialist to starting your chemo?  I do not see my surgeon until next week for 1st consultation after results this week, so I am not sure whether it will be chemo first. 

Look forward catching up with you again. 

Take care of yourself. X

I was diagnosed 15 Sept, starting chemo next week. In the meantime, I’ve had to wait for the full results of the biopsy (I only found out I was triple negative recently), meet the BCN, surgeon, oncologist, have a marker put in, blood screening, PCR etc. Lots of preparation! My first consultation was pretty much explaining what to expect, I was told chemo first as the gremlin is small so best to reduce size (to enable a lumpectomy) and kill any microscopic traces of gremlins lurking around my body. Thankfully there’s no sign of it in my lymph nodes but I won’t know for sure until surgery. 

I’ve pretty much done as much prep as I can, went to Primark yesterday to get fluffy socks and comfy lounge wear. Also have a box of stuff including mouthwash, sensitive toothpaste,  sennacot, Imodium, paracetamol, gaviscon…maybe some sugar free sweets in there too ;) Wigs, hats and scarves also ready. Been to dentist for check up and a clean too. I had to get a calendar as the appointments were coming thick and fast once the full diagnosis was received. I’m not a control freak but found that by taking control of the situation, helped me feel better about it all.

Bring it on, I’m ready to defeat the pesky gremlins in my body!!

Do stay in touch, be interested to hear how you’re getting on xx

I was given my result on October 13th and told TNBC so sounds like I will be running a month behind your gremlins! I refer to mine as a squatter and I want it evicted:) From the ultrasound they did not think my lymph nodes were involved but I get the impression that is not a given until surgery. 

I have just ordered a book about diet with cancer so will give you a review on it when it arrives. Seems to suggest a lot less meat and lots of broccoli. 

I have a hygienist appointment next Wednesday before my appointment so I can have a pearly smile when I get there. I shall take your lead and go and get a kit of goodies. One of the things recommended in that book I mentioned is to have a notebook that you take with you every time so you can jot things down as you will not retain it all at the time. 

I did say to my daughter that it's quite a good time of the year, shorter days, snuggled under a blanket watching tv. Cannot be all bad. 

You will defeat your gremlins and I will evict my squatter. 

Yes, we will keep in touch and monitor and moan about progress plus celebrate. xx

I agree with the time of year, I can certainly put to use the large array of knitted hats I’ve bought recently! I hope you’re doing ok? 

My first cycle begins tomorrow, port going in today, I’ve downloaded Audible so I can listen to Stephen Fry reading the Harry Potter series. I’ve never read the books nor watched the films! I was recently advised to focus on the positives that have come out of this - one being that I’d never have listened to audiobooks before and I feel as if I’ve been missing out (especially on the long car journeys!).

I spoke to the hospital’s chief drug dealer (Pharmacist) who said to be careful with supplements as they may interfere with the chemo. That said, he recommended lots of fruit and green/leafy vegetables. I pointed out tis the season of sprouts (which I love) so will be eating plenty - the nurse quickly piped up I’d not be welcomed on the ward post sprouts!! :D 

Good idea on the notebook, I list my questions out as they come to me and ask/interrogate at the next appointment. I also bought a diary to track all the appointments as well as birthdays so I can make sure I stay organised. I’ll use that to track side effects, if any. What else have I got in my box? Hmm…see how much I can remember…

• Fluffy socks
• Thermometer 
• Paracetemol 
• Gaviscon
• Immodium 
• Senna 
• Night cap (keep hair off my pillows)
• Shawl/blanket
• Scarf
• Wooly hats
• Changers for my devices 
• Notebook/diary/pen 
• Sugar free lemon drops 
• Lip balm
• Antibacterial gel 
• Tissues 
• Soft toothbrush 
• Alcohol free mouthwash 
• Sensitive toothpaste 

I recognise I may have gone over the top however I’d rather be over prepared than under :) I’ve also got a large fabric bag to carry stuff to the hospital.

I’ll report back how it goes, sending lots of love x

I will be thinking of you. I go today to meet the surgeon or their registrar. I have a long list of questions not least of which is with the increased numbers of covid are we likely to be impacted in the timings of our treatment. A friend who had TNBC ten years ago said I will probably have to get a bone scan and a CT scan before the chemo starts although I am leaping ahead there and presuming that will be done before surgery, chemo not the scans:)

Just feeling so impatient and wanting it all to start. 

I have audible, but I must have been a really easy child to put to bed as I am asleep within minutes then I haven't a clue where the reader got to:)  The Harry Potter books are great. I am an avid reader and I have a wide range of books on my kindle. I might try and get into podcasts as well.

I was studying with the OU but I have deferred my module for this year, it is disappointing but once the treatment starts I thought it might be a bit too much pressure. 

I am putting my box set list together so any recommendations would be gratefully received. 

When are you getting married, if you don't mind me asking. 

Your list is very comprehensive and I have started buying things on it although I had no idea how many scarves I had till I went rummaging. Like you I would rather have more than too little. 

Please do report on how you are getting on, I feel like you are the advance party reconnoitring the path:) 

Do take care, much love x

Aw thank you. Unfortunately I’ve just found out there’s been a delay due to a covid diagnosis so just waiting to find out when I can get going again. 

What are you studying? I returned to part time studies in my early 30s and really enjoyed it. I think  recently, I’ve inadvertently began studying TNBC, I do find it fascinating (also helps me understand what’s going on). 

Marriage was due to happen abroad in Feb, have now decided on a small registry office ceremony next Sept. On the day I was diagnosed. I remember dates and this is one date I had to turn into a positive. 

I don’t watch much TV (love listening to music from 60s-80s) however do read non-fiction, even though  it does put me to sleep! I’m hoping the audio books will be a good option while wired up. 

I have just realised I don’t have enough scarves! 

Thinking of you too, big hugs x