TNBC

Hiya,

This is my first post on a blog and found that choosing a name was the first challenge, I love to snowboard and the mountains,  a Betty is slang for a female snowboarder. Sure I’ll regret the choice!!!

Onto the cancer stuff, I’m 53 and am currently undergoing treatment for my third TNBC in 30 years. My first at 23, then 32 and 52. Genetic tests have come back negative, I must just be really lucky.

I am hoping by sharing my experience it helps someone reading.

My first 2 cancers were in the same area, treated by a  lumpectomy, chemo, radiotherapy the first time only.  The current tumour found in a different area of the same breast.

The first occurrence due to my age wasn’t taken seriously, so no mammogram or biopsy, the day surgeon had a shock!! The words ‘we found something we didn’t expect to find in your age’ the explanation. Due to the time elapsed (5 months) there was spread through lymph nodes. I found my other tumours fairly early,  so no lymph node spread. 

I am in chemo cycle 7 of 8, completed 4 EC and moved onto Paclitaxel Carboplatin.  To be followed by mastectomy, decisions starting this month. No immunotherapy, as I already have 3 autoimmune conditions.

Doing ok with chemo, slight neuropathy in hands and feet but tablets helping along with a decreased dose of Paclitaxel, else just the usual tiredness, nausea and hair loss (have found uses for my multitude of scarves). Having a blood transfusion Tuesday as my HB is low, what fun!!

Sorry, this seems a really long message.

Hoping to be in the mountains soon.

Take care xxx