Triple negative cancer at 39 stage 2

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Hi everyone 

This is new to me, I’ve been diagnosed recently triple negative cancer stage 2 in left breast at 39. I’m facing 24 weeks of treatment, 12 weeks of chemo/immunotherapy every week I understand this is 3 weeks to a cycle. Then I move onto 12 weeks at one every 3 weeks then have a rest operation and then radiotherapy and possibly immunotherapy again. I’m very shocked how long this road is going to be. Very scared for that much treatment work full time and have a three year old does this really make you unwell, will I get some normal days, 6 months of treatment wow! 

  • Hello,

    And welcome to your journey - a journey which we didn’t plan! 

    I started the same treatment plan as you in June 24 and I am to have my last radio session today.

    I have been off work since May last year and I am due to go back next week. I have been off just short of 12 months and my treatment plan has not ended yet. 

    I was signed off by the consultant due to my job role so depending on your job, you may also face being signed off too (I know others have too) - due to high risk of infection.

    Everyone is different - take each day as it comes. 
    It is rough and tough but manageable. Sometimes you may not be so well and others, on top of the world.

    There are so many different side effects and like I say you just take each day at a time. 

    It is tiring. You’ll have bloods every week for the weekly treatment and every 3 weeks for the 3 weekly treatment. 
    You will probably find the hospital comes your second home with appointments etc… 

    But like I say, all manageable.

    Don’t expect things to go to plan so there is no disappointment and you may experience bumps in the road like treatments being delayed by a week or so or even being omitted…

    Good luck!Xx

  • It’s such a long road you must be happy your heading towards the end. Thank you for the information I definitely need to remember that everyone’s journey can differ. Just need to take each day as it comes. What a year im facing. 

  • It is a long journey but you’re not on your own… remember that. 
    Others have been through it, going through it or just being diagnosed. 

    Take one day at a time. You can’t rush this. What will be, will be. But like I say, all manageable. 

    When do you start chemo?xx

  • Hi Geeze 

    I’m just coming to the final stage of your journey. I too had stage 2 triple negative and went through the same chemo regime then a lumpectomy. I’ve been told now I’m cancer free but still have to have radiotherapy and imunatherapy . 
    it is a long haul but the support you will receive hopefully will be amazing. Mine was from the 2 hospitals I’m under. 
    listen to your body and rest when you can. I gave up work in September, started treatment in August and I’m now planning my return.

    Your little one will be getting lots of cuddles . Blush You will probably feel tired but rest, rest , rest.

    any questions please do ask but as someone else said everyone is different. Wishing you lots of luck. X

  • I am due to start chemo 13th may, having the portacath done beforehand. 
    Did you loose your hair I’ve been told that will definitely happen. 

    Louise 

  • Hi Louise 

    I did lose my hair yes, but again lots of support. I did get a wig from McMillan but very rarely wore it .

    you will be given the cold cap option but that doesn’t always work, I didn’t try it as it made the sessions longer! 

    I cut my hair prior to the start of chemo so it wasn’t so difficult to deal with. 

    My hairs growing back , it started straight after chemo finished . My last session was 11th January .

    I lost all my body hair which I wasn’t told about but no need to shave your legs in the summer.. Blush

    x

  • Thanks for replying and pleased to hear your cancer free. Well done for getting through that all can’t of been easy. Seems the same as me I was advised about radiotherapy and immunotherapy at the end as well. 
    I do work but I planning on accessing how I am in first month but realistically I don’t think I can work when it’s weekly treatment. I need to rest when I can and what energy I have put into my 3 year old. 

    Louise 

  • It’s all very daunting and will be all the way through. Even now I’m still having days when I feel like I’m floundering! 
    use this forum and if you have a McMillan centre or Maggies near you, utilise them too. 
    happy to reply to you at any time if you have more questions 

  • Yeah I have been told all my hairs going to fall out, obviously some people can be different but with it being a cancer related to hormones it’s more likely to fall out. I did get my eyebrows done in case hair falls out I would rather have some expression on my face Rofl  that’s a quick turn around on it growing back that’s good news. I may try cold cap but I did read how much longer it takes having it. 

  • There is a company called Look Good Feel Good Uk. They do a make up classes for people with cancer. I went to one of them as you will feel down and it did boost me up. Was just nice to be with ladies in the same boat with the same issues. I’d never drawn my own eyebrows on before! I can do it now!