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Newly diagnosed triple negative, but not new to cancer
Hello
I am 56 years old and recently diagnosed with triple negative. I had breast cancer 13 years ago with a lumpectomy chemo followed by radiotherapy.
Total shock to be diagnosed again but a different cancer and same breast.
I'm having surgery and reconstruction and chemotherapy again, can't have radiotherapy in same Breast. Was discovered at my annual check up.
I guess I'm concerned and apprehensive as I've been down this road before and know what is ahead of me. But also reassured that I got through it and made a full recovery. Not happy about loosing my hair again 🥺
It's nice to hear people's stories . I didn’t really get involved in Breast cancer groups/chats last time but this time l'm doing things differently.
Cancer can be a lonely disease, despite support from family and friends.
Goodluck to everyone and your journeys. 😀
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Re: My journey starts today.
I know I have a journey ahead and am a tough women, so I can only take one day at a time.
Scared at the moment of the results, but I have to believe no matter the result there is treatment, I know this.
Re: Newly diagnosed
Newly diagnosed
Similar to others, I have really good support from my family and friends but they just don't understand what I'm going through physically and mentally.
Re: Information Overload!
I went in for a mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy on the 17th April, then swiftly went back under to have more lymph nodes removed as the sentinel node showed spread. Strangely, that hit harder than having the initial surgery - the thought of a second surgery was not at all in my thinking.
Pathology found 13 individual tumours ranging from 2mm - 13mm, a mix of grade 2 & 3, a large mass of DCIS - making my cancer both multifocal and multicentric, and extensive lymphatic invasion in the breast. Happily, the extra lymph nodes taken we're all clear of cancer.
I went home 10 days after the first surgery - thankfully with drains out. I couldn't fault the team at Mater Private in Brisbane - everyone I came across was just wonderful.
I'm healing well, despite a seroma and preparing for the next stage. Due to the pathology, I'm going for 6 months of chemo - AT-C protocol which is 2 rounds of different drugs - then on to 3 weeks of radiotherapy of the chest wall including lymph nodes in the centre of the chest and throat, and finishing up with hormone blockers.
It's my daughter's birthday this week and she's having a party next weekend. It's my Mum's birthday next week. I'm getting my port-a-cath installed this week - the wonderful nurse who did my PET scan told me I should ask for one if I needed chemo as I have difficult veins. I have to tell work I need more time off.
It's a lot.
I'm trying hard to think short distance, the next couple of days rather than into the more distant future. There's so much to think about if I do that.
Re: Information Overload!
Reboot
Re: Depression suicide ideation
There are so many people who struggle with depression after being diagnosed with breast cancer. It happens after receiving a life threatening diagnosis and having treatment. When the body goes into fight mode lots of adrenalin is pumped out and this helps us get through all the surgery and treatment. However all the adrenalin there is a ley down in that adrenalin and hence being susceptible to depression and anxiety. It is far more common than you think.
Re suicidal ideation however is not a good place to be. I am sure you have discussed this with your doctors. Do you have strategies to help retrain the brain to reduce/stop these thoughts? What works best for you in distracting these thoughts?
Some years ago my son went through a terrible depression and had suicidal ideation. He stayed on his meds, got counselling and did get through that terrible time. It was at this time of year too, which can bring up many emotions so extra care is needed at Christmas time. My son involved himself in his garden to help channel is thoughts into something positive.
Do you have hobbies or interests that you enjoy? These help. What about exercise? Are you getting some walks in? It must be hard with young children. How old are they? What about family and friends, do you have support there?
You can do this. You have reached out to your medical people and you have us here to talk to so that's positive. You are nor alone and you have so much to live for with your family who no doubt love you so much.
Keep going. Always reach out to your medical team and don't forget the helplines if those thoughts get too much. Let us know how you are going. Sending a big virtual hug to you.
My journey starts today.
I live in postcode 3201 Melbourne.
Nights already hard when partner is sleeping.
I am 55 years young and usually deal with things alone, that's just me, but will lean a little bit more on my very small support friends.
I visited my Surgeon today, its cancer she told me, have biopsy Tuesday, scans Monday. Lump too large to remove and I have very big boobies, so she said preferred chemo to shrink lump, then surgery, and radiation.
I'm so scared of course, long journey ahead. Any other groups anyone can share with me would be appreciated. Anyone is welcome to reach out to me personally anytime.
Thanks for listening, probably sound abit all over the place emotionally.