What a ride!
MattyBoy
Member Posts: 10 ✭
Good morning everyone, it’s 4.30am and I’m awake again.
I was called back after a routine mammogram, biopsy done, initial result, 2cm grade 2, action plan lumpectomy, 6wk radiation.
Go in to sort surgery date the next week, more pathology results have come in and show I have triple negative, grade 3 with a Ki67 of 90%.
Oncologist next, chemo scheduled every 2wks AC for 4.5 months.
Lymph node surgery this week.
Genetic testing recommended.
Life can change so quickly. Hardest bit to date, telling my daughters.
I’m otherwise healthy, fit, strong and young (their description) at 55, nothing else wrong with me, no medications, I’m a horse rider and live on 15acres, I live an active life.
Im worried, but trying not to be, I’m expecting to get the news that this has spread.
Im on the roller coaster! Never did like them.
On the positive side, everyone has been fantastic, Breast Clinic, Surgeon, Oncologist, Breast Care Nurses, everyone I’ve met so far, I’ve been impressed with the professionalism and care shown and it is very much appreciated.
I was called back after a routine mammogram, biopsy done, initial result, 2cm grade 2, action plan lumpectomy, 6wk radiation.
Go in to sort surgery date the next week, more pathology results have come in and show I have triple negative, grade 3 with a Ki67 of 90%.
Oncologist next, chemo scheduled every 2wks AC for 4.5 months.
Lymph node surgery this week.
Genetic testing recommended.
Life can change so quickly. Hardest bit to date, telling my daughters.
I’m otherwise healthy, fit, strong and young (their description) at 55, nothing else wrong with me, no medications, I’m a horse rider and live on 15acres, I live an active life.
Im worried, but trying not to be, I’m expecting to get the news that this has spread.
Im on the roller coaster! Never did like them.
On the positive side, everyone has been fantastic, Breast Clinic, Surgeon, Oncologist, Breast Care Nurses, everyone I’ve met so far, I’ve been impressed with the professionalism and care shown and it is very much appreciated.
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Comments
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Welcome to a great place no-one wants to come to! Sorry to hear that you're joining us but you'll get lots of info, support, a place to vent and the odd laugh here. Try to distract yourself as much as you can and take each step one at a time. There's a number of TNBC on here so no doubt they will get on later and give you more info about that.3
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@MattyBoy Welcome aboard & hold on for the ride of your life!! You will have many friends here & everything you will experience, has been done by most of us here!
On a positive note, it is great that you are fit & active as exercise is the most important thing you can do to gain strength before surgery & also to regain it afterwards so keep it up. I was back running 10km within a year of my surgery & rad treatment.
Stress fuels cancer so try not to worry about the things you dont know & what may happen. the goal posts continually change so its not worth stressing about something that may not even happen. i worried about everything initially but then I had a very easy surgery & treatment so the stress I put on my mind & body was doing me more harm than good. Focus on the things you do know & what results you have in front of you as that is what you have to deal with. We all worry about the spreading & recurrence & that is normal & something we all have to get used to living with.
Take friends/family with you to all appts as a second pair of ears or record it. take notes & also write down all your questions beforehand. Accept support from those around you for food/cleaning/driving to appts. Everyone loves to help if they can.
I found a McGrath nurse via their website that lived closest to me & I would ring/email her with all my silly & dumb questions or things you forgot to ask your doctor. i sent her all my test/pathology results so she knew what i was dealing with. They can counsel you & your family & support you for years to come.
I did get genetic tested for the BRCA gene as my mum died of ovarian cancer when she was 46 y.o. They only test those that they feel are more at risk so if they deem you to be, then it is a good idea for you & your family to know. It involves paperwork, seeing one of their counselors beforehand & then getting the test. Make sure you get it done before surgery/treatment as the result of the test may influence your decision ie if you carry the gene, then you may opt for a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy to minimise recurrence.
Take one step at a time. Make notes, get info from BCNA & Cancer Council websites or brochures from the doctors as info is power! Keep ticking off each box & every day you will be one step closer to ending this journey. Keep in touch & let us know your results. Be kind to yourself. Breath, exercise & stay as calm as you can. You've got this!! Love & hugs xx
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Anne65 - I find your post reassuring and I hope that MattyBoy feels the same. From the moment of diagnosis you move into your 'new normal'. Sit quietly with Anne65's very practical and wise words and be kind to yourself!
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Hello @MattyBoy My diagnosis started off like yours. I had an 18cm tumour and was told initially by Breastscreen that I would only need radiation! Fast forward to lumpectomy and pathology diagnosis which was 19cm tumour, Grade 3 TNBC with 2 out of 3 sentinel nodes also affected. It was a terrible shock! I then had an axillary dissection with 2 more nodes showing micrometastises, so my treatment changed considerably. I had 4 AC over 12 weeks and then 12 doses of paclitaxel finishing off with 30 doses of radiation. My purpose in telling you all this is that I was 66 years old at diagnosis and whilst the treatment was difficult at times, I got through it and I am so proud of myself!! I have just had my 12 month end of active treatment anniversary and I will be 2 years cancer free in December!! Life is good and I feel so well with very few side effects from treatment! I’m amazed at the strength of my body. Like you, I was very healthy before my diagnosis and I think this helped enormously with my recovery! I started exercising 2 weeks after completion of treatment and three months ago also started Adult Beginners Ballet! You can do this and I hope my story encourages you! With very best wishes! x
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Thanks for the support Ladies
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Hi MattyBoy, Welcome, I to was diagnosed with TNBC last October grade 3.
It sure is a roller coaster ride, and like you I never liked roller coaster rides either I was always the bag lady waiting below lol....
But you can do this just like I have and others.
Keep yourself busy, light exercise and plenty of fluids.
I found meditating helped me through the times where my brain was over thinking things.
Ive had surgery in December Partial mastectomy and 2 sentinal nodes removed, all clear, then A/C dense chemo in February 8 weeks every fortnight, then weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks.
Had a full auxiliary clearance in July as there was one lymph node under my armpit involved other 14 were clear.
Just started Radiotherapy for 30 sessions.
You’re in the best place for others that have been there. or others like me who are currently going through this.
I can tell you there a lot of people that are cancer free with the diagnosis of TNBC .
Stay positive, you can send me a private message if you want to talk more.2 -
There really is not a lot more I can add @MattyBoy other than to say that yes, this is not something that any of us would sign up for, but it is doable.
This too shall pass. Ask people for help and allow them to help. You will get through this.0 -
Welcome to the club that nobody wants to join.
The ride is bumpy, frustrating, scary and requires patience like never before, but just take it one treatment at the time.
I went through , chemo , surgery, radio,a hip replacement and current on hormones ( only 51 ) in the last 18 months, so like a bucking horse, it's a challenge but hang on tight to your family and if your girls are old enough talk to them straight up, don't hide the details , it might save their own life being open and honest.
I have boys 25 &26 , they have gone to treatments, Dr's appointment, etc with me , never complained but have felt empowered that they can do something for you, it prepares them for life .
Best of luck5
