Got my TNBC result yesterday and joined this group today. Had a partial L breast masectomy and sentinel node biopsy (2 nodes removed) on 22/8 as had 9mm tumour (Grade 3)..Op results show clear margins and nodes. Still on leave from work but will be returning shortly. Meeting with oncologist shortly to discuss chemo so having bone density test on Thursay. Have also signed up for LGFB workshop. Not sure where to next so any advice for this Adelaide based lady would be really appreciated.
Welcome smead - altho sorry for your breast cancer diagnose. I also had clear margins and nodes but due to BRAC1 gene had a bi-lateral mastecomy and start of re-consruction with tissue expanders. Also grade 3 and stage 1.My tumour was 18mm and finished my chemo May 1st. I'm now waiting 2 months to have my implants put in. The LGFG workshop was a lovely experience and lots of great free products - I hope you enjoy your day. Do you have the My Journey Kit ? I found mine invaulable. Your oncologist should help you plan your next steps. What hospital are you attending - I was RAH and had no problems. All the best with the chemo and one tip I can give is have Ice before and during treatment to help with mouth sores. Leanne Xx
Hi Leanne
Thanks for your reply. I haven't been tested for BRAC 1 although my mum passed from disease after a 34 year journey losing one breast in 1974, the second in 2004 and then mets to lung in 2008. She never had radiotherapy or chemo as part of her treatment regime. Testing has never been suggested and the surgeon never spoke about bi-lat just a partial masectomy - even after TNBC result - testing andor bi-lat hasn't been mentioned. Yes, I have the My Journey kit - really good resource and I'm glad I joined bnca which has been really useful. I'm at Flinders and it has been good so far. I'm just in information overload at the moment and I can't get over how different everyone's treatment is even when it appears we are at same stage, etc. I still have some big decisions to make.
I wish you well with the rest of the reconstruction.
Sandi (smead) :)
Hi Janey
I have read several of your posts and just loved your poem which summed up my journey to where I am today. I probably won't have started chemo before I go to the LGFB workshop - just wanting to get in early. I probably won't go with the wig but silk scarves - am wondering whether to get eyebrows and eyeliner tattooed before chemo! Don't know why as I am a mascara and lippy type of person but I have to work and I'm really trying to keep this as normal as I can whilst dealiing with an abnormal situation. Also I'm now wondering whether I should consider a bi-lat masectomy given my TNBC status although haven't been BRCA tested and it hasn't even been suggested. Something to ask the surgeon next time we meet, me thinks. One day at a time as suffering information overload. Thanks for your reply and all the best to you.
Sandi (smead)
Welcome to the triple negative club. :(
I have already had a lumpectomy and I'm on my second round of chemo. I'm also about to go for the gentic testing as my Grandmother was 1 of 9 siblings, 8 of which had breast cancer, ovarian and other various cancers. Seems pretty plausible I have inherited the gene but I'll feel better when I know the outcome and it may aid me in future surgery options.
Like you I wanted to go to the lgfb workshop before chemo and found it really beneficial, you also get some really good freebies too. I bought eyebrow stencils, powder and false eyelashes from priceline so im well prepared. There are also really good tutorials on youtube to draw your own natural non drag queen style brows. My hair started come out after the 16th day of chemo. It got really itchy and I was casting everywhere. Got it all shaved in felt such a relief, don't get me wrong I'm still a coward and can't manage to look at my bald head in the mirror. I am armed with my wig, beanies, scarves and a full face of war paint so I'm getting there.
Yes we have been dealt a shitty card but the women on this site have been my savior's and its incredibly cathartic to converse, cry and vent with people in a similar predicament.
Take care and look after yourself.
Love Gillian xxx
Welcome to the triple negative club. :(
I have already had a lumpectomy and I'm on my second round of chemo. I'm also about to go for the gentic testing as my Grandmother was 1 of 9 siblings, 8 of which had breast cancer, ovarian and other various cancers. Seems pretty plausible I have inherited the gene but I'll feel better when I know the outcome and it may aid me in future surgery options.
Like you I wanted to go to the lgfb workshop before chemo and found it really beneficial, you also get some really good freebies too. I bought eyebrow stencils, powder and false eyelashes from priceline so im well prepared. There are also really good tutorials on youtube to draw your own natural non drag queen style brows. My hair started come out after the 16th day of chemo. It got really itchy and I was casting everywhere. Got it all shaved in felt such a relief, don't get me wrong I'm still a coward and can't manage to look at my bald head in the mirror. I am armed with my wig, beanies, scarves and a full face of war paint so I'm getting there.
Yes we have been dealt a shitty card but the women on this site have been my savior's and its incredibly cathartic to converse, cry and vent with people in a similar predicament.
Take care and look after yourself.
Love Gillian xxx
Hello Sandi.
The whole triple neg status is a bit confronting hey. Anticipating the side effects is the hardest as you really dont know how you will feel! I also thought about cosmetic tattooing but opted not to. It would have been a reminder of something from my cancer treatment and I didn't want that. I did become an expert at applying eyeliner and stenciling eyebrows though!!!
Ask your LGFB ladies to help. Oh and for pretty silkk scarves check out the Amoena website, I used their and they were lovely! Some silky and some practical cotton ones too.
xo Christie.
Hi is it just me, or do we all become super sensitive to our body after surgery. I've had my surgery, had my bone density test today which for me has to date been the most confronting thing. However, I'm getting these weird sensations in my upper body especially in the opposite side to the op site - really freaking me out! Also I feel a bit in limbo between surgery and meeting the oncologist in 10 days time - did any of you feel like this? Does this feeling go away? Feeling a bit lost at the mo :(
Hi smead I had my surgery on 28th Nov and didn't see oncologist until 21st Dec 2012. Having to wait so long gives you time to over think everything. I coped by reading all the Cancer Council booklets that were revelant to me and the My Journey Kit books - do you have the kit ? I understand your lost feeling ,do you have someone close to talk to ? Leanne Xxx
