Triple Negative diagnosis

I was given the news of triple negative breast cancer yesterday. My tumour was successfully removed with clear margins (1.1cm size tumor), however one lymph was affected (result of sentinel node biopsy). Going back to hospital next week for further axillary lymph surgery.
It's been a hellish fortnight since my GP referred me for an ultra sound 'to play it safe' when she felt my breast lump. My body CT scan and bone density scan are both clear.
Just wanting to hear some positive stories from anyone out there who has had a similar diagnosis....reading articles on line has filled me with doom and gloom.
Are there vitamin supplements I should consider taking? I've read online that 'luteolin' is beneficial with this type of cancer? does anyone have any suggestions for vitamins etc??
Thank you.
Comments
Its all really daunting at the start that’s for sure and I felt the same way as you but once you have a plan of attack it does make it a bit easier. Whatever you do don’t google anything. Triple neg responds really well to chemo if you have to have it and my prognosis like @Michelle_R is a positive one and she’s given you some good advice too.
There is support out there for you I live brisbane north side and can help you with that if you’re around me. But wherever you are rest assured one of us one here will guide you through this time in your life. Stay positive take each day as it comes. Trust in your team, trust your guts too, talk to your breast care nurse as needed, take help from those who offer it, trust me you soon find out who your true friends are and people don’t offer if they don’t want too and there might be a few of those too, so don’t turn the good ones away and learn to delegate where needed. There is also the BCNA help line you can call for advice they are a lovely bunch.
be kind to yourself, do you have a supportive partner and family ? I hope so and I’ve never heard of the supplement you have mentioned but I would advise to chat to your oncologist before you take it. Some of those types of things can be a bit deceiving and very costly something you don’t need on top of everything else and the only thing I take now is a vitamin d/calcium tablet and us with triple eg have the added bonus of not having to take post treatment meds like hormone blockers etc. PM me if you’d ever like to chat. Hang in there love it can be a challenge but you will find your inner warrior eve though you might not feel like it now but believe me you can come out the other side. Biggest hug. Margie xx
I feel better reading your positive posts - thank you for taking the time to type and share. I'm here in Adelaide.
I've had a bad day today, very weepy...hubby took me down this morning to speak with my Breast Nurse. As I'm sure you all know, Breast Nurses are a special breed: caring, kind & patient. Her talk with us has made me feel a little better.
The uncertainty of what may follow on from next week's surgery is playing on my mind - just praying and hoping that further lymph's are all clear.
I will get together a file (good idea), thanks Michelle_R
Thank you duxx1234 'One day at a time'...I will remember that.
You can look up the latest evidence based information about all sorts of supplements and treatments you might hear of and find out what is known about how they work in cancer. BCNA also has a fact sheet on the website called Beware Dr Google that you can order or download for reliable sources of information https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/resources/order-bcna-resources/
All the best, Rosie
Sorry you had to join the forum but all the ladies on here are brilliant! I am also in Adelaide and was diagnosed with TNBC stage 2B grade 3 in April 2017. My "journey" is a bit different from yours. I had Neoadjuvant Chemo as "Boris" ( that's what I called the lump) was between 3-4 cm and had spread to the lymphs. My chemo was given dose dense A/C ( given every 2 weeks) Then 12 weeks pacletaxel with the added bonus! of carboplaitin chucked in every 3 weeks form week 4 of the weekly dose. Then surgery wide local excision and aux clearance, then Rads for 6 weeks. The past year has been a whirlwind but like others have said you will get through it, it's just such a shock to start with. If you ever feel like talking please feel free to PM me.
Take care and big virtual hugs X
Wanted to share I am now over 5.5yrs since diagnosis of TNBC I had bilateral mastectomy and chemo then rads I am now cancer free and reclaiming my life...
Take it one day at a time.
Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet.
It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time.
The what and how thread.
http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1
Breast Care Nurses
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx
My Journey Kits and other resources.
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/
BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258
If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.
You will get through this .... just take it one step at a time.... come on and ask anything nothing is wrong to ask on here and if you need to vent rang cry we get it ...
hugs
Soldier Crab
The beginning of this journey is a shocker - you will feel scared and completely overwhelmed. That is normal. You'll be sad and cry. That is normal. You may feel despair and life has gone out of control. That is normal. Please give yourself permission to feel sad etc if you need to. We've all been there in that whirlwind of craziness. Lean on your medical team and breast care nurse, they know what they are doing and your nurse has a wealth of experience and information.
It will feel like a long road ahead of you - but - It will come to an end before you know it. Try not to look too far ahead. It's daunting.
As far as supplements etc discuss with your oncologist before you start anything. Just focus for the mo on being gentle with yourself - eat well, keep well hydrated and rest when you need it. Gentle exercise like walking will help you get through.
Come on here with questions or for a vent. We are here for you.
Biggest gentle hugs xx
You’re still in the very early stages of diagnosis and this is the hardest part as you begin to process it. I hope you have a lot of support around you and try to stay positive (I know that sounds ridiculous) as there are alot of treatment options and research into Breast cancer.
Wishing you all the best with what comes. Xo