Forum Discussion
Newly Diagnosed - TNBC - Mantis
Hi All
I received my breast cancer diagnosis a few weeks ago after finding a lump in my right breast. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on 24th August. My tumor was 25mm and fortunately margins and two nodes were clear but it's triple negative with a Ki-67 of 50% so I have an appointment with a medical oncologist next week to sort out chemo.
The overwhelming panic has settled a little but wow, a diagnosis changes everything! I have three school-aged kids and really worry about how this will affect them. The triple negative and high Ki-67 terrifies me.
I have the My Journey Kit and have been in touch with the breast care nurses who have been great. Any pearls of wisdom for staying sane during this process would be greatly appreciated.
53 Replies
- So Sorry to hear of your diagnosis & surgery & now needing further treatment. The lovely ladies here will be able to help you with explanations & tips ..... all the best for your ongoing treatment xx
- Thanks @primek that’s good to know. Feeling a bit more comfortable about it now.
- @Mantis I had a port inserted. Initially a bit sore but settled. I found hugging a pillow in bed stopped it getting pinched. I had mine in over 12 months due to other treatments and was able to exercise with few issues with it in. It was occasionally uncomfortable depending on which bra I wore...ie if it pressed on it and I couldn't wear across body bags as it pressed on it and made it hurt. Otherwise few issues.
- @Sister it's good to read that you're glad you had the port. That was probably the one big thing I hadn't really thought about before the appointment. My mum had trouble with both her port and picc line so it's good to hear some positives.My boys do have some jobs around the house but I think a proper roster will be really helpful. Good idea to cook double batches too. Thanks for the ideas ladies.
- Mantis my meals were double batch of spag bol or double batch of Tuna mornay both freeze well, when I made lasagne we did 2 one to eat and one to freeze ....
- @Mantis I've never lived my port and it is still uncomfortable at times but I am so glad I had it. It made chemo so much easier each week and I never had to face problems with veins shutting down.
My kids were 11, 12 & 15 at diagnosis - all have had birthdays since then. They have known the facts since day 1 and have been a great help. They have had daily and weekly chores on a roster for a few years now so nothing new - dishes, rubbish & recycling, hard floors, vacuuming and bathrooms - but they have stepped up with other things around the house such as helping with meals (including cooking Christmas dinner) and helping with washing. - Thanks @SoldierCrab The roster sounds like a fantastic idea as does the freezing meals. Although I'm not a great cook at the best of times!!
- hi Mantis I had a picc line @primek
and some of the others can answer re ports.
My suggestion to you is organise yourself now with meals etc if you need to so you have a supply of frozen ready to use meals I would cook up a storm while feeling ok then when I was really struggling with Chemo, my teens could get something out of freezer and just cook the pasta or rice to go with it.
@Sister
your kids are younger than mine and @kmakm
same you might be able to give some insight into how to help the kids get through this time also some practical information.
We set up a more definitive roster and I set up instructions for the Washing machine etc and laminated them placed on top of Washer, Dryer Dish Washer etc. this meant when my brain was not clear they could still function and get things done. - Thanks @"Kiwi Angel"
- I have a different diagnosis but just wanted to send u big hugs xoxox
