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.

Just an update .... tomorrow is my third round of fortnightly chemo. I think I felt the side effects more the second round but it was much easier overall as I knew what to expect. I had a bone scan and chest / abdo CT and both were clear which was a huge relief.I had a port put in the day before the second round and while it has been really quite sore it has settled a lot in the past few days and I think it will make things a whole lot easier in the long run.I was really worried about my kids but it’s amazing how adaptable to a new normal they have been! Every day I walk and my younger son comes along. We catch up for a chat and usually a few laughs too. My older son is busy being a teenager 😂 I think my daughter was a bit frightened, because I look different bald, I’ve been too sore from the port for big squishy hugs, etc but we’re getting back to normal again. I make sure to read to her every night and then we chat if she wants to and she asks questions if she needs to. As @kmakm said ‘noting what it is they require individually and delivering individually’ works a treat.The worry about recurrence is still always at the back of my mind but I know I’m not alone there. I’m doing everything I can and recovering well between treatments. Trusting the process 😊

Just thought I should finish off my active treatment story ....I started radiation three weeks after finishing chemo and as expected it was much easier than chemo. I drove myself to treatment every day for the four weeks and the whole process was quick and easy each day. I used Strata XRT gel to protect my skin and had very minor skin changes with no breakdown at all.I finished radiation in March and had a brain MRI and Chest and Abdominal CT in July for neck pain and headaches which thankfully turned out to be a just disc bulge. Chemo gave me an ectopic heartbeat but that’s all pretty much fully resolved now.In August I had my 12 month (since diagnosis) mammogram and ultrasound which were all clear and from now it’s just monitoring appointments every three months. I can’t say survivorship is the easiest thing I’ve ever done but I’m working with a great psychologist to get me through. I told my oncologist they need to come up with a placebo for us TNBC ladies so we can feel like we’re doing something proactive!Life is getting back to some kind of normal. I’m working a bit, getting back to running and while how I’m going to feel when I wake up is still a bit of a lottery I’m feeling more and more like myself every day. Hair and eyebrows certainly help!

One year down! Many more to go!

hi Mantis, sorry to hear of your diagnosis .... I was actually diagnosed 6yrs ago tomorrow I remember the whirlwind of appointments etc at the start it can be overwhelming... Glad you have a My Journey Kit and Breast Care nurse. there are some great resources out there for kids about BC ... Canteen can also give you some great information. my kids were 14 16 and 24 when I was diagnosed. we took it step by step I was truthful with them all from the start. https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/booklets-and-fact-sheets/some great resources here on the above link one called Medikidz about explaining it to kidsDont do DR GOOGLE he is the pits 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 whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. Navigating the online community formerly the what and how thread. http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/navigating-the-online-community-formerly-the-what-and-how-thread 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. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from 9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays.

@Mantis Great to read your news! What a year it has been for you but you have done it & come through the other side. CONGRATS to you! It tests us all & we never think it will be over but we all get there eventually. Wishing you continued good health, strength of spirit & keep running!! Love & hugs xx

Newly Diagnosed - TNBC - Mantis | BCNA Online Network

53 Replies

Sister
Member
7 years ago
Woohoo!
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
Yahoo @Mantis. Feels good huh? Congratulations.
xoxoxo
Mantis
Member
7 years ago
And just like that chemo is done! I managed to get through the full 4 x fortnightly AC and 12 x weekly Taxol. It feels so good to be finished! My genetic testing came back negative for BRCA mutations so no further surgery required.

Next stop radiation.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Good move. I'm seeing mine next on the 3/1. She's trying to help and I like her approach.
Mantis
Member
7 years ago
Thanks @primek, fingers crossed.

And thanks @Sister. So right about counting up and counting down!

I’ve been up and down so my Oncologist suggested I make an appointment with a Psychologist which I’ve done for the end of January.
Sister
Member
7 years ago
It does seem that the road is long but you will get there. It's a great feeling to be able to start ticking things off. I'm not sure who said it first but I agreed that on AC-T you seem to count up for the AC and down for the taxol. And as you say, port removed, rads... End of treatment is wonderful but, as you say, it can also come with a bit of anxiety and depression. But you can get through that, too, particularly if you're aware of it.

Fingers crossed for your genetic testing.
primek
Member
7 years ago
Hoping like me it will be negative and no further surgery will be needed.
Mantis
Member
7 years ago
7 rounds of Taxol now done with only 5 to go. I’m traveling ok, the worst thing is the leg and pelvic aches and pains. The little hair I had left is slowly disappearing and my eyebrows and eyelashes are thinning too.

I have my radiation planning appointment the week after I finish chemo then I’m booked in to have my port removed the week after that. Then it’s 20 fractions over just over four weeks and hopefully it’s done! I know the end of active treatment can be just as hard as treatment itself but it feels good to be able to see the end for now.

One thing that could change things is results from genetic testing which are due just before chemo finishes. I have a greater than 10% chance of a BRCA mutation so will just have to wait and see ....
primek
Member
7 years ago
My hair grew back on taxol...no colour but hair nobe the less so you might start having regrowth.
Mantis
Member
7 years ago
Love it @Wonk!

Thanks so much @SoldierCrab. Have sent a request to join xx

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Newly Diagnosed - TNBC - Mantis

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