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
- Thanks so much @TripleNegMama ❤️ Some really great ideas there. Some of the families from my daughter’s school organised a cleaner to come last week and it felt so great to have the house spic and span that we’re going to organise a regular cleaner.
- What a lovely and thoughtful thing for them to have done @mantis
- 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 😊 - Well done, @Mantis - all the best for your ongoing treatment xxx
- Another update ...I've now finished my AC chemo and had my second of 12 x weekly Paclitaxels yesterday. The Paclitaxel is definitely easier than the AC. My hemoglobin is low so I'm tired but not totally wiped out like I was on AC.I still haven't lost all of my hair. I have about 10% left and it's the colour of the doxorubicin! My scalp is super sensitive again so it may be preparing for another shed.I see a radiation oncologist in a couple of weeks to plan radiation treatment. It feels like I've still got a way to go...
- It is a marathon eh @Mantis? Keep trudging and before you know it the whole thing will be receding in the rearview mirror. Hang in there. K xox
- It sure is @kmakm and I think I’ll be buying myself a medal at the end of this one! Thanks for the encouragement. Just one of those days xx
- @Mantis We all have them.
Maybe not a medal but how about a nice piece of jewellery?! Or a holiday?! - @kmakm, just kidding. Definitely thinking about a little holiday when it’s all over 😊
- @Mantis Aww... I want a medal! ;)
