Feeling overwhelmed

Yes , that's exactly the feeling ! I start a clinical trial next week and then surgery after that.  Funny enough im starting to feel a little better just having a plan ... even though it is going to be tough ! Luckily I have great support around me and my family and friends are definitely circling the wagons around me at the moment.  Thank you for your advice and I wish you all the best with your recovery 💕

I’m pretty new to this triple neg diagnosis. So I totally understand your anxiety.  I felt I was going out of my mind when I knew what I had, the doctors knew what I have, yet I felt I was left hanging off a Cliff by my fingernails! So you aren’t alone. I’ve had surgery to remove nasty, clear margins, lymph nodes were also clear. First chemo last week finally, after first mammogram in mid March. Call on your dear family and friends, they love you and tell them what you need from them, wether it be a funny joke to smile at each morning or a bowl of soup! A hug, a lil walk. Just ask hon. Good luck. 

Thank you so much 💕
I am going to have the same treatment.  Just saw my oncologist and she has put me in for a clinical trial at Coffs harbour that is for this particular cancer ( triple neg) . I feel slightly better now that I have a plan and it's good to hear that you opted for that . It certainly sounds like a good way to go ! Thank you for your support and I hope you are well 💗

Hi @Sharonb58 I hope you are doing ok. I just remembered that I watched the video/podcast on this network - Recently Diagnosed - and it was really useful and explained quite a few things. When you have chemo first it’s called neoadjuvent chemo - that’s what I had. My oncologist said it is pretty much the same as having it after surgery, but there are a couple of advantages of having chemo first 1. You have time to plan the type of surgery you are going to have 2. The pathology done will indicate how your tumour responds to chemo 3. Time to think about whether you want reconstruction 4. When you have surgery first, they will not start chemo if there is any complications such as infection. 5. The chemo will be mopping up any rogue cells. I think I had chemo first because I was diagnosed over Christmas 2019 and with surgeons on holidays, it was quicker to just get into the chemo immediately. Either way, there will be a plan and you will be in good hands and you will get through this. Take care. X

Yes , that's is so accurate! 
Thank you for you advice.  My sister has been coming with me as as soon as I heard the word cancer I couldn't focus on anything else . I just can't wait to have a plan , im hoping that settles my anxiety!
It's so nice to get everyone's advice and amazing support at this very hard time . I hope you are well 💕

Hang in there ! As others have said it’s such a roller coaster ride at first (without a safety belt or a emergency stop button !) And when you read the info on the BCNA website keep a notebook handy and write down your questions ( I can assure you you’ll forget something when in front of drs ) and take some one with you to dr appts for first few if possible .I thought I had it all covered but my brain was so focused on chemo first then surgery that I missed vital information like timing of surgery .luckily my daughter had noted that down and reminded me . 

Thank you for your information and I hope you are well 💖
I haven't seen any specialists yet , live in town with long waiting lists so I guess that's why I am loosing my mind ! 
Breast care nurse thinks they will try chemo first but that has been the only snippet of information on hanging on at them moment. 
Hopefully this week brings more calm to my mind 
Thank you for you advice and encouraging words 💕

Dear Sharonb58,
Hang in there, it may not all be bad.
I'm here to say it is possible to do the lot with only some side effects.
Last year I had Mastectomy with axillary clearance (3 positive lymph nodes) Stage 2, Grade 3
Hormone sensitive breast cancer.
I then had EC x4, then Paclitaxol x 12, Radiotherapy 5 weeks and on Letrazole tablets now for 5-10 yrs.
I was very fortunate.
I also used the Cold Cap, and did not lose all of my hair, a little thinning.
Keep an open mind, ask lots of questions, repeat them if you need or forget.
Write questions down as you think of them.
Do you know which treatments you need yet?
All the best.

Hi @Sharonb58,

Hugs for you.

Michele

Oh bless you , the support from the women on here is heart-warming.  I'm glad I jumped on yesterday!
I've avoided Dr Google, I've only been on this website and so glad of it , scary enough without getting bad info ! 
I just need to get it in my head the breakdown as it definitely seems to be what got you guys through . I really appreciate all your advice and support . 💕💕💕